Pipe Bursting

Replace failing underground pipelines without open excavation.
Pipe bursting breaks apart the old pipe in place while simultaneously pulling in a
new one — faster, cleaner, and less disruptive than traditional replacement.

Pipe bursting setup for a sewer line replacement — southeastern Idaho

- Overview

What Is Pipe Bursting?

Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipeline replacement method that works by pulling a cone-shaped bursting head through an existing pipe. As the head moves forward it fractures the old pipe outward into the surrounding soil while simultaneously pulling a new pipe in behind it — all in a single pass.

The result is a full pipe replacement with no open trench along the pipe run. Only small entry and exit pits are needed at each end. JAG Enterprises uses pipe bursting for sewer, water, gas, and other underground utility replacements throughout Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Pipe bursting works on most pipe materials including clay, concrete, PVC, cast iron, and orangeburg — making it one of the most versatile trenchless replacement methods available.

Method

Static or pneumatic burst

Pipe Materials

Clay, concrete, PVC, cast iron

New Pipe

HDPE, PVC, or ductile iron

Surface Disruption

Minimal — trenchless

- How It Works

Pit Excavation

Small entry and exit pits are dug at each end of the existing pipe run. These are the only points of ground disturbance throughout the project.

Bursting Head Insertion

A cone-shaped bursting head attached to a new pipe is inserted into the existing pipe at the entry pit. Expander wings on the head are sized slightly larger than the existing pipe to fracture it outward.

Simultaneous Burst and Pull

A hydraulic or pneumatic pulling unit at the exit pit draws the bursting head through the old pipe. As it travels forward the old pipe fractures into the surrounding soil while the new pipe follows directly behind.

Connection and Restoration

Once the new pipe reaches the exit pit it is connected to the existing system at both ends. The entry and exit pits are backfilled and the surface is restored — no trenching along the pipe run required.

Why Choose Pipe Bursting

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No open trench along the pipe run — lawns, driveways, and landscaping are protected

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Can upsize the replacement pipe in the same operation if greater capacity is needed

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Works on most existing pipe materials — no need to know exact pipe composition

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Faster project completion and lower restoration costs vs traditional open cut replacement

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New HDPE pipe has a 50+ year service life and is fully corrosion resistant