Whether it is referred to as "no dig" or "trenchless technology" ;one way or another I'm sure you have heard about this revolutionary field in sewer/pipe inspection, sewer rehabilitation, sewer lining, cleaning and guided auger boring. Trenchless technology removes the need for surface excavation, reduces underground construction costs, and also minimizes environmental damage.

One of the biggest advantages, for residents in the areas where services need to be performed on a pipeline, is that you eliminate the problems associated with digging in such a high traffic area. Trenchless technology makes it possible not to dig up the road and make the area more congested than it already is, thus reducing the disruption on the general public.

Perco Engineering, a Midlands-based company who specialise in trenchless technology, has made developments in robotic sewer inspection. The use of robotics in sewer inspection creates measurable data for agencies to provide a better understanding of the current systems. Robotic sewer inspection prepares you for when a break could occur, where there is a crack or a leak, and also with high resolution images of the pipe. And it can all be done while the pipe is in service.

Laser scanning is also possible with many trenchless robots. Laser scanning creates a 3-dimensional model of the pipe's environment – which in turn provides you with measurable results and visualization of features that are not visible with traditional CCTV pipe inspection.

Today's trenchless technology also allows for gas monitoring and Hydrogen Sulfide measurement. Measuring gas levels helps to highlight significant variations in levels or presence of undesirable gases, allowing rehabilitation efforts to be directed to the most appropriate areas.