While homeownership comes with many liberating advantages and benefits, it does not mean homeowners are free from headaches. One particular bane of property owners is dealing with sewer or underground drain problems. If memory serves us right, sewer snags often lead to expensive pipe repair costs.
Pipelining is the preferred modern-day solution for pipe maintenance and repair. For one, it is more affordable than traditional practices. Secondly, pipe lining does not take days, if not weeks, to finish, unlike regular pipe installation.
Drain Magic specializes in providing pipe lining solutions for homeowners in the South Central Pennsylvania area. You can trust our drain magicians’ expertise to deliver a service like no other.
But if you reside elsewhere and have no idea how pipe lining works, keep reading. We’ll explain how to execute pipe lining here, so you can oversee your sewer technicians.
What is Pipe Lining?
In plumbing, specifically traditional plumbing, technicians dig trenches to inspect and repair the damage manually. That meant gnarly holes and damaged lawns or pavements to many homeowners. Due to pipelining, contemporary pipeline inspection and maintenance free homeowners from visual torment.
Pipelining, or cured-in-place pipe lining or pipe relining, is a minimally invasive sewer repair process. It works by creating a new pipe layer within existing tubes, reinforcing the structural integrity of the old pipeline. Plus, it doesn’t require digging trenches, making it every homeowner’s preferred solution.
How does pipe lining work?
- Before inserting the new pipes, plumbing lines are inspected using remote robotics or push cameras.
- Sewer technicians then subject the pipes to hydro jetting, cleaning and eliminating protruding roots or debris.
- Finally, they insert and inflate the new pipe liner within the old one, resulting in an almost new pipeline.
5 Best Practices for Doing Pipe Lining
Here are the best practices for trenchless pipe lining that every sewer technician must follow to a T:
Use the correct pipe material for the job
Epoxy resins are the standard piping material used in a pipe lining project. These are thermoset polymers or materials that irreversibly harden through heat exposure.
Epoxy resin-based compositions are created by reacting two or more industrial compounds. Mixing resin with fiberglass, polyester, or Kevlar results in a flexible felt tube inserted into the pipeline. Through UV exposure, the material cures into extreme hardness, beating PVC or ABS materials in durability.
Use the proper pipe size for the job
Unlike traditional approaches, pipe lining does not use ready-made tubes. Thus, finding the right size deals more with using the correct epoxy resin combination. Moreover, improper resin saturation into the mix results in a poor water-tight seal. As a result, the lining pipe may have a shorter lifespan than expected.
Use the right pipe fittings for the job
While pipe fittings are more prominent in pipe installation, it is also relevant in pipelining. You need proper fitting to connect two pipe sections or change the direction. Using the wrong fit leads to improper sealing and leaks.
In pipe relining, it’s important to impregnate the felt tube with resin to the appropriate thickness. This ensures the pipe holds up under pressure and the diameter is just right. Otherwise, homeowners may experience poor flow capacity or rupture the newly installed lining.
Use the correct pipe inflation for the job
Once the felt tube is impregnated with the resin, techs must inflate it to shape and fit properly within the pipe. It is important to use a pipe inflation device appropriate for the job. Several different types of inflators are available, each designed for specific pipe sizes and materials.
Weak air pressure creates a poor fit within the pipe walls, resulting in water leakage and inadequate flow capacity. Conversely, too much pressure can over-stress and damage the pipe, leading to a failed installation or weakened integrity.
Careful consideration should be given to selecting the right pipe inflator for each job.
Use the suitable cure method for the job
Finally, after inserting the felt tube, heating or UV light is applied to cure and harden the resin. Sewer technicians must supply the required temperature to ensure the resin achieves the best hardness.
Some professionals use hot water or steam for curing, which results in uneven heating. As such, implementing proper workarounds is necessary to ensure even heat distribution.
Pipelining Advantages and Disadvantages
Despite being seemingly better on all fronts than traditional pipe repair, pipe relining has drawbacks. The advantages also come with disadvantages that homeowners must know:
Pipelining advantages
- Cost-effective in the long run
Pipelining requires less labor than usual. Plus, it has significantly less property disruption saving you from further repair costs.
- Faster than traditional pipe replacement
Pipelining usually takes a few hours to a whole day, depending on the extent of the damage. Traditional repair methods take days or even weeks.
- Long-lasting solution
The resin-epoxy mix achieves extreme hardness after curing, rivaling even cast-iron pipes.
- Environmentally friendly
It requires less environmental disruption and eliminates the need for smoke-belching heavy equipment.
Pipelining disadvantages
- Difficult to remove
Like traditional pipe installation, pipe relining is considered permanent. After curing, it is impossible to remove without directly accessing the pipes.
- Proper installation is a must
Pipe relining has no room for errors. Every calibration, mix, process and air pressure must all be perfect to ensure a flawless installation. Otherwise, fixing a poor fitment or decreased flow capacity will need a traditional remedy.
That’s where Drain Magic shines above the rest. Our drain magicians are trained, licensed and certified to render wonderful pipe relining services. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you live in South Central Pennsylvania and require a service.
Call us at 717-936-9444 or book an appointment here.