When lining may fit
CIPP lining may rehabilitate a clean, accessible pipe that retains enough shape for installation. It follows the existing line and grade, so it does not correct a severe belly or bad slope.
When pipe bursting may fit
Pipe bursting replaces the line along the existing path and normally requires access points. Route, soil, nearby utilities, connections, and local requirements can limit its use.
When excavation still matters
Collapse, slope correction, difficult connections, or an inaccessible section can require excavation. A hybrid scope may excavate one failed section and use a trenchless method elsewhere.
What the comparison should include
Compare eligible footage, preparation, access points, connections, capacity, permits, restoration, exclusions, and the conditions that would force a method change.
Sources
- Minnesota 811 / Gopher State One Call — State utility-location requirements before excavation.
- NASSCO pipe rehabilitation matrix — Pipe rehabilitation methods and limitations.