The Best Way for Homeowners to Handle Offset Pipes
Posted by William Heinselman on
Along with pipe deterioration and collapse, pipe offset damages are one of the most problematic things a homeowner can be faced with in terms of plumbing. Not only are offset pipelines a pain to fix, but also an expensive project few see coming. Traditionally, you would have to call a professional plumbing team and get the pipe in question manually excavated; this meant significant landscaping, material, and labor fees.
With trenchless technologies, however, the dig-and-replace method of pipe renovation is no longer necessary. Today, offset pipes can be entirely replaced with minimal digging in a process known as pipe bursting. In many cases, bursting is a much more affordable alternative to dig-and-replace pipe replacement, as it demands less materials and manpower.
As with any other residential pipe repair, the most effective and affordable solution for offset pipe damage will depend on your unique circumstances. Namely, the depth and location of the offset, and surface-level features that would complicate conventional pipe repair.
What Causes Offset Pipe Damage?
Before we get into the details of affordable pipe replacement, let’s talk about why offset pipes are damaged in the first place - knowing why you're dealing with damage can help you make sure the problem never happens again.
Here are the most common causes of offset pipes:
- Poor installation
- Environmental changes
- Faulty design
- Pipe vibration
- Thermal change
- Pressurization
Tips for Offset Pipe Repair
When it comes to repairing an offset pipe, the most affordable option will depend on the physical location and depth of the pipe on your property, as well as any landscaping features on your property above the pipeline.
Dig-and-Replace
Generally, if the offset pipe is less than 2-3 feet under your lawn, traditional dig-and-replace repairs will be more affordable than trenchless pipe bursting. However, if the pipe in question runs below a driveway, sidewalk, or other feature, complicated excavations will end up costing you. This is the same for pipes located 3+ feet under your property, which would take considerably more work and hours to dig.
Pipe Bursting
Non-intrusive pipe bursting is an efficient, much less costly alternative to digging. The following is a quick breakdown of the bursting process:
- First, plumbers will conduct a video inspection from within the offset pipe to determine the extent of the damage, and to make sure bursting is the right action to take.
- Next, plumbers will use a winch line to run a pull cable through the offset pipe; this can be done through either existing entry points in the pipe or by light digging.
- A steel, cone-shaped bursting head is then attached to a replacement pipeline, which will be used to fragment and push away your offset pipeline. The pipe is then pulled bursting head-first through your offset pipeline, removing the old pipe and laying its replacement in a simple, quick application.
- With the new pipe in place, end caps are then installed at both ends of the replacement pipe, connecting it to the rest of your home’s plumbing system.
- To wrap up the job, a post-process video inspection will be completed to ensure the new pipe is successfully installed.
Pipe Coupling or Flexible Coupling
Flexible couplings, like Fernco couplings, slip couplings, and no-hub couplings, offer a quick and cost-effective way to repair minor pipe offsets without full replacement. Made of durable rubber with stainless steel clamps, these couplings create a watertight, flexible seal that works with PVC, cast iron, clay, and metal pipes. Installation is simple: cut the misaligned section (if necessary), clean the pipe ends, slide the coupling into place, and tighten the clamps.
This method is ideal for small offsets and allows for slight ground movement, making it especially useful for underground plumbing. However, flexible couplings aren’t suitable for severe misalignments or broken pipes, where more extensive repairs may be required.
Pipe Jacking or Push-Fit Repair
Pipe jacking and push-fit repair are effective solutions for correcting minor pipe offsets without extensive excavation. Pipe jacking involves gently pushing misaligned pipes back into place using mechanical force, often with hydraulic equipment in larger systems. This method is commonly used for underground sewer lines where minor shifts have occurred due to soil movement.
Push-fit repair, on the other hand, utilizes push-to-connect fittings that create a secure, watertight seal without the need for adhesives or soldering. Ideal for PVC, copper, and PEX piping, these fittings allow for quick, tool-free repairs, making them perfect for tight spaces or emergency fixes. While both methods work well for minor offsets, severe misalignments or damaged pipes may require more extensive solutions like pipe replacement or trenchless repairs.
Reach Out to a Professional for Offset Pipe Repair
As the right solution for offset pipe damage depends on various circumstances, the first thing you should do is reach out to a professional plumber with a long track record of work in your community or region. If they understand pipe configurations and environmental factors unique to your area, they can better provide solutions easy on your landscaping, your wallet, and your mind.Topics: Pipe Bursting, Trenchless Technology, Home Plumbing