As a plumbing company, we encounter a variety of safety hazards on a day-to-day basis. One of the most common hazards we encounter is the need for shoring. For those who don’t know, shoring is the process of temporarily supporting a structure to prevent it from collapsing. While shoring is often necessary for certain plumbing projects, we’ve found that it’s possible to greatly reduce the need for shoring through the use of alternative techniques.
The most effective way to eliminate shoring is to use trenchless technology. Essentially, trenchless technology is a process of digging tunnels and laying pipes without having to excavate large trenches. This is a win-win situation for both plumbers and clients. Plumbers don’t have to worry about shoring, and clients don’t have to worry about their property being destroyed.
Of course, trenchless technology isn’t appropriate for every project. It’s best suited for smaller projects such as sewer line repairs, drain cleaning, and water line installations. However, it can be used for larger projects too, provided that the existing pipes must be rehabilitated and not completely replaced.
One of the most popular trenchless techniques used is called “pipe bursting.” Pipe bursting is the process of breaking up existing pipes while simultaneously installing new ones. Essentially, a bursting head is inserted into the existing pipe, which breaks it up as it moves along. A new pipe is then inserted in its place, directly behind the bursting head. Once the head has finished moving along the pipeline, the new pipe is in place and the old pipe is gone.
Another trenchless technique that can help eliminate shoring is “cured-in-place-piping” or CIPP. This method involves inserting a liner into the existing pipe and then curing it in place, creating a new pipe inside the old one. It’s not as effective as pipe bursting when it comes to larger diameter pipes, but it’s still a viable option for small- to medium-diameter pipes.
Using trenchless technology not only eliminates the need for shoring, but it also saves time and money. Trenchless technology often requires less labor than traditional trenching and it typically requires just a few hours to complete a project, as opposed to several days. Additionally, trenchless technology often doesn’t require the need for heavy machinery, which can lower the overall cost of a project.
While ditching shoring through the use of trenchless technology can be a great solution for many plumbing projects, it’s important to remember that it’s not appropriate for every situation. In some cases, shoring is necessary to ensure safety and prevent damage to property. However, as a plumbing company, we always make safety our top priority and we’ll do everything we can to protect our clients’ property while performing the necessary work.
In conclusion, trenchless technology is a great way to reduce the need for shoring during plumbing projects. It’s a cost-effective and time-saving solution that can be used for a variety of projects, big and small. If you’re in need of plumbing services, considering talking to your plumber about the use of trenchless technology. And remember, at Ace Plumbing, we always put safety first and provide quality service that ensures your property is well protected during any plumbing project.