Three ways to renew a lateral
Lining, often called cured-in-place pipe, places a resin-saturated tube inside the old line and cures it into a new pipe wall. It seals joints and small cracks without a full trench, but it depends on the old pipe keeping roughly its shape.
Pipe bursting pulls a new pipe through the path of the old one while a bursting head breaks the clay outward. It needs access pits at each end rather than a full trench, and the new pipe can be a full diameter.
Open-trench replacement digs along the route and lays new pipe. It is the most disruptive above ground, but it handles collapsed sections and sags that trenchless methods cannot correct, and it lets the slope be reset.
Trenchless vs. open trench
Trenchless (lining or bursting)
- Less digging through lawns, driveways and planting beds.
- Lining needs a pipe that is not collapsed or badly offset.
- Lining does not correct a belly or sag in the line.
- Branch connections and cleanouts need planning.
Open trench
- Handles collapses, heavy offsets and sags.
- Allows the slope of the line to be corrected.
- Disturbs landscaping and hardscape along the route.
- Mature tree roots near the trench may be affected.
Which way the footage points
- IfRoot intrusion at many joints but the pipe is round and intactThenLining is often discussed.
- IfCracked or broken sections but a consistent pathThenBursting or lining may both be options; ask which fits.
- IfA collapsed section or standing water from a sagThenOpen-trench repair of at least that section is usually needed.
- IfOne bad spot in an otherwise sound lineThenA single section repair may be enough.
What drives the scope
- Length and depth
- Longer, deeper laterals need more material and access.
- Surface above
- Driveways, patios and mature trees change how access is made.
- Access points
- Existing cleanouts reduce digging; new ones may be added.
- Street connection
- Work near the public main may involve the city; check with the City of Orange.
- Permits
- Lateral work generally needs a permit and inspection.
Questions that decide it
- Does the footage show a sag, collapse or heavy offset anywhere?
- How will the new pipe connect at the house and at the street?
- Where will access pits or trenches go, and what will be disturbed?
- Will there be a camera inspection after the work, and can I keep it?
- Who pulls the permit and arranges inspection?
Common questions
Does lining make the pipe narrower?
Lining adds a thin wall inside the old pipe, so the opening is slightly smaller. Ask the plumber how that compares for your line's size and use.
Can part of a lateral be lined and part replaced?
Yes. A collapsed section can be dug and replaced while the rest is lined, depending on what the camera shows.
Who is responsible for the part under the sidewalk?
It varies by city. Check with the City of Orange before planning work near the street.
General information for Old Towne Orange, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.