Express Sewer & Drain Blog

Repairing or replacing compromised pipes shouldn’t be an expensive venture-- it should be hassle-free. Traditional mending is typically an overwhelming process and can easily rack up a hefty bill when the job’s completed. Luckily, there's another method for mending damaged sewage systems, and it’s called trenchless technology.

Depending on the placement of your compromised pipe, trenchless technology is the leader in efficiency compared to traditional repairs. Trenchless technology may seem like it costs more up-front, $80-$250 per foot compared to $50- $250, but you'll find it costs much less in the long run.

Cost of Trenchless Technology vs. Traditional Pipe Repair

Trenchless technology tends to be more expensive upfront due to the specialized equipment and materials required for its implementation. However, in the long run, it can be more cost-effective as it minimizes disruptions and reduces labor and restoration costs associated with extensive digging. Traditional pipe repair, on the other hand, may seem cheaper at first glance but can result in higher costs due to additional expenses like property damage and landscaping restoration.

Additionally, trenchless technology requires less time to complete a repair project compared to traditional methods, reducing overall labor costs. Overall, while trenchless technology may have a higher initial cost, it offers significant savings in terms of efficiency and reduced disruptions in comparison to traditional pipe repair methods.

8 Cost Benefits of Trenchless Technology

Trenchless technology repairs are minimally invasive and only require access to the pipe’s entry ways. Deciding which repair method to implement, traditional or trenchless, depends on the location of the damaged pipe. There are, however, 3 major cost benefits for mending your damaged pipe via trenchless technologies, including:

1. Minimal Labor

Traditional pipe repair means more manual labor. This is in part due to excavation and re-landscaping costs. With trenchless technology, there is no digging involved. As long as there's access to the pipes' entry points, mending your pipes won’t require extensive manual labor-- even after the pipes are repaired.

2. Resource Efficient

When you repair or replace your faulty pipes using trenchless technology, you are being financially, environmentally, and time efficient. Again, the face value of trenchless technology may seem like it costs more, but when you dissect the time, labor, and aftermath costs of traditional dig-and-repair mending, trenchless technologies are far less costly.

3. Longevity

Unlike metal or plastic pipes, Perma-liner and epoxy resin repair solutions used for trenchless technology mending have a higher performance lifespan of over 50 years. Tmaterials are more than a temporary solution, they prevent future line damages from occurring.

4. Improved Safety

The adoption of trenchless technology significantly reduces the dangers inherent in traditional excavation projects. By mitigating these risks, contractors can benefit from decreased insurance premiums, translating into notable cost savings. This innovative approach not only enhances safety on the job site but also offers a financially prudent solution for those involved in construction and infrastructure development.

5. Flexibility in Project Design

Trenchless technology provides unparalleled flexibility in project design, as it can be efficiently utilized across a diverse range of soil conditions and terrain types. This adaptability means there are no significant modifications or additional costs required to tailor the method to the specific demands of the project environment, making it a highly versatile and cost-effective solution for infrastructure development.

6. Increased Property Value

The minimal disruption caused by trenchless methods results in less disturbance to property and surroundings, thus preserving the value of the property. This can be especially beneficial for commercial and residential projects.

7. Reduced Environmental Impact

By minimizing excavation and reducing the need for heavy machinery, trenchless technology has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional methods. This in turn can result in lower costs associated with environmental remediation and compliance. 

8. Faster Completion Time

Trenchless technology respects the value of your time, offering a solution that can be fully completed within a matter of hours, not stretching into days or weeks as traditional methods often do. This efficiency not only minimizes disruption in your daily routine but also translates into fewer labor hours required for the project. Consequently, this reduction in labor directly leads to lower overall project costs, making trenchless technology a cost-effective and time-saving choice for your needs.

Calculating the Cost

The average cost of traditional repair, $4,000-$13,000, can double when factoring the cost of digging, depth, pipe location, streets, utilities, sidewalks or driveways that lie above the broken pipe into the cost equation; if you have to displace or restore ground level fixtures, you can wind up paying $25,000, if not more, for a single repair job.

Trenchless technology solutions require minimal labor and excavating, longevity and efficiency. If your sewage system is in need of mending, contact an expert from Express Sewer & Drain who can calculate the cost benefits of choosing trenchless technology for your sewer repair.