Pipe bursting is a process that is able to not just rehabilitate a sewer mainline but replace it with an entirely new high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. While still requiring some excavation, it is minimal incomparison to the trenching procedure. Bursting uses two access points to the host pipe or original pipe. One small hole is made in the basement of the home where the mainline leaves the home, typically located by the mainline cleanout. This hole is usually about two feet by two feet. A second larger hole is made outside of the home at the oppisite end of the mainline. Earth moving equipment is used for this hole. Depending on the soil type, this hole will vary in size, averaging eight feet by eight feet.
The Spartan UnderTaker is a hydraulically powered non-impact cable pulling system that can be set-up to
install 4” (100mm) and 6” (150mm) pipe through an existing utility line. A 3/4” cable is pushed or pulled
through the existing utility from either the entrance or exit pit and attached to a burst head which has the
replacement carrier line bolted to it. As the valve is closed, the cable is clamped and pulled toward the
exit pit. This in turn pulls the burst head which bursts the old utility and simultaneously installs the new
line. When the new utility reaches the exit pit, the burst head is removed and the new carrier line is reattached
at both ends to the remaining utility.
