There are not many home improvement projects anymore besides just the replacement of sewerage pipes. It can be an expensive process which does nothing but improve the appearance or value of the property. One might not even want to do it in the first place, but if the pipes actually get damaged, it would have been the only solution in the past. However, with pipe relining technology, it is a thing of the past.

 

So What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining is a technology which has been used for more than a decade now, but it is still not known of by many people. Most people simply do not know of it and continue to use old methods. Pipe relining is the alternative to pipe replacement. The name itself gives a lot away. It is a technique which plumbers use for relining the interior of the pipes.

A specially designed tube is inserted by plumbers through the pipes to do the pipe relining. Once, the tube in the correct place, the tube would inflate the tubing until it is able to fit tightly against the pipe walls. While on the other hand, resin would be coated outside of the tube which would make it adhere effectively to the pipe. By the time it cures, the pipe relining would provide an extremely durable seamless seal.

Advantages of Pipe Relining

Replacing the underground and sewerage pipes can easily become an expensive nightmare for you. First of all, it requires a trench having to be dug. Then, there would be a need to remove and replace the old pipes. Besides, there would a need for intensive labor and materials to complete the work. This in turn would make it very costly to pursue. Even once the job has been done, you would still need to face further landscaping costs.

When it comes to pipe relining, there would only need to be a single access hole that would have to be dug. It would only have to be about a meter square, and the trenching equipment used would be inexpensive. The tubing is also less expensive as compared to getting new pipes. There is also no need for you to dispose of the old pipes.

Besides just being less costly as compared to replacing the old pipes, pipe relining takes much less time to complete. There would also be less damage to the landscape. You can also take advantage of a warranty that ranges from 10 years to 50 years depending on the product that is used by the plumber. Pipe lining is actually a long-term solution for less cost.

Disadvantages of Pipe Relining

The truth is that there is only one disadvantage which is that it might not always be possible. In case the pipes are crushed or the tree root has caused damaged to the larger holes of the pipes, then the relining material would not have any interior surface to cling on to. While on the other hand, if there are smaller holes, then these can be easily patched. However, if the pipe has been greatly damaged, then it needs to be replaced.

 

When to Replace or Reline Your Pipes?

There are only two situations where you would have to replace or reline the pipes. In majority of the cases, it is not done until there is an emergency. It is possible for the sewerage pipe to become badly choked due to broken pipes or the pipes leaking heavily. Thus, the odor would make you call the local plumber.

Normally, it is less common for a home owner to consider taking any preventive measures. When it comes to older homes, plumbers advise that relining old clay pipes be attached. Often, these old pipes create issues and relining them might help nip the issue in the bud. Lining prevents condensation which occurs on the outside of pipes and is seamless. Relining the pipes helps avoid tree roots from blocking the pipes.

Keep in mind that not all plumbers offer pipe relining services, which is why you need to choose a reputable pipe relining company to help you with pipe lining. They will help save money on pipe relining.

 

How Is Pipe Relining Done?

Pipe relining involves various stages. These are explained as follows.

Firstly, the pipes will be inspected and checked properly to examine the extent of damages caused. Closed circuit cameras had been used in the past, but with the progression in technology, forced electron leak location equipment (FELL) is used for examining the damages. It provides much better results.

• Next, the blocked pipes will be cleaned which involves multiple steps. First of all, the pipes would be cleaned using conventional methods, then any large or solid blockages would be removed. This is when robotic cutters are employed. Finally, a high pressure water jet would be used for finishing up the cleaning and ensuring that there is a good surface for the resin to be set on the pipe walls.
• Another final check would be performed to ensure that the pipes are prepared to be relined. Normally, closed circuit cameras would be used to do so.
• The length of the lining would be determined from the length of pipes, along with the extent of damages.
• Once the length of the pipe has been determined, the pipe would be saturated with epoxy resin. This means that the entire pipe would be completely filled with resin which would actually become the pipe after the curing.
• The curing process is followed in this step, which is easily the longest step. The step can either be performed by hot water to accelerate the process, or by letting the lining simply cure on its own. Lastly, UV radiation would be used for taking the cured lining and achieving complete hardness.
• Before the process is completed, all of the inspection pits and junctions are cut. The process makes use of the robotic cutters to remove the junctions. On the other hand, the inspection pits would be taken care of with the help of surface level cutters or grinders.
• At last, the pipe relining process has been completed. Checks would need to be performed to ensure that pipes are efficiently running or not.