Trenchless Pipe Replacement in Vancouver & Burnaby — No Digging Required

What Is Trenchless Pipe Replacement?

Trenchless pipe replacement is a modern method of replacing underground water mains and sewer lines without excavating your entire yard, driveway, or landscaping. At HYDROPRO PLUMBING & WATER LTD, we use advanced trenchless technology to replace pipes through small access points, saving you time, money, and the headache of property restoration. This technology is particularly valuable in dense Vancouver and Burnaby neighbourhoods where traditional excavation would disrupt driveways, sidewalks, and mature landscaping.

Trenchless Methods We Use

Pipe Bursting

A hydraulic bursting head is pulled through the existing damaged pipe, fracturing it outward while simultaneously pulling a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe into place. This method works for severely damaged, collapsed, or undersized pipes and can even upsize the pipe diameter during replacement. Pipe bursting is our most common method for water main replacement in Vancouver.

Pipe Lining (CIPP — Cured-In-Place Pipe)

A flexible resin-saturated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and inflated against the inner walls. Once cured (using heat, UV light, or ambient temperature), it creates a smooth, seamless "pipe within a pipe" with a lifespan exceeding 50 years. Pipe lining is ideal for sewer lines with cracks, root intrusion, or joint separation where the pipe structure is still largely intact.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)

For new pipe installations or situations where the old pipe path can't be reused, HDD bores a new path underground and pulls new pipe through the bore. This is particularly useful when pipes run under roads, driveways, or other structures that can't be disturbed.

Benefits Over Traditional Excavation

• Minimal property damage — only 1-2 small access pits instead of a full trench across your property
• Faster completion — most jobs finished in 1-2 days vs. a week or more for traditional methods
• Lower total cost — no expensive landscaping, driveway, or sidewalk restoration needed
• Superior new pipe — HDPE pipes are jointless, corrosion-resistant, and outlast traditional materials
• Less disruption — no heavy machinery tearing up your yard, fewer noise complaints from neighbours
• Environmentally friendly — less soil disturbance, waste, and fuel consumption

When Is Trenchless Right for Your Property?

Trenchless replacement works for most situations, but we always perform a camera inspection first to determine the best approach. It's especially beneficial when pipes run under driveways, patios, or mature trees you want to preserve. In some cases — such as severely bellied pipes or those requiring major rerouting — traditional excavation with concrete and asphalt restoration may be more appropriate. We'll always recommend the most cost-effective solution for your specific situation.

View our trenchless projects in the project gallery.