Pipe Bursting vs. Traditional Pipe Replacement: What Los Angeles Homeowners Need to Know

By | May 19, 2025

Dealing with damaged or broken underground pipes used to mean one thing: digging up your yard. Traditional pipe replacement often meant tearing through driveways, landscaping, and flooring — leaving behind a mess and a big repair bill.

But thanks to modern trenchless technology, there’s a better solution: pipe bursting. At John’s Plumbing & Drain Services, we help homeowners across Los Angeles replace broken pipes with minimal disruption.

Let’s break down how pipe bursting works, why it’s so effective, and when it’s the right choice for your home.

Pipe Bursting vs. Traditional Pipe

What Is Pipe Bursting?

Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe replacement method that allows your old pipe to be replaced with a new one — without digging a massive trench. It works by using a specialized tool that breaks apart the old pipe while pulling a brand-new, durable pipe into place behind it.

This method is ideal for sewer line replacements, especially when traditional digging isn’t feasible or would be too invasive.

Benefits of Pipe Bursting

✅ Minimal Yard Damage

No need to rip up your driveway, patio, or landscaping. Only two small access points are required.

✅ Faster Turnaround

Most pipe bursting jobs can be completed in a day — saving you time, money, and inconvenience.

✅ Long-Lasting Materials

The new pipe is typically made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), a durable, root-resistant material that can last up to 50 years.

✅ Cost-Effective

While the upfront cost may be similar to traditional methods, the lack of post-repair landscaping or concrete work makes it more affordable in the long run.

When Should You Consider Pipe Bursting?

You may be a good candidate for pipe bursting if you’re experiencing:

  • Frequent sewer backups
  • Tree root intrusion
  • Cracked or collapsed pipes
  • Corroded sewer lines
  • An older clay or cast iron sewer system

Our Los Angeles pipe bursting experts can inspect your system and determine the best solution.

Pipe Bursting vs. Traditional Dig & Replace

FeaturePipe BurstingTraditional Replacement
Digging RequiredMinimalExtensive
Time to Complete1 daySeveral days
Yard DamageLowHigh
Long-Term DurabilityExcellentVaries
CostCompetitiveOften higher due to surface repairs

Trust the Trenchless Experts at John’s Plumbing

At John’s Plumbing & Drain Services, we’ve helped hundreds of Los Angeles homeowners upgrade their old sewer lines using trenchless technology. We combine over a decade of experience with state-of-the-art tools to ensure a smooth, efficient, and clean replacement process.

Final Thoughts

Pipe bursting is a modern, efficient, and non-invasive way to replace damaged sewer or water lines. If you’re facing underground plumbing issues, don’t settle for the mess and cost of traditional methods. Contact the experts at John’s Plumbing & Drain Services to schedule your trenchless consultation today.