3 INCORRECT IDEAS ABOUT PIPE BURSTING

March 15, 2019

HDPE Pipe — Meridian, MS — Roto-Rooter Plumbers

If your home utilizes a municipal water supply, then it contains a key pipe known as the sewer line. As you may know, the sewer line provides a way for waste to flow out of your home and back into the city water system. As time goes on, a sewer pipe often becomes degraded and damaged and eventually needs replacement.

One of the most exciting techniques used to replace aging sewer pipes goes by the name of pipe bursting. Unfortunately, many homeowners believe misunderstandings about this vital technique. If you would like to learn more about the facts regarding sewer line repair, keep reading. This article sets the record straight regarding three common myths about pipe bursting.

1. Pipe Bursting Only Works When Excavation Isn't an Option

Two main approaches exist to the problem of replacing an aging sewer line. Historically, this task was almost always accomplished using excavation-based techniques. In other words, a contractor had to literally dig up your yard to expose and replace the damaged pipe. As you can imagine, this approach often becomes time-consuming, expensive, and disruptive.

Pipe bursting falls into the second category of pipe repair techniques, known as trenchless repair. As the name implies, trenchless repair techniques repair or replace existing pipes without disrupting the soil of your yard at all. Technically speaking, pipe bursting does require some relatively small holes into which the contractor threads the new pipe.

Unfortunately, a common myth regarding pipe bursting holds that this technique only works in cases where excavation-based techniques aren't practical. This idea has no basis in reality. On the contrary, pipe bursting represents a viable option in almost any case where a damaged sewer line needs to be replaced. And in many cases, the far less invasive nature of pipe bursting makes it a much more appealing option.

2. Pipe Bursting Is the Same as Cured in Place Repair

A second main type of trenchless repair goes by the name of cured in place repair. Because many people don't understand trenchless repair very well, they often conflate these two very different techniques. As its name suggests, pipe bursting involves breaking up the existing pipe and immediately pulling a new section of pipe into place. The fragments of the old pipe remain embedded in the soil around the new pipe.

Pipe bursting allows a contractor to replace the old pipe with one of the exact same diameter. In fact, pipe bursting even allows for the option of installing a new pipe with a diameter greater than that of the old one.

Cured in place repair, by contrast, leaves the existing pipe largely intact. Instead of breaking up this pipe, the contractor installs a special liner inside of it. This liner adheres to the old pipe, forming a new, water-tight conduit. Unfortunately, in the process, cured in place repair also decreases the diameter of the pipe, potentially leading to decreases in flow rate.

3. Pipe Bursting Only Works for Installing HDPE Pipes

In the past, pipe bursting had certain limitations in terms of the material of the new pipes installed. In most cases, the new pipe had to consist of the plastic known as high-density polyethylene, or HDPE.

Make no mistake: HDPE makes for a safe, durable, and long lasting sewer pipe. Yet in certain cases, structural features of the home or plumbing system may mean that HDPE cannot be used. Fortunately, contractors can now use the pipe bursting technique to install a wide range of other pipe materials, including PVC, ductile iron pipe, and welded steel pipe. To use these materials, the contractor simply has to switch from the style known as pneumatic pipe bursting to the one known as static pipe bursting.

Pipe bursting has become one of the most popular and effective ways to replace an aging sewer line. For more information about plumbing repairs on your property, contact Meridian's experts at Roto-Rooter Sewer Service.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!