What is Trenchless Technology?

We all know how frustrating a plumbing issue can be, as well as messy and disruptive. Blocked drains , cracked plumbing, and many other drainage issues used to mean your plumber had to come in and dig up the area, causing a whole new set of problems, in order to carry out repairs.

Then trenchless technology was introduced into the world of plumbing, and it became a beneficial alternative to fixing blockages and repairing damaged pipes by digging huge holes. But, how does it work?

What is trenchless technology?

According to the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), trenchless technology is " A family of construction techniques for installing or rehabilitating underground infrastructure with minimal disruption to surface traffic, businesses, and residents. Also includes technologies for inspection, leak location, and leak detection with minimal disruption and minimal excavation from the ground surface. "

In other words, trenchless technology, or 'no dig', is the ability to complete repairs and other plumbing and drainage tasks underground, without having to dig anything up. In the case of Reline Solutions and this article, trenchless technology refers to repairs and other jobs in relation to underground pipes and drains.

Learn more about the Evolution of Trenchless Technology in our blog - Trenchless technology - what is it ?

How does trenchless technology work?

Trenchless technology has a range of components, which all work together to achieve the best outcome.

Drain Camera

A drain camera is located at the end of a cable that is pushed down into a pipe to assist a plumber to see what is going on in the plumbing, including what is causing a blockage. A drain camera can also be used with a Detector, located above ground, to show exactly where the camera head is, so if you need to dig it up there is no more guesswork.

Drain cameras have improved over the years, with different varieties now available, from the simple Push Rod Drain Camera, suited to small pipes, to the Crawler Drain Cameras that are driven down large pipes. Both options have controllable camera heads, meaning they can be moved around so a full picture can be created.

Jet Rodder

A water jetter is a pipe with a special nozzle that sprays out water at high pressure. This high-pressure water is used to break up blockages in pipes and is capable of breaking up most drain obstructions. The benefit of this option, as opposed to a plumber's eel, is that a jet rodder is a small-diameter, flexible pipe, which makes it easier to push through bends in the pipe and will not cause the same amount of damage to the pipe lining.

Water jetters work well for soft or semi-hard blockages, but do not break through harder obstacles like cement or rocks.

Robotic Cutter

For harder blockages, a robotic cutter is used. A robotic cutter is a cutting head on the end of a cable or pipe, which is sent down a pipe to the blockage where the high-speed cutting head cuts through any obstacles. They are incredibly strong, cutting through anything from tree roots to concrete and steel.

Pipe Patching and Pipe Relining

Once the blockage has been removed, then there is the question of fixing the damaged pipe - enter pipe patching and pipe relining . These two processes involve placing a special fibreglass and epoxy lining down a pipe to the problem location and then using it to line the inside of the pipe. This process is essentially creating a new pipe inside the old pipe, with this technology allowing us to reline a small section or an entire pipeline. There are a variety of ways this method can be carried out, from a small drain pipe all the way to a full-size sewer pipe.

Leak Detection

There is also leak detection that can be carried out, to check for any leakages in the piping.

Where can trenchless technology be used?

Trenchless technology can be used almost anywhere, making it a versatile and practical tool for pipe repairs and other plumbing processes. From commercial properties to residential blocks and anything in between, trenchless technology can provide no-dig solutions to virtually everyone.

What benefits does trenchless technology offer?

Trenchless technology offers a range of benefits including:

• No digging : Trenchless technology does not require digging, which means your garden, yard and landscaping can remain as they are.
• Time : Jobs are completed a lot quicker than traditional methods.
• Labour & equipment : A lot less labour intensive, as well as less large-scale equipment needed.
• Cost : Generally a lot more cost-effective, including equipment, labour and work time needed.
• Results : Higher quality results that last longer.
• Disruption : Minimal external interruption.
• Environment : More environmentally friendly.

Trenchless technology specialists

For further information regarding trenchless technology and the benefits it can offer you, give the Reline Solutions team a call today at 0403 355 550 and we can discuss all your needs.

Resources:

North American Society for Trenchless Technology : https://nastt.org/resources/

Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenchless_technology

Trenchlesspedia : https://www.trenchlesspedia.com/definition/2570/trenchless-technology