How Does Pipe Relining Work?
We are wondering how pipe relining works to restore the proper functioning of any plumbing system? We break it down for you through this extensive guide on the topic.
Have you just found a malfunctioning drain at home but don’t know what to do? You’re at the right place!
Traditional drain repair methods are available, and that may have popped up in your mind first. But such repairs might not be durable and long-lasting enough since the material used is not adequately resistant to regular wear and tear. Plus, they would need a lot of digging, which can affect the landscape substantially.
The modern pipe relining procedure is the best to go for, as it uses highly durable material and requires minimal or no digging. But to know whether this would be the most suitable option for you, it’s essential to be aware of the nitty-gritty of the procedure.
That’s why we’ve curated this detailed guide for you. Go on and give it a read.
It is common for your existing pipelines to crack, break or fracture. And, we know that most homeowners dread the cost involved to repair existing pipelines. However, an alternative to repairing your existing pipe wall is known as pipe relining. Pipe relining makes repairing your drain pipe easier by only needing a small hole to repair the section of the pipe.
To put it simply, it involves creating a new, stronger pipe inside the existing damaged one, thereby promoting an improved flow of water and preventing cracks from forming. When your pipe system is relined, leaks are stopped and further damage is prevented.
Experts in the field adopt various approaches and methods of pipe relining. But the one that we’ll be dealing with in this article is the most widely used technique to repair pipes. In this drain relining process, a pipe relining specialist use an epoxy resin solution to design another pipe inside the cracked or broken sewer pipe.
To understand how this works, let’s look at the various steps involved.
Professionals begin by assessing the plumbing network since it’s indispensable to any plumbing repair work. Since pipe relining involves internal repair, a drain camera is usually inserted into the pipe to ascertain the presence of any blockages, breakage, missing sections, or misalignments.
The real-time footage captured by the camera helps identify the exact problem and the spot where it’s located.
Following this, a hydro-jetting procedure is used to clean the drain connected to the pipe. It helps flush out years of debris, obstructions, scale and other substances accumulated in the passages. This way, the pipe is made ready for lining.
The professionals then create a customised liner and bladder per the affected pipe’s dimensions. This design also includes any junctions or bends in the pipe.
Once the two customised parts are ready for installation, the liner is soaked in high-quality epoxy resin, while the bladder is placed within the pipe in an uninflated form.
At this point, the professionals attach a rope to both ends of the liner. It is then used for pulling the liner in the correct position within the pipe with the help of some access points.
A drain camera is also utilised to ensure that the positioning is perfect. Next, they inflate the bladder, and the air blows out the liner to help it seal on the inner lining of the original pipe.
This creates another pipe covering cracks, breaks, or other damages in the old one. Note that the bladder stays inflated until the resin is cured, making the pipe more challenging. Finally, the bladder is deflated and pulled out to leave a new and perfectly watertight pipe.
After the relining is complete, the plumbing professionals use a CCTV camera to ascertain that the sealing and installation are performed correctly.
You must’ve understood that pipe relining is a highly advanced procedure. But it’s also essential to know what you’ll get from this pipe repair method. Here’s our rundown on the various benefits of pipe relining.
Since the procedure involves minimal digging, it doesn’t affect any traffic around the repair spot. This method is also suitable for public buildings and parks that require pipe repair.
Furthermore, the procedure will not alter homes’ landscape, flooring, or fencing. A maintenance hole is generally used for the filling, but even in cases where more passage is needed, the disruption to the landscape is minor.
Pipe relining is a much quicker procedure than pipe replacement. All the time goes into soil digging, removing the original pipes, and replacing them is eliminated. It will take around two hours to fix the pipe through pipe relining. And considering the advanced drying techniques used nowadays, the time might be reduced further.
Since CCTV cameras are used at the start, the professionals can assess the damage level and know the cause of the break or blockage. They can also decide whether to act upon the broken or blocked pipe or the agent bringing about the damage.
Compared to the traditional pipe replacement procedure, the pipe relining system offers you the scope of fixing just the damaged pipes. And if the problem arises due to a single hole at one spot in the pipe, professionals can conduct a one-meter relining to sort it out. Hence, you never have to pay to repair the entire length of the pipe.
It would help if you kept in mind that relining pipes is beneficial for broken pipes, but it is equally effective for fixing blocked ones. The new pipe provides a much smoother surface to aid drainage since deposits can’t stick to it.
The cost would, of course, depend on the amount of damage that needs to be addressed. But the pipe relining costs are still a cheaper alternative when considering the expenses of replacing or fixing damaged parts during excavation.
This trenchless procedure of repairing pipes can be expected to last for as long as 50 years. But to get such results, you’ll have to ensure that the relined pipes and the surrounding plumbing system are subjected to routine check-ups.
Generally, plumbing companies offer an installation warranty of 10 years on the liners used for the procedure. But apart from that, some provide a 50-year warranty on the pipe relining service, further enhancing its reliability.
This procedure can be applied to several pipes such as stormwater, water mains, fire service, pool, concrete, copper, and sewer pipes. Thus, you can rest assured that professionals can rectify most pipe damages using this technique.
Due to ultraviolet light in the curing process, the pipes may sometimes release certain harmful chemicals into the soil. However, expert workmanship and design can eliminate or reduce this problem.
Speaking of the resin used, it is tested to be perfectly environment-friendly. That’s why your decision to reline one or more pipes doesn’t threaten the environment.
Relining a wholly or partially collapsed pipe will require special equipment such as robotic cutters. This advanced tool helps grind away the collapsed sections of the pipe so that its internal diameter can be reopened.
If the company you’re hiring for the job has such equipment, they’ll very well be able to handle these issues. So, you must discuss this with them beforehand if you’re faced with such an issue.
Now that you’ve learnt all about the procedure, it’s high time you call a reliable plumbing service to reline the damaged pipe(s) at home. One decision will keep your pipes perfectly secured against any wear and tear in future. Sewer pipes are one of the most common pipelines we repair. This is because tree roots infiltrate the pipes.
Most plumbing companies across the country use different pipe relining technology to address any plumbing issue. At WP Plumbing, our pipe relining specialists are trained and highly experienced in performing sewer pipe relining across Melbourne. Reach out to our team for more information.
Finding one that offers quality pipe relining services won’t be difficult. Search online for the nearest plumbing company that has received high ratings and reviews and get in touch with them. They’ll take care of it all.
With that, we’ll sign off for today. Till next time!
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