Is trenchless sewer repair allowed by plumbing code?

Bursting pulls new pipe through the old pipe as it's broken apart. The code limits it this way:

• Size: gravity building sewer and drain piping of 6 inches or smaller, replaced with pipe of the same nominal size.
• Pipe: high-density polyethylene (HDPE), SDR 17, meeting ASTM F714. The pipe stiffness entry explains a separate structural characteristic; neither an SDR label nor a stiffness value replaces the governing product and installation requirements.
• Camera survey before: recorded, with the position of cleanouts and depth of connections noted.
• Cleanouts: added if the existing line didn't have code-compliant ones.
• Camera survey after: the code official reviews and approves the video before the pressure test.
• Test: the new piping and its connections are pressure tested under Section 312.

Relining puts a liner inside the existing pipe. The code applies it only to gravity piping 4 inches or larger, and the relined pipe keeps the same nominal size. The steps:

1. 1Clean. The pipe is descaled and cleaned, then flushed with water.
2. 2Record. A video survey confirms the address, notes cleanouts and fittings and approximate depth, and notes the length of piping at intervals not greater than 25 feet.
3. 3Permit review. Before the permit is issued, the code official reviews that video to decide whether the pipe can be relined under the liner maker's requirements.
4. 4Install. Fold-and-form liners must meet ASTM F1504 or ASTM F1871. The installer records the data required by the manufacturer, including the location, liner type and amount installed, and a copy goes to the code official before final approval.
5. 5Verify. After flushing and flow testing, another recorded video goes to the code official. Defects found have to be repaired.
6. 6Certify. The permit holder gives the code official a written certification that the liner was installed to the manufacturer's instructions, the standards and the code.

Section 717.5 says relining "shall not be permitted" where the video shows piping "not installed correctly or defects exist." The defective parts must be exposed and repaired with pipe and fittings under the code. The listed defects include "backgrade or insufficient slope, complete pipe wall deterioration or complete separations such as from tree root invasion or improper support." So a line with a complete separation, reverse grade or too little slope has to have that section exposed and repaired first.

Section 718.1 covers cured-in-place repair. Sectional repairs follow ASTM F2599. Main-and-lateral repairs follow ASTM F2561. Hydrophilic rings or gaskets used in cured-in-place repair follow ASTM F3240.

• Ask for the camera survey. For bursting or relining, the code requires the video before the work, so a contractor who says there's no need for one isn't following the code as written.
• Expect a permit. For relining, the code runs the review, the final video and the approval through the permit.
• Keep the paperwork. For methods covered by Sections 716 and 717, retain the required surveys; Section 717 also requires certification. Ask the code official what documentation the selected repair method needs.
• Check your city. Phoenix also allows the Uniform Plumbing Code, and other Valley cities are on different editions. This page covers the IPC text, so ask which applies to your address.

If your line needs a camera first, HQ does sewer camera inspections with a written report and the recording, and gives free estimates and upfront pricing on sewer repair. For how the methods compare, see trenchless sewer repair vs digging and full reline, partial reline or nothing.