Pipe bursting follows the exact path of your old pipework. A bursting head fragments the existing pipe outwards while pulling a new MDPE pipe in behind. Perfect when the original line is the only sensible route.
If your existing supply runs straight, you’d like the new pipe to follow exactly the same line, and the old pipe is brittle (cast iron, alkathene, lead), bursting is often the cleanest option. It avoids creating a second underground route, which is useful if the property is heavily landscaped.
Confirm the pipe is suitable for bursting (some PVC and ductile pipes aren’t).
Pit at each end of the existing run.
Bursting head pulled along the old pipe, fragmenting it outwards while pulling the new MDPE in.
Pressure test, flush, reinstate.
Yes — bursting is the easiest method for going up a size, e.g. ¾” to 32mm.
The fragmented pipe pieces stay underground and the soil compacts back around the new pipe. We always survey for nearby services first.
Slightly — there’s more kit involved — but it’s still far cheaper than open-cut trenching.
Reinforced concrete, ductile iron and some thicker PVC pipes can be tricky; we’ll advise on alternatives if so.
Send a postcode and a couple of details — we’ll come back within the hour with a fixed price.
