Camera-led evaluation for pipe bursting, CIPP lining, and targeted excavation—designed to solve the pipe problem while limiting avoidable disturbance to lawns, paving, and property operations.
Camera qualificationCondition, route, connections, and access
Method-fit reviewBursting, lining, hybrid, or open cut
Controlled accessPits and excavations still may be required
Verified closeoutConnections, testing, camera, and records
The right approach depends on pipe condition, alignment, grade, material, diameter, connections, access, utility conflicts, permit requirements, and the surface above. Emerald starts with evidence before recommending a method.
A bursting head travels through the existing alignment, displacing the old pipe while pulling a new pipe into place.
A resin-saturated liner is inserted and cured inside a properly prepared host pipe to form a new pipe within the existing line.
Targeted or full excavation remains the responsible choice when grade, collapse, access, connections, utility conflicts, or local requirements prevent a trenchless-only solution.
A camera image alone is not the entire answer. The evaluation should connect what is visible inside the pipe with the line’s actual route, depth, access points, connections, surface conditions, records, and governing requirements.
Obtain a usable view of cracks, roots, joints, corrosion, deformation, offsets, and obstructions.
Confirm the route, depth, endpoints, changes in direction, and areas where access may be required.
Document branches, cleanouts, tie-ins, taps, and reconnection or reinstatement responsibilities.
Review utilities, structures, trees, paving, easements, traffic, occupancy, permits, and restoration.
Pipe bursting uses controlled pulling equipment and a bursting head to break or displace the existing pipe while installing a new replacement line. The method can reduce continuous trenching, but it is not excavation-free.
This high-level guide helps frame the evaluation; it is not a method selection or fixed scope. Field conditions, design, manufacturer requirements, permits, and the approved contract control.
Each step narrows uncertainty and protects the final scope, schedule, property, and customer decision.
Review symptoms, history, plans, prior repairs, access, surfaces, and ownership boundaries.
Prepare the line for inspection and document condition, route, depth, and connections.
Compare bursting, lining, targeted excavation, or a hybrid approach against actual conditions.
Define permits, utility/AHJ requirements, access, bypass needs, pits, restoration, and exclusions.
Complete the approved work with required safety controls, inspections, connections, and tests.
Camera the completed line where applicable, document results, restore approved surfaces, and hand off records.
Occupied properties require a plan for resident or tenant notices, access, shutdowns, bypass pumping where required, parking and traffic control, staging, after-hours restrictions, inspections, restoration, and documented closeout.
Discuss a Property Project →Sequence buildings, zones, pits, equipment, and restoration around property operations.
Define shutdown windows, bypass requirements, contingency, notice, and restart procedures.
Identify paving, concrete, landscaping, fencing, traffic, and specialty restoration responsibilities.
Track inspections, videos, connections, tests, concealed conditions, field changes, and warranties.
These general answers support early planning. The inspection, site, utility, adopted code, permit, manufacturer requirements, engineering where applicable, and approved contract control the actual project.
Questions?240.392.3535No. Pipe bursting is a replacement method that pulls a new pipe through the existing alignment while breaking or displacing the old pipe. CIPP lining rehabilitates the existing host pipe by curing a liner inside it.
Usually, yes. Pipe bursting commonly needs launch and receiving access. Lining needs approved access and may require excavation for connections or defects. Pit size, location, safety controls, and restoration depend on the method and site.
Not necessarily. A liner generally follows the existing pipe profile and does not correct failed bedding or negative grade. Bursting also typically follows the established route. Excavation may be needed to reset grade or alignment.
No. The host pipe must meet the selected lining system’s requirements and allow cleaning, measurement, installation, and curing. Severe collapse, obstruction, deformation, access limitations, or connection conditions may require another method.
Qualification may include cleaning, camera inspection, locating, route and depth review, connection mapping, site access, utility conflicts, pipe measurements, records, permit requirements, and an evaluation of restoration and operational constraints.
Not automatically. This page focuses on private-side work within Emerald’s approved licensing and contract scope. Utility-owned mains, taps, roadways, easements, and utility-controlled work require written confirmation and separate authorization.
No universal claim is responsible. Trenchless methods can reduce excavation and restoration under suitable conditions, but access, cleaning, equipment, connections, bypass, permits, utilities, and field conditions determine the final schedule and price.
Share the property, symptoms, line history, surfaces above the route, available videos or plans, and urgency. For an active backup or emergency, call directly.
