Quick Takeaways
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Pipe bursting replaces old pipes by breaking them apart and pulling in a new line.
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Pipe lining repairs pipes from the inside by inserting a resin-coated liner that hardens in place.
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Both are trenchless methods, meaning minimal digging and faster completion.
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The best method depends on pipe damage, soil conditions, and access points.
Why Trenchless Sewer Repair Is Changing the Game
Homeowners in Akron no longer have to dig up driveways or lawns to replace their sewer lines. Modern trenchless methods like pipe bursting and pipe lining deliver faster, cleaner, and more durable results while keeping your yard intact.
What Is Pipe Bursting?
Pipe bursting is a trenchless replacement technique that removes the old pipe and installs a new one in its place. It’s designed for sewer systems that are too damaged to repair.
How Pipe Bursting Works
A specialized bursting head is pushed through the old line, breaking it apart while pulling a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into the same path. The result is a completely new sewer line that matches the layout of the old one without open trenching.
Advantages of Pipe Bursting
- Replaces collapsed or heavily corroded pipes.
- Creates a seamless, durable pipe with a lifespan of 50 years or more.
- Minimizes property disruption—ideal for driveways, patios, and landscaped areas.
When to Choose Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is best for cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg pipes that are beyond repair. It’s also recommended if the line has shifted, collapsed, or suffered major tree root intrusion from decades of soil pressure.
What Is Pipe Lining?
Pipe lining is a trenchless repair method that restores the inside of an existing pipe rather than replacing it. It’s ideal for homeowners dealing with minor to moderate damage.
How Pipe Lining Works
Also known as CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe), the process involves inserting a resin-coated liner into the damaged line. Once inflated and cured, it hardens into a smooth, durable interior surface that seals cracks, corrosion, and leaks.
Advantages of Pipe Lining
- Repairs leaks and cracks without digging.
- Stops root intrusion and prevents future corrosion.
- Restores flow capacity while extending pipe life.
When to Choose Pipe Lining
Pipe lining works best when the existing line is still structurally sound. It’s a good fit for older Akron homes with limited outdoor access, small yards, or decorative landscaping that homeowners don’t want disturbed.
Pipe Bursting vs Pipe Lining: Key Differences
While both methods solve similar problems, they approach them differently. Choosing between the two depends on damage severity, soil conditions, and long-term goals.
Cost Comparison
Pipe bursting generally costs more because it replaces the full line, while pipe lining is less expensive since it restores the existing pipe. Homeowners often choose lining for moderate damage and bursting for severe structural failure.
Durability and Longevity
Both options can last 50 years or longer when installed correctly. However, pipe bursting creates an entirely new pipe capable of handling heavier flow, while pipe lining adds a protective layer inside the old pipe.
Suitability for Akron Homes
Akron’s clay soil and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can shift pipes over time. In these cases, bursting may be the better option.
However, if your sewer line only shows cracking or minor corrosion, pipe lining may deliver the same reliability at a lower cost. A sewer camera inspection confirms which method fits your home best.
Which Method Is Right for You?
Every sewer system is different. The right choice depends on your pipe’s condition, layout, and long-term maintenance goals.
The best first step is scheduling a sewer camera inspection with a trusted plumber to assess the line and determine the most effective repair.
FAQs — Pipe Bursting and Pipe Lining
Is pipe bursting better than pipe lining?
Not always. Pipe bursting is better for severely collapsed or missing sections, while pipe lining works well for moderate cracks or corrosion.
How long do trenchless sewer repairs last?
Both methods last 50 years or more with proper installation and maintenance.
Does pipe lining reduce the pipe’s diameter?
Slightly—by about a quarter inch—but the smoother interior surface improves water flow, offsetting the size reduction.
You Got a Buddy When It Comes to Sewer Issues in Akron
Homeowners across Akron and Northeast Ohio trust Buddy’s Plumbing Excellence for expert trenchless sewer repair and replacement. Our team specializes in pipe bursting and pipe lining, providing transparent estimates, honest evaluations, and fixed-right-the-first-time results.
You call. We come. It’s fixed. Guaranteed.
When your sewer line fails, remember — you’ve got a Buddy in plumbing.
