The Cost of Trenchless Sewer Pipe Repair
The Cost of Trenchless Services in Georgia
Traditional pipeline repairs have the reputation of being time-consuming and inconvenient – and sometimes rightfully so. Using older methods, often ground around the worksite is required to be removed to gain access to the pipe causing interruptions in daily life and the need for post-project reconstruction. We at NGI Trenchless Pipe & Sewer Repair, however, save our clients time and hassle by employing trenchless technology for our assessments and repairs.
What Trenchless Pipe Lining Is
Trenchless pipe lining is a method of pinhole leak, crack, or blockage repair which addresses issues within a pipeline without having to dig up the surrounding areas. This is accomplished by drilling a small hole in the ground above the pipeline for access and includes three important steps.
Step One: Camera Inspection
To properly service a pipeline, we first need to find the source of the problem. Using advanced camera technology, we can pinpoint the exact location and nature of an issue, ensuring it is addressed as efficiently and effectively as possible. To conduct a preliminary inspection, we feed a camera attached to the end of a line into the access hole we have created. Then, one of our skilled professionals conducts the camera through the pipeline and monitors its findings from above ground. This process is fairly fast, often taking no more than half an hour, and allows our technicians to create a custom solution for your pipes.
Step Two: Clearing the Pipeline
Once the source of the problem has been found, it’s time to prepare the pipe for repair. The epoxy resin used to coat the inside of the line will be far less effective on pipes that are caked with debris, so before it is applied we conduct a thorough cleaning of the pipeline. To accomplish this we use a method called hydro jetting, which pushes a strong stream of clean, potable water through the line. Our multi-directional nozzle blasts the water out at 3,500 PSI, dislodging and removing any clogs or crust present in the pipe.
Since we only use clean water for this process, you don’t have to worry about chemical damage to your lines and you can feel good knowing that the process was environmentally friendly.
Step Three: Fortifying the Pipe
When the pipe is fully cleaned, it’s time to begin repairs. The goal of trenchless pipe lining is to reinforce the pipes from the inside, essentially creating a new and undamaged pipe within a pipe. To accomplish this, we first coat an inflatable tube with a specialized epoxy resin that is designed to bind to the inside of the pipeline. Next, we insert the tube into the pipe using our access hole and inflate the bladder that resides inside of it. The tube expands, pressing the epoxy resin firmly into the inner lining of the existing pipe, then is deflated for easy removal. This method ensures the epoxy is applied evenly in the and repairs any leaks or corrosion the existing pipe had. Once the tube has been removed, the epoxy resin cures in place and leaves the pipes ready for use in a matter of hours.
Why Trenchless is a Great Solution for Georgia
Georgia, characterized by its rich history, huge trees, and sloping mountains, boasts a beauty few other states enjoy. For this reason, trenchless solutions are especially valuable. In cities, historic structures and roadways are preserved and traffic is minimized by opting to dig a small access hole rather than a large trench. Homeowners and businesses can spend hundreds of repairing the damage a trench has left, which can be especially difficult on older sites.
Outside of major metropolitan areas, the abundance of trees makes pipelines particularly susceptible to tree root blockages. Trenchless repairs can efficiently handle these problems whenever they arise, without digging up roadways and the landscape in the process.
How Much Trenchless Pipe Lining Costs
While the cost of pipeline repair varies from project to project, there are some parameters home and business owners can expect to fall within. Generally, a smaller pipeline repair job will cost somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000, whereas larger-scale projects can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000. With such a large range, how can you determine where your project can expect to fall on that scale? Here are a few factors the team at NGI Trenchless Pipe & Sewer Repair uses to determine costs:
Existing Pipe’s Material
Not all pipes are created equal. Some lines, such as PVC, are very durable and are much less prone to corrosion over time. Other materials, such as Orangeburg, are less hearty and are vulnerable to decay and damage on a larger scale. If the existing pipe’s material has caused it to weaken throughout, the repair process could be more complicated and therefore more expensive. Additionally, certain materials, like iron, are vulnerable to scale damage which can impact the scope of the project. Pipes must be descaled before they can be repaired, and the descaling process can take between one hour and a full day, impacting labor costs.
Pipeline Condition
Healthy and well-maintained pipes are easier to work on, and therefore easier to repair. Usually, with these types of pipes, we see limited leaks and points of corrosion, meaning the entire operation is much simpler and smaller in scale. With pipes that are experiencing more longstanding issues such as widespread corrosion or scale build-up, more steps are needed to guarantee the pipe is functional.
Size of the Pipe
Smaller pipes require fewer materials. If your pipe’s diameter is relatively narrow you can expect to pay less. Larger pipes, however, will take more epoxy resin to coat properly and will therefore likely cost more to repair.
Ease of Access
How easily we can get to the pipe that needs attention also affects the price. Deeper pipes that are obstructed by rocks or utility lines take more care and more time to drill into, while pipes near the ground’s surface are much faster to access and therefore less expensive.
Let the Experts at NGI Trenchless Pipe & Sewer Repair Get Your Pipes Flowing Smoothly
Our team of professionally trained pipeline technicians in Atlanta, GA has seen it all and can help you diagnose and fix a wide range of pipeline issues. If you’re experiencing problems, or just want a checkup to maintain your pipes’ functionality, contact us today for a quote and to schedule an assessment.