Thompson Trenchless brings over 30 years of pipe bursting expertise to homeowners and businesses throughout Wyandotte, Monroe, and Downriver Michigan. When your sewer line is completely collapsed, severely deteriorated, or beyond the capability of CIPP pipe lining, pipe bursting provides a proven solution that replaces your entire sewer line with minimal excavation.
Pipe bursting is the most advanced trenchless sewer replacement method available, using hydraulic or pneumatic equipment to fracture your old pipe while simultaneously pulling new HDPE pipe into place. Unlike traditional excavation that requires digging a continuous trench along your entire sewer line, pipe bursting only requires two small access pits—one at the entry point and one at the exit.
Serving Wayne County and Monroe County with same-day emergency assessments, we provide comprehensive pipe bursting solutions backed by factory training, state-of-the-art equipment, and lifetime workmanship guarantees on HDPE installations.
The pipe bursting system consists of three main components: a bursting head (cone-shaped tool), a pulling system (hydraulic winch or pneumatic ram), and the new pipe sections being installed. The bursting head is inserted through an entry pit at one end of your damaged pipe and connected to a winch at the exit pit.
As the winch pulls the bursting head through your old pipe, expanding wings or a cone shape fracture the existing pipe, pushing fragments into the surrounding soil. The new HDPE pipe—attached directly behind the bursting head—is simultaneously pulled into the newly created space, replacing your old pipe with a brand new seamless line.
Because HDPE pipe comes in long, flexible sections that can be heat-fused together, the entire replacement pipe is installed as one continuous piece with no joints where roots can intrude or leaks can develop.
Pipe bursting requires only two excavation points: an entry pit (typically 4×6 feet) where the bursting head enters, and an exit pit (typically 4×6 feet) where the hydraulic winch pulls from. Between these two points—whether 50 feet or 200 feet—no excavation is needed, preserving your landscaping, driveways, and property.
The entire installation typically completes within 1-3 days depending on pipe length and soil conditions. Once the new HDPE pipe is in place, connections are made at both ends, the access pits are backfilled, and your sewer system is fully operational with a pipe rated to last 50-100+ years.
Modern pipe bursting uses specialized bursting heads designed for different pipe materials and soil conditions. Pneumatic bursting heads use rapid-fire percussion (similar to a jackhammer) to break apart brittle materials like clay, cast iron, and concrete pipe. Hydraulic bursting heads provide constant force, ideal for pulling through dense soils or upsizing pipe diameter.
The bursting head size determines the final pipe diameter. Because the head must be larger than the new pipe being installed, pipe bursting can increase your sewer line diameter—upsizing from 4-inch to 6-inch pipe, for example, which improves flow capacity and reduces future clogging risk.
Pipe Bursting works when pipes are collapsed, severely damaged, or need diameter increase. Requires two small pits but replaces the entire pipe. Cost: $100-$200/ft. Timeline: 1-3 days.
CIPP Lining requires existing pipe structure for support. Creates new pipe inside old one through small access points. Better when pipe maintains roundness. Cost: $80-$150/ft. Timeline: 1 day.
Traditional Excavation requires continuous trench along entire pipe, destroying landscaping and hardscaping. Most expensive when restoration costs included. Cost: $150-$250/ft. Timeline: 3-5 days. Learn more about all trenchless repair options.
Every pipe bursting project begins with comprehensive video camera inspection to document pipe condition, measure exact length, identify pipe material, and locate potential obstacles like laterals or utilities. We map the pipe’s path through your property, determine optimal pit locations, and confirm pipe bursting is the right solution. You receive complete camera footage showing why replacement is necessary.
We excavate two access pits: an entry pit where we expose the existing pipe and insert the bursting equipment, and an exit pit where the hydraulic winch system is positioned. Pit locations are strategically chosen to minimize property impact—often in lawn areas, alley access, or street right-of-way. Each pit typically measures 4×6 feet and 4-6 feet deep depending on your pipe’s burial depth. If needed, we use hydro jetting to ensure the line is clear before bursting.
Based on your existing pipe material (clay, cast iron, concrete, PVC), diameter, and soil conditions, we select the appropriate bursting head size and type. The bursting head must be larger than the new pipe diameter to create adequate space. We heat-fuse HDPE pipe sections together to create one continuous length matching your sewer line, then attach it securely behind the bursting head.
The bursting head is inserted into your old pipe from the entry pit and connected via pulling rods or cables to the hydraulic winch in the exit pit. As the winch applies force, the bursting head advances through your old pipe, using expanding wings or a cone design to fracture the pipe outward into the surrounding soil. Pneumatic heads deliver percussive force; hydraulic heads provide steady pulling pressure. Progress is monitored continuously to ensure proper fragmentation.
