Introduction to Pipe Relining
Pipe relining is a trenchless repair technique that rehabilitates damaged pipes by inserting a resin-soaked liner, which cures to create a robust internal layer, sealing and strengthening the original pipe without excavation.
How Pipe Relining Works
Trenchless pipe relining comprises key stages:
- Inspection - Initially, a CCTV drain camera is employed to closely inspect the pipe, revealing issues like cracks and blockages, and determining if relining is feasible.
- Cleaning - We then rigorously clean the pipe to eliminate debris and roots, ensuring unhindered liner insertion. Proper cleaning also plays a critical role in addressing damage from tree roots, which can ensure the liner bonds effectively to the pipe walls.
- Liner Insertion - A flexible felt liner soaked in epoxy resin is then fed through an access point and inserted into pipes. Air pressure pushes the liner in place, ensuring it contacts all areas of the pipe interior, ideal for the repair of a broken pipe.
- Curing - Hot water or steam cures the epoxy resin, sealing not only the pipe’s defects but also reinforcing its entirety. The end result is a seamless "pipe within a pipe" with added strength and longevity compared to the original.
Pipe relining is an efficient, non-invasive method that equips pipes within your home for lasting performance with minimal degradation.
Materials Used in Pipe Relining
The primary material in pipe relining is a flexible liner impregnated with epoxy resin, forming a durable and smooth interior once cured inside the existing pipe.
Epoxy resins are favoured for pipe relining due to their beneficial properties:
- The epoxy resin cures to impart exceptional toughness and structural reinforcement, thus fortifying the pipe.
- Chemical resistance - Its resistance to common household chemicals carried by drain pipes helps prevent additional damage.
- Impermeable - The hardened resin seals any potential leaks and cracks, preventing water infiltration or tree roots intrusion.
For larger sewer pipes, we use flowable fill products to support the liner and enhance the stability of the surrounding soil. Relined pipes typically outperform traditional ones in strength, causing minimal routine disruption thanks to their reinforced composite structure.
Can a Pipe Be Relined More Than Once?
If its structural condition allows, a pipe may be relined several times. There are several factors to consider regarding multiple pipe relines:
- Condition - The pipe must still be structurally sound enough for additional relining, even with cracked broken pipes. Severely corroded or deteriorated pipes may only support one relining.
- Size - Relined pipes become slightly smaller, so technicians will evaluate if there’s adequate space for more liners, especially on older pipes.
- Cost - Although there are benefits to pipe relining, it must be noted that the cost of multiple relinings may exceed that of a complete replacement. In areas where excavation is impractical, multiple no-dig relinings could be the sensible choice.
Overall, properly done pipe relining results in durable, long-lasting repairs, offering an advantageous alternative to traditional repair methods. Repaired through relining, pipes can have a robust life expectancy, lasting up to or beyond 50 years. With regular maintenance and inspection, they can support multiple pipe relining jobs over time in lieu of replacement.
We have demonstrated how relining can successfully restore old epoxy liners that were approaching the end of their functional life. Leveraging our expertise, we effectively reline pipes, extending their use while minimising property disruption. So, give us a ring and your plumber will evaluate if your pipes are fitting candidates for further relining.
Factors Impacting Multiple Relines
There are several key factors that determine whether multiple pipe relines are possible:
Pipe Material and Condition
Decisions on pipe maintenance take into account various pipe materials as well as their current states. Pipes made of sturdy materials like PVC and concrete may be suitable for several drain relining procedures over time. However, in an instance where pipes need critical attention because they are severely corroded, cracked, or collapsed, there is a higher risk of failure, and they may only withstand one relining.
Pipe Size and Capacity
Every relining slightly narrows the pipe’s interior diameter, circumventing the need for excavation. Technicians must ensure there’s sufficient space for further liners, particularly in older, narrower pipes. Relining also works best on straight pipe sections versus junctions or bends.
Installation Quality
The quality and workmanship of previous relines method can impact future works. Achieving thorough resin saturation and proper installation is vital for the liner’s optimal bonding and strength. Should there be no proper saturation, liners are more prone to failure or detachment.
Environmental Factors
The operating climate and soil conditions affect long-term pipe integrity. Relined pipes in aggressive soil or extreme weather may deteriorate faster than those in benign environments. The frequency of optimal relining is dictated by local site conditions.
With a detailed inspection and evaluation, Our technicians, well-versed in all aspects of plumbing repairs, can gauge how much pipe relining rehabilitation is needed to optimise functionality.
