The method of open cut trench excavation has been the most common, conventional method for sewer lateral replacement or repair. This method consists of excavating a trench for manually installing every piece of pipe. This kind of sewer work is applicable to heavy root blockages, severely broken pipes, and collapsed pipes.

On average, the open trench method is costlier than trenchless sewer repair since it needs more restoration, excavation, and time to complete. Plus, open trench excavation may require the removal of street and sidewalk pavement access, which also increases the repair cost. In spite of the expenses that come with open trench excavation, there are examples where it’s the only option over trenchless sewer repair. Below, we shed light on some of the reasons why a company may have to open trench at a specific location.

When Open Trench Excavation Becomes a Necessity?

This method is used for one of the following reasons:

It’s Impossible to Pull Through a New Sewer Pipe:

This reason for open trench excavation is mainly about the mechanics in performing trenchless sewer work. In a few instances, the fastening materials around the joints of an already-present sewer line are too strong and thick – or the coupling sleeves wouldn’t break during ‘pipe pulling.’ As the couplings become trapped, the pressure pushes the couplings down the line, which stacks them up. The pulling ram begins to stall as the equipment becomes stressed by the increased tension. In extreme circumstances, fixed surfaces like concrete get broken, lifted, or even stalled below ground. Due to this reason, pulling a new pipe through becomes impossible, and the area around it needs to be manually dug up.

To Guarantee Safety in Areas Surrounded by Dangerous Utilities:

Often, the work is done in regions where there are a lot of utilities adjacent to the sewer. These utilities can consist of electric, water, fibre, and gas lines. Since the overall nature of these areas is dangerous, open trench excavation is advisable as compared to trenchless sewer repair. To ensure that no severe accidents occur underground, companies will usually dig those areas to expose the pipes.

Design and Engineering:

Finally, the design and engineering of the sewer line are what may push companies towards open trench excavation. For instance, a company may witness a pipe with a sewer line belly after it breaks to the ground to repair a particular line. In the case of sewer line bellies, open trench excavation is almost always required. During this process, the existing sewer line is removed, it’s dug a bit deeper, and the aggregate base is laid that supports the pipe for the appropriate slope and line flow.

What Should You Do in Case an Open Trench Excavation Is Required?

A qualified engineer will always be aware of when an open trench solution is the best choice for your property. They’ll be able to describe to you the ‘whys’ of it in detail and what changes you should expect. Scanprobe have been supplying CCTV drain camera systems to professionals in the drainage industry for over 30 years, and our camera systems have been developed with their feedback. So you can trust a Scanprobe drain camera to be up to the task of helping you to determine the best form of repair action. Plus, we’re the leading providers of WinCan VX drain camera, visit our website to browse our offerings!