Trenchless Pipe Bursting: Definition & Maintenance Guide
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Trenchless pipe bursting is a sewer and water line replacement method that destroys the existing damaged pipe in place while simultaneously pulling a new pipe of equal or larger diameter through the same path, using a hydraulic or pneumatic bursting head that fractures the old pipe outward into the surrounding soil. Pipe bursting replaces the entire pipe without open-trench excavation along the pipe route, requiring only small access pits at each end of the replacement section.
Bursting Head, HDPE Pull-Through & Access Pit Excavation Process
The pipe bursting process begins with a video camera inspection to assess the existing pipe’s condition, route, and any bends or connections that must be addressed. Two access pits are excavated — one at each end of the pipe section to be replaced. A steel bursting head, slightly larger in diameter than the new pipe, is attached to the lead end of the replacement pipe (typically high-density polyethylene, or HDPE) and inserted into the existing pipe from the receiving pit.
A hydraulic pulling machine at the opposite pit draws the bursting head through the old pipe using a steel cable or rod system. As the conical or bladed head advances, it fractures the old pipe material and pushes the fragments outward into the surrounding soil. The new HDPE pipe, attached directly behind the bursting head, follows through the expanded path and takes the position of the old pipe.
The process works on most common sewer pipe materials including clay tile, Orangeburg, cast iron, PVC, and concrete. Pipe diameters from 2 to 24 inches can be burst, though residential applications typically involve 4- to 6-inch sewer laterals. The entire replacement of a typical 50-to-80-foot residential sewer lateral takes 4 to 8 hours, compared to 2 to 3 days for traditional open-trench replacement.
Static Pull, Pneumatic Impact, Pipe Splitting & Upsizing Methods
Static pipe bursting uses a constant hydraulic pulling force to draw the bursting head through the pipe. This is the most common method for residential sewer laterals and produces minimal ground vibration.
Pneumatic pipe bursting uses a percussive, air-driven bursting head that hammers its way through the old pipe with rapid forward-and-backward impacts. This method is more effective on thick-walled materials like cast iron and concrete but generates more ground vibration.
Pipe splitting uses a cutting blade rather than a fracturing head to slice thin-walled pipes like PVC and HDPE. The blade cuts the pipe longitudinally, and an expander pushes the halves aside as the new pipe follows.
Upsizing installs a new pipe of larger diameter than the original by using a bursting head that expands the path beyond the old pipe’s footprint. Upsizing by one pipe size (e.g., 4-inch to 6-inch) is common and increases the sewer lateral’s capacity.
Sewer Camera Assessment, CIPP vs. Bursting Decision & Full Lateral Replacement
Pipe bursting is a primary method in Bonded Plumbworks’ trenchless pipe repair service offering. When sewer camera inspection reveals a sewer lateral with extensive root damage, multiple cracks, bellied sections, or material deterioration beyond spot-repair scope, pipe bursting provides a full replacement without destroying driveways, landscaping, sidewalks, or pool decks.
Bonded Plumbworks evaluates each situation to determine whether pipe bursting or CIPP lining is the better trenchless option. Pipe bursting is preferred when the pipe has lost structural integrity, when upsizing is beneficial, or when the old pipe material (such as Orangeburg) is too deteriorated to serve as a host for a liner.
ASTM F1962, D3035, F714 & NASSCO Trenchless Certification Standards
ASTM F1962 covers the standard guide for use of maxi-horizontal directional drilling for placement of PE pipe. ASTM D2513 covers HDPE gas pipe that is also used in some bursting applications. The State building codes require permits and inspections for sewer lateral replacement by any method. The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) provides training and certification for trenchless technology practitioners. HDPE pipe used in bursting must meet ASTM D3035 or ASTM F714 specifications.
TT Technologies Grundoburst, HammerHead HydroGuide, TRIC Tools & Performance Pipe HDPE
TT Technologies manufactures the Grundoburst static pipe bursting system. HammerHead Trenchless produces the HydroGuide HG12 pulling system for residential pipe bursting. TRIC Tools offers the Two-Piece Bursting System designed for smaller access pits. Performance Pipe (Chevron Phillips) manufactures the HDPE pipe used in most residential bursting projects.