Trenchless Sewer Replacement with Pipe Bursting
Tired of torn-up lawns, broken concrete, and long, muddy trenches? At MCM Plumbing, we use modern trenchless pipe bursting to replace failing sewer lines with minimal surface disruption. Instead of digging up the entire run, we break the old pipe apart from the inside and pull a new seamless HDPE sewer pipe into the same path.
This technology is ideal for homes and properties in Merced and the Central Valley where landscaping, driveways, or hardscape are too valuable to destroy just to fix an underground line.
Learn more about our trenchless technology options or review this helpful EPA guide on sewer rehabilitation methods.
Benefits of Trenchless Pipe Bursting
- Less digging and damage: Only small access pits are needed at each end of the line, so yards, driveways, and patios usually stay intact.
- Lower overall project cost: Trenchless replacement often cuts expenses by 30–40% compared to full open-trench excavation once restoration is included.
- Stronger, longer-lasting pipe: We install continuous, corrosion-resistant HDPE pipe designed to resist leaks, cracks, and root intrusion.
- Code-compliant installation: Work is performed by a licensed contractor, sized and installed to current California plumbing code.
- Peace of mind: Your new sewer lateral is built to last and backed by our installation warranty.
How Trenchless Pipe Bursting Works
Pipe bursting replaces an existing buried pipe by splitting or breaking it while a new pipe is pulled into the same alignment. Here is how our process typically works:
- Fusion of HDPE pipe:
We fuse 20-foot sections of flexible HDPE pipe together using heat, not glue. This creates a single, continuous length of pipe with no joints in the run that could leak.
- Cleaning and preparation:
Our crew threads a steel cable or rod through your existing sewer line and removes roots, heavy scale, or debris so the bursting equipment can move freely.
- Bursting the old pipe:
A cone-shaped bursting head, slightly larger than the new pipe, is attached to the front of the HDPE. As the head is pulled through the old pipe, it fractures and spreads the existing material into the surrounding soil while simultaneously pulling in the new pipe.
- Controlled pulling with TRIC equipment:
Our TRIC cable puller keeps steady, controlled tension on the line so the new pipe follows the existing route accurately, even on longer runs or slight bends.
- Hydraulic power and small access pits:
A compact hydraulic power unit drives the bursting and pulling equipment. Because the system is small and efficient, we can often work in tight spaces with minimal excavation.
Pipe Bursting vs. Pipe Splitting
Both pipe bursting and pipe splitting are trenchless techniques that replace buried pipe without digging a full trench. The difference is in how the old pipe is opened up.
Pipe bursting is typically used on older, brittle materials such as clay, cast iron, or asbestos-cement. The bursting head breaks the pipe into fragments and pushes them outward into the surrounding soil.
Pipe splitting is sometimes used on more ductile materials like certain plastics or steel, where a cutting or splitting head slices the pipe and creates a channel for the new line.
At MCM Plumbing, we inspect your existing sewer pipe, identify its material and condition, and recommend the
trenchless approach that best fits your property, budget, and local code requirements in Merced and the Central Valley.
Why Merced Homeowners Choose Trenchless Repair
- Non-invasive: Access pits are far smaller than a full excavation, so yards, trees, and hardscape are largely preserved.
- Faster turnaround: Many projects can be completed in about a day once utilities are located and permits are in place.
- Long-term reliability: Fused HDPE pipe has no mid-run joints, resists root intrusion, and is engineered for decades of service.
- Ideal for busy properties: Reduced disruption is especially valuable for homes on busy streets, rental properties, or commercial sites.
FAQs About Pipe Bursting and Trenchless Sewer Replacement
- What is trenchless pipe bursting?
- It is a no-dig sewer replacement method in which a bursting head fractures the old pipe while a new HDPE pipe is pulled into the same alignment. This avoids the need for a long open trench.
- Can the new pipe be larger than the old one?
- In many cases, yes. Because the bursting head expands the pathway as it moves through the old line, we can often install a pipe with a larger inside diameter to improve flow capacity. We will size the line based on code, fixture count, and site conditions.
- How much does pipe bursting cost?
- Pricing depends on length, depth, access, and site conditions, but trenchless methods frequently cost 30–40% less than traditional open-trench replacement once restoration of concrete, asphalt, and landscaping is considered. We provide site-specific estimates after inspecting your line.
- Is trenchless sewer replacement right for every property?
- Trenchless methods work for many homes and commercial sites, but not all. Severe collapses, tight bends, or unknown obstructions may require partial or full excavation. Our team will explain your options after reviewing camera footage and jobsite conditions.
- Do you offer trenchless services for residential properties?
- Yes. We specialize in residential trenchless pipe replacement throughout Merced and surrounding Central Valley communities, as well as select commercial and light industrial projects.
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