Pipe bursting is accomplished by pulling an expander head (also known as a “bursting head” or a “bullet”) through the old pipe. The head is small enough to fit through the existing pipe, and it fractures the existing pipe as it is pulled through.
The back of the head is connected to new pipe, which it drags and places behind it.
A pulling machine is used to apply force. Power is supplied by a hydraulic system that is connected to pulling rods, which is in turn attached to the expander head. The pulling machine is lowered into the receiving pit, and the head begins its journey in the launching or insertion pit.