As the bursting head advances and fragments your old pipe, the new HDPE pipe—attached directly behind the head—is simultaneously pulled into position. The HDPE pipe is extremely strong and flexible, allowing it to navigate slight bends while maintaining structural integrity. Because the pipe was heat-fused before installation, the entire length from pit to pit is one seamless, jointless pipe with no weak points.
Once the new HDPE pipe is in place, we make connections at both ends to your building’s drain plumbing and the municipal sewer line. Any lateral connections (from upper floors or separate drains) are reconnected to the new pipe. We perform final camera inspection to verify proper installation, then backfill the access pits and restore the surface. Your drains are operational the same day, now flowing through a brand new pipe rated for 50-100+ years of service.
Pipe bursting can increase your sewer line diameter by up to 4 inches—upsizing from 4″ to 6″ or 6″ to 8″. This improves flow capacity, reduces clogging risk, and accommodates future property expansion or additional drain plumbing fixtures.
Most residential pipe bursting projects complete within 1-3 days from pit excavation to restoration. Compare this to 5-7 days for traditional full-length excavation plus additional time for landscape restoration.
Broken pipes, offset joints, missing pipe sections, severe root damage, channeling, or complete deterioration—pipe bursting addresses all of these conditions. If your pipe is accessible by camera (even partially), we can likely burst and replace it.
Unlike CIPP which requires 4-8 hours of heat curing, pipe bursting installs a fully functional pipe immediately. No waiting, no curing chemicals, no special considerations—your new pipe is ready for use as soon as connections are complete.
Pipe bursting works exceptionally well for:
Pipe bursting successfully replaces virtually all pipe materials:
Pipe bursting has some limitations to consider:
Important: Video inspection definitively determines if pipe bursting is viable for your specific situation. Our assessment considers pipe condition, depth, path, soil type, and access to recommend the best solution—whether that’s pipe bursting, CIPP lining, slip lining, or another method.
Choose Pipe Bursting when:
Choose CIPP Lining when:
$100-$200 per linear foot
Most residential projects: $10,000-$20,000 total
Pipe bursting typically costs $100-$200 per linear foot depending on pipe diameter, length, depth, soil conditions, and site access. This price includes video inspection and planning, both access pit excavation, bursting equipment and labor, new HDPE pipe materials and installation, connections at both ends, and pit backfill and restoration.
Pipe Diameter and Upsizing: Larger diameter pipes require bigger bursting heads and more powerful equipment. Upsizing from 4″ to 6″ increases costs by 20-30% compared to same-size replacement due to the larger bursting head required.
Pipe Depth: Deeper pipes require larger access pits and more excavation labor. Pipes buried 6-8 feet deep are standard; depths exceeding 10 feet significantly increase pit excavation costs.
Pipe Length: Longer runs provide some economy of scale since mobilization costs are spread over more footage. However, very long runs (200+ feet) may require additional access pits or specialized equipment.
Soil and Ground Conditions: Rocky soil, high water tables, or contaminated soil increase excavation difficulty and cost. Frozen ground in winter may require special equipment but doesn’t prevent pipe bursting.
Site Access and Obstacles: Tight spaces, limited equipment access, nearby utilities, or obstacles between entry and exit points can complicate the project and increase costs.
Method | Materials + Labor | Excavation | Restoration | Total Cost |
Pipe Bursting | $10,000-$15,000 | $2,000-$3,000 (2 small pits) | $500-$1,000 (2 areas) | $12,500-$19,000 |
CIPP Lining | $8,000-$12,000 | $500-$1,000 (2 access points) | $200-$500 (minimal) | $8,700-$13,500 |
Traditional Excavation | $8,000-$12,000 | $5,000-$8,000 (continuous trench) | $5,000-$15,000 (landscaping, hardscaping) | $18,000-$35,000 |
Value Proposition: Pipe bursting costs more than CIPP but significantly less than traditional excavation, while providing a completely new pipe with 50-100 year lifespan and the ability to upsize diameter. When CIPP isn’t viable due to pipe condition, pipe bursting saves $5,000-$16,000 compared to traditional replacement.
Financing Available: We offer flexible financing options for qualified homeowners including 12-24 month same-as-cash plans and extended financing up to 84 months.
Pneumatic pipe bursting uses compressed air to drive a percussive bursting head (similar to a jackhammer) that fractures pipe through rapid impact force. The head delivers thousands of blows per minute as it advances, shattering brittle materials like clay tile, cast iron, and concrete. Pneumatic bursting is particularly effective for older pipe materials that fragment cleanly under impact. This method works well in stable soils and is the traditional approach for residential sewer line replacement. The pneumatic system is compact, reliable, and produces predictable results with experienced operators.
Hydraulic pipe bursting uses a powerful winch system to pull an expanding bursting head through the old pipe with constant force rather than percussive action. As the hydraulic system pulls, the cone-shaped head applies steady pressure to fracture the pipe and displace soil, creating space for the new pipe. Hydraulic bursting excels when upsizing pipe diameter significantly, working through dense or challenging soils, or replacing pipes that resist percussion (like ductile iron). The constant pulling force can handle situations where pneumatic systems might stall.
Cable bursting uses a winch and cable system to pull the bursting head through the old pipe, similar to hydraulic methods but with different force application. This system is often used for longer runs or when working through pipe with multiple offsets or bends where rigid pulling rods might not be ideal. Modern cable systems can incorporate both static and dynamic elements, adapting to pipe conditions as the bursting head advances.
HDPE is the standard and preferred material for pipe bursting installations. High-density polyethylene offers exceptional durability, flexibility, and longevity at a cost-effective price point.
Key advantages of HDPE:
HDPE pipe comes in SDR (Standard Dimension Ratio) ratings indicating wall thickness and pressure rating. For sewer applications, SDR 35 (thinner wall) or SDR 26 (thicker wall) are most common, with SDR 26 providing extra strength for deeper installations or challenging soil conditions.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) can be used for pipe bursting installations, particularly in commercial applications or when specific engineering requirements dictate PVC. However, PVC is rigid and requires careful jointing between sections, whereas HDPE offers seamless fusion.
PVC advantages include extremely smooth interior surface and wide availability, but HDPE’s flexibility and fusion capability make it superior for most pipe bursting applications.
Ductile iron pipe may be specified for certain commercial, industrial, or municipal applications requiring maximum strength or pressure ratings. However, for residential sewer service, HDPE provides better long-term value and performance at lower cost.
and all Wayne and Monroe County communities.
Most residential pipe bursting projects complete within 1-3 days from start to finish. Day 1 typically involves pit excavation and equipment setup. Day 2 is the bursting operation and new pipe installation. Day 3 (if needed) covers connections, final inspection, and site restoration. Your drains are usually operational by the end of Day 2.
Yes, pipe bursting can increase your sewer line diameter by up to 4 inches. Common upsizing includes 4″ to 6″ or 6″ to 8″ diameter. This improves flow capacity, reduces clogging potential, and accommodates future property expansion. The bursting head creates a larger opening than the original pipe, allowing installation of bigger diameter HDPE pipe.
Yes, pipe bursting is specifically designed to handle collapsed pipes where CIPP lining cannot be used. Even if your pipe has completely collapsed with no internal void, the bursting head creates its own path as it fractures the old pipe and displaces soil. This makes pipe bursting the solution when other trenchless methods aren’t viable.
Thompson Trenchless provides a lifetime workmanship warranty on our pipe bursting installations. HDPE pipe itself carries manufacturer warranties ranging from 50 years to lifetime depending on the specific product. Our comprehensive warranty covers installation quality and is transferable to subsequent property owners.
HDPE pipe installed through pipe bursting is expected to last 50-100+ years based on material properties and field performance data. The pipe is essentially permanent—resistant to corrosion, root intrusion, ground movement, and chemical exposure. Properly installed HDPE is likely the last sewer pipe your property will ever need.
Pipe bursting does generate noise, particularly pneumatic systems which produce percussive sounds similar to a jackhammer. However, the sound is underground and significantly muffled by soil. Most neighbors won’t notice the operation beyond normal construction activity. Hydraulic systems are considerably quieter than pneumatic bursting.
Yes, pipe bursting easily handles pipes damaged by tree root intrusion. The bursting head fractures the old pipe along with any roots growing through it. The new HDPE pipe is completely seamless with heat-fused joints, providing no entry points for future root intrusion—a permanent solution to recurring root problems.
Pipe bursting typically costs $100-$200 per linear foot depending on diameter, depth, soil conditions, and site access. Most residential projects involving 75-125 linear feet cost $10,000-$20,000 total. While more expensive than CIPP lining, pipe bursting costs 30-50% less than traditional excavation when restoration expenses are included, plus provides a completely new pipe with superior longevity.
We've completed hundreds of successful pipe bursting installations across Wayne and Monroe Counties
We own pneumatic and hydraulic pipe bursting systems (not rented), ensuring availability and proper maintenance
Comprehensive warranty coverage on all installation labor
Consistently excellent customer satisfaction across multiple review platforms
Detailed written estimates with no hidden fees or surprise charges
Our team receives ongoing training from major pipe bursting equipment manufacturers
Our technicians are certified in HDPE heat fusion welding for seamless pipe connections
Michigan Master Drain Plumber license, full liability insurance, workers compensation
Complete camera inspection with recorded footage included with every estimate