Structural Integrity Considerations
Relining pipes can impact their structural integrity in a few key ways. Proper assessment and workmanship helps minimise these risks:
- Each relining slightly decreases the overall strength of the pipe. Technicians may recommend replacement if there’s no way to ensure substantial integrity remaining.
- Liner Detachment – Poor resin saturation or curing can lead to liners peeling away from original pipes over time.
- Further Corrosion – Any remaining cracks or leaks can enable ongoing pipe corrosion after relining.
The goal of quality pipe relining is to bolster structural integrity with a strengthened composite build. The combined layers create a stronger, more durable pipe inside structure able to withstand pressure, weight loads and typical deterioration.
We ensure comprehensive inspections both pre- and post-relining to maintain the integrity of your piping system. We provide up to a 10-year workmanship warranty with our pipe relining services, underscoring the long-term integrity of the relined pipes.
When to Replace vs. Reline a Pipe
Severely damaged or worn pipes may eventually become irreparable. Our technicians carefully assess key factors to advise whether replacement or relining is the best solution:
- Extent of Damage - Severely corroded, collapsed, or extensively cracked pipes usually necessitate complete replacement. Relining works better on pipes with more moderate wear.
- Pipe Size & Type - Older, smaller pipes provide little room for relining, especially after multiple jobs. There no metal pipes also have higher relining suitability.
- Location & Accessibility - Replacement is often easier for smaller straight pipe sections versus long runs or awkward areas. Relining works well on hard-to-access pipes.
- Cost - Against extensive damage, traditional pipe replacement may prove more cost-effective in the long run compared to multiple relining jobs.
Among the benefits pipe relining offers, it is a solution intended to extend the service life of deteriorating pipes, not a permanent fix. Once structural integrity drops below functional levels, replacement becomes the necessary option. Our expertise can also help you to know what this critical crossover point is.
Pipe Relining vs. Replacement Cost Analysis
When deciding on relining vs pipe replacement, cost is often a crucial consideration. Here is an overview of typical costs:
Pipe Relining
Pipe relining typically ranges from $80 to $250 per linear metre, with costs influenced by pipe dimensions, material, and site accessibility. It eliminates the replacing old pipes process, so avoids high labour and surface restoration expenses associated with replacement. Relining also causes minimal disruption, sparing you the hassle of digging up your driveway compared to replacement projects.
Pipe Replacement
On average, pipe replacement costs between $200 and $500 per linear metre, with prices varying based on material, location, and site specifics. It requires extensive excavation to access and remove old pipes and install new piping. This digging process significantly raises costs for equipment, surface repair, permit fees and labour, more so than what does pipe relining.
While many homeowners ponder how does pipe relining work with lower upfront costs, older pipes may need multiple relining over time. At some point replacement becomes the more cost-effective long-term solution. We’ll evaluate your system considering the advantages of pipe relining to advise on the most cost-effective solution.
Environmental Impact and Longevity
Compared to full replacement, pipe relining presents considerable environmental advantages. What pipe relining does is preserve existing pipes rather than discarding them, thereby, reducing landfill waste and minimising the carbon footprint of repairs. Relining is also less disruptive as it eliminates the need for extensive digging and heavy machinery.
The longevity of relined pipes within your plumbing system contributes to these eco-friendly credentials. Quality pipe relining, Sealing cracks and leaks, the process yields durable repairs that, with appropriate upkeep, can last 50 years or more. This reduces the frequency of pipe repairs over the lifetime of a plumbing system, further limiting environmental impact.
Specific environmental advantages include:
- Minimal waste - No pipe materials are discarded since existing pipes are reused.
- Preserves landscapes - Eliminates digging trenches through your yard, including lawns and landscaped areas.
- Reduced carbon emissions - Significantly less vehicle/equipment operation compared to full replacement.
By extending the functional lifespan of drainage systems, quality pipe relining provides an environmentally-conscious and sustainable repair solution for homeowners and businesses alike.
Tips for Maintaining Relined Pipes
To ensure you get your most out of a relined pipe and optimise its lifespan, here are some maintenance tips:
- Conduct CCTV camera inspections every 2 to 3 years to identify and address any integrity issues in your relined pipes. Check for any new cracks or leaks that might necessitate drain repair in the relined pipe.
- Act swiftly to clear broken blocked drains before tree roots cause further pipe damage and escalate into greater plumbing issues. Any accumulations of debris, grease or roots can cause backups and damage if left untreated.
- Avoid pouring harsh chemicals like paint thinners down drains. The epoxy