Case Study Summary

• Location: West Vancouver, BC
• Service: Trenchless Drain Tile Replacement
• Length Replaced: 25 Feet
• Pipe Installed: HDPE Drain Tile
• Depth: 5-6 Feet
• Method: Pipe Bursting
• Project Duration: 3 Days
• Challenge: Existing drain tile ran beneath a garage containing a finished office
• Result: Saved approximately $15,000-$20,000 in demolition and restoration costs while avoiding the need to remove the office or cut through the garage slab

Introduction

When a homeowner in West Vancouver began experiencing water seepage and recurring flooding issues, they knew their aging perimeter drainage system needed attention.

After consulting with several contractors, the homeowner was told the only solution was to excavate through their garage floor to replace the failed drain tile. Unfortunately, the garage had been converted into a functional workspace with a finished office built inside, making traditional excavation both costly and highly disruptive.

Fortunately, trenchless technology provided a much better solution.

Watch the full project walkthrough below:

The Problem

The home was equipped with an older concrete drain tile system that had reached the end of its service life.

Over time, aging concrete drain tile can deteriorate, crack, shift, and lose its ability to effectively collect and transport groundwater away from the foundation.

The homeowner had experienced water seepage and flooding concerns and wanted a permanent solution before the problem became worse.

The challenge was that approximately 25 feet of the drain tile ran directly beneath the garage structure.

The Challenge

Several contractors recommended demolishing a large section of the garage floor in order to access and replace the failed drain tile.

While this approach would have worked, it would have required:

• Saw cutting and removing approximately 25 feet of garage slab
• Demolition of the finished office space built inside the garage
• Significant restoration work following the repair
• Additional project time and disruption for the homeowner

By the time demolition, reconstruction, flooring repairs, and office restoration were completed, the homeowner could have easily faced an additional $15,000 to $20,000 in costs.

The homeowner wanted to know if there was a better option.

Our Solution: Trenchless Pipe Bursting

After evaluating the site, our team determined that trenchless pipe bursting was the ideal solution.

Instead of excavating through the garage, we created two access pits—one on each side of the structure.

Using specialized trenchless equipment, we were able to pull a new HDPE drain tile through the existing pipe path while simultaneously breaking apart the old concrete drain tile underground.

This allowed us to replace the entire section without disturbing the garage slab above.

How The Project Was Completed

Day 1: Excavation

Our crew excavated two access pits on opposite sides of the garage to expose the existing drain tile system.

This provided the entry and exit points required for the trenchless replacement.

Day 2: Pipe Bursting Installation

Using trenchless pipe bursting equipment, we fractured the existing concrete drain tile while simultaneously pulling a new HDPE drain tile into place.

The new pipe followed the existing path beneath the garage without requiring any excavation through the structure.

Day 3: Cleanup & Restoration

Once the installation was complete, connections were finalized, the access pits were backfilled, and the property was cleaned up.

Because the work was completed trenchlessly, the garage slab and finished office remained completely intact.

Why Trenchless Was The Better Option

For this project, trenchless replacement offered several major advantages:

Saved The Finished Office

The homeowner had invested significant time and money creating a functional office inside the garage. Trenchless installation allowed the space to remain untouched.

Avoided Concrete Demolition

Approximately 25 feet of garage slab remained intact, eliminating the need for extensive demolition and reconstruction.

Reduced Project Costs

By avoiding major restoration work, trenchless replacement likely saved the homeowner between $15,000 and $20,000 in additional costs.

Permanent Solution

The aging concrete drain tile was replaced with new HDPE pipe designed to provide decades of reliable service.

What The Homeowner Had To Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Preston and his team were hard working, clear communicators, honest, and thorough. I am completely satisfied and would recommend them without reservation.

They completed a pull-through drain tile replacement under my garage slab. They saved me tens of thousands of dollars and the inconvenience of tearing up the finished garage.”

– Pam, West Vancouver

Final Results

By utilizing trenchless pipe bursting technology, our team successfully replaced 25 feet of failed concrete drain tile beneath a garage without cutting through the floor or disturbing the finished office inside.

The homeowner received a permanent drainage solution while avoiding major demolition, extensive restoration work, and weeks of unnecessary disruption.

Projects like this highlight why trenchless technology has become one of the most effective solutions for drain tile replacement when structures, driveways, garages, patios, or landscaping stand in the way of traditional excavation.

Need Drain Tile Replaced Without Destroying Your Property?

If you’re experiencing water seepage, basement flooding, or drainage problems and have been told your driveway, garage, patio, or landscaping needs to be excavated, there may be a better option.

Your Guy Drainage specializes in trenchless drain tile replacement throughout the Lower Mainland.

Contact our team today to schedule an inspection and find out if trenchless replacement is possible on your property.