Abstract: The underground pipe replacement method and apparatus includes placing a ripping tool having cutting blades into the bore of one end of the existing pipe; pulling the ripping tool through the bore of the existing pipe and cutting a plurality of slots through the wall of the existing pipe; disposing a length of rods throughout the existing pipe as the ripping tool passes through the existing pipe; plugging one end of the ripped pipe and allowing water to pass through the open end of the pipe; allowing the water to stand in the existing pipe and flow through the slots in the pipe and into the formation; softening the earth formation around the pipe; and crushing the existing pipe with a crushing tool.

Abstract: Underground frangible pipe replacement apparatus and methods for replacing an existing unserviceable pipe by first crushing the existing pipe entirely inwardly, or imploding it, to destroy it. The resulting shards are then forced outwardly into the surrounding soil, creating a bore large enough to accommodate a replacement pipe at least as large as, or large than, the old pipe. The new pipe is pulled into place substantially simultaneously with the expansion of the bore. The crushing tool includes a generally tubular main body and a plurality of longitudinally extending, tapered blades circumferentially disposed about the ID of the main body of the crushing tool. The blades taper outwardly and forwardly from near the midportion of the crushing tool. The crushing tool has a connecting rod at its center, including means for connecting the crushing tool to a motive force at one end and means for connecting the crushing tool to the expanding plug at the other end.