How bursting works

Two pits are dug, one near the house and one near the street or the connection to the main. A cable is threaded through the old pipe and attached to a cone-shaped bursting head, with new pipe joined behind it. As a machine pulls the head through, it fractures the old pipe outward into the surrounding soil and draws the new pipe into the space.

The new pipe is commonly HDPE, joined by heat fusion into one continuous length with no joints along the run. Because it replaces the pipe rather than lining it, bursting can be used on lines that are too cracked or broken to line.

Typical sequence

  1. Camera and locate

    Confirm the route, depth, material and any bends or connections along the old line.

  2. Mark utilities

    Underground utilities near the route are located before digging begins.

  3. Dig launch and receiving pits

    Pits are opened at each end, sized for the machine and the pipe.

  4. Burst and pull

    The head fractures the old pipe while the new pipe follows it through.

  5. Connect and test

    New pipe is connected to the house drain and the main, a cleanout is often added, and flow is tested.

  6. Inspect and backfill

    A camera pass and any required city inspection happen before the pits are closed.

Could bursting work for your line?

  • IfThe line is badly cracked or root-damaged along most of its length but runs fairly straightThenBursting is often a candidate.
  • IfThe line has a long bellyThenBursting tends to follow the old path; ask whether the slope can be improved.
  • IfGas, water or other utilities run very close to the lateralThenBursting may be ruled out or need extra precautions.
  • IfThe line has sharp bends or several branch connectionsThenIt may need extra pits or a different method.

Bursting vs. lining

Pipe bursting

  • Installs entirely new pipe
  • Works on badly broken pipe
  • Needs two pits and room for equipment
  • Can sometimes upsize the line

Pipe lining

  • Forms a new pipe inside the old one
  • Needs the old pipe to hold its shape
  • Often only needs cleanout access
  • Slightly reduces inside diameter

Questions to ask

  1. Where will the pits go, and what surfaces will they disturb?
  2. What pipe will you pull in, and how will it connect at each end?
  3. Have utilities near the line been located?
  4. Will a new cleanout be installed, and where?

Common questions

Does pipe bursting damage the yard?

It disturbs the pit locations rather than the whole route. Surfaces above the line between the pits are usually left in place.

What happens to the old pipe?

It is broken into fragments and stays in the soil around the new pipe.

Is a permit required?

Lateral replacement typically needs one. Check with the City of Whittier; the contractor should pull it.

General information for Whittier, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.