Environmental Pipe Cleaning specializes in trenchless pipe repair and replacement for Federal buildings, Commercial, Industrial and Municipal applications.

Whether you have a crack or collapsing pipe, trenchless pipe replacement or repair is most likely the best option. Trenchless pipe replacement eliminates the need for INTRUSIVE digging. Which helps lower the total cost and time involved.Trenchless technology can replace old pipes with high-quality new ones that can last decades. It has become the most preferred method for sewer and pipe repairs.

How Does Trenchless Pipe Replacement Work?

Environmental Pipe Cleaning professional technicians will access pipelines through designated entry points. This makes trenchless repairs a faster and more affordable strategy. It’s an environmentally-friendly approach that doesn't disturb property like traditional excavating that uproots an entire stretch of the earth to dig a trench for accessing drains and sewer lines. Trenchless Technology saves time, money, and preserves any valuable landscaping that may be in place above your sewer lines and drains.

Qualifying the Pipeline for Trenchless Replacement

Our team of technicians will first perform a CCTV camera video inspection of the Industrial, Municipal, or Commercial pipeline problem to determine the best access and exit points type of lining, and a plan of action, whether it is to line the whole pipe, or on specific portions of the pipeline that need a repair. Note: we can also review a current CTVV inspection if you have already had one done. See our page on CCTV for more information.

We Offer 3 Different Methods of Trenchless Pipe Replacement

Environmental Pipe Cleaning offers 3 different methods of Trenchless pipe replacement, depending on your specific needs. We offer:

We also do Traditional Excavating for those rare cases where Trenchless pipe replacement or repair is not feasible.

OUR METHODS OF TRENCHLESS PIPE REPLACEMENT

Method #1   CIPP- Cured in Place pipe

What is CIPP lining replacement or repair?

Cured in place pipe lining (CIPP) replacements and repairs can fix a wide range of different issues and ensure that they are repaired in a timely manner. It is essentially the act of creating a new pipe inside the existing pipe with a durable and environmentally safe epoxy resin.  Unlike traditional excavation, only a small access point to enter the pipeline is required.  CIPP can be used to repair damaged or compromised pipes on roof drains, sanitary sewer lines, storm drains, process lines, almost any kind of Commercial, Municipal, or Industrial drain pipes. It can be installed to replace several different types of pipe materials and diameters from 3” inch to 96” inch.

CIPP linings are extremely high in quality and like a new pipe installation. The linings are rated to last for several decades, and they are seamless and strong. They support the existing structure of the pipe and can allow the undamaged portions of the pipe to continue to be used. CIPP can be used for High-Temperature flow, and is resistant to almost any chemical in process sewers,

How is CIPP Done?

The pipe to be lined will be cleaned and then a liner is filled with epoxy prior to installing the pipe and is then inserted into the access point upstream from the impacted area and pushed through the pipe. Air is then blown through the pipe to expand the lining so that it will adhere to the inside of the pipe. The liner is then carefully monitored as it hardens on the interior wall of the existing pipe. The lining effectively fills in hairline cracks or pinholes and prevents further damage for years to come. Within a few hours, the liner is removed, and any connections are reinstated.  A final CCTV inspection is done to show you the new pipeline, which is immediately ready for use.  It takes precision and timing by an experienced qualified technician to make sure your new liner is installed correctly.

TRUE STORY

Imagine a chemical plant with a piece of processed sewer line installed in the 1940’s that has failed. Now imagine the top of the pipe has become so thin from corrosion that it collapses and caves in creating a sinkhole (a collapse of the surface area). This has happened, and the chemical plant was faced with deciding what was the most efficient method for resolving the situation.

Management realized a 50-foot section of pipe and two manholes needed to be quickly repaired. Had they chosen conventional means of intervention, the plant would have had to close. Fortunately, the chemical plant was able to continue operations because management chose to use a CIPP (Cured In Place Pipe) method to fix the problems. SMART CHOICE!

Had the chemical plant in the above story chosen to resolve their situation in the traditional manner, it would have cost money well above and beyond the cost of repairs. Closing the plant would have affected both consumers and employees in negative ways. Because they choose to use modern plumbing trenchless technology, the repairs took a total of two days and the plant could remain operational.

The friendly staff at Environmental Pipe Cleaning will gladly answer any questions or discuss the benefits of CIPP linings. To learn more, call 804-644-6288

Method #2   Pulled in place pipe

What is a Pulled in Place Pipe Replacement and how does it work?

The idea behind this method of Trenchless pipeline replacement is to pull a new pipe thru the existing pipe by means of a high powered wench and other specialized equipment. This method requires 2 entry points with the first entry point being a much larger area than in CIPP.  The beginning entry point will need to be at least twice the length of the pipe depth.  The new pipe will be smaller in diameter than the original pipe and there will be an annular space (a gap between the new and old pipe) this gets filled with flowable fill.

CIPP is the preferred method of Trenchless pipeline replacement, however, it may not be right for all situations. Pull in place is a better choice than traditional excavating depending on the circumstances. A CCTV inspection will be done before and after installation and the pipe will be thoroughly cleaned before a new pipe is pulled through.

Sometimes a Pull in place pipeline replacement is less expensive than CIPP but more intrusive. Let our experts help determine which method is best for your pipelines.

 

Method #3   Pipe Bursting

What is a Pipe Bursting Pipeline Replacement?

Pipe bursting is another practical and environmentally friendly alternative to Industrial, Commercial, and Municipal traditional pipe excavation. Old buildings will likely have pipes made from outdated materials like clay, cast iron, or galvanized steel that can become brittle with time and neither a CIPP liner nor a pulled in place liner will work. Pipe Bursting can be performed as an emergency to replace a broken line, or as a preventative measure. Pipe Bursting is the act of breaking up an old pipe and replacing it with a new one.

 

How Does Pipe Bursting Work?

After a CCTV camera inspection that will determine if this is the preferred method of replacement and to determine two access points to the pipe. A hole will be dug at both ends of the section of the pipe being replaced. Technicians will then insert a special hydraulic machine that has what is called a busting head on it that is used to expand and “burst” the existing pipe while pulling a new pipe into the space behind it. The bursting head exists through the second access point. The new pipe installed in its place is made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is highly durable.

This method of trenchless pipe replacement will also allow for upsizing if desired. Pipe bursting can be performed on pipes up to 36 inches in diameter, making it a versatile and reliable method for replacing pipelines.

Traditional Excavating

If trenchless pipe replacement is not an option then we are can replace or repair your pipes by traditional excavating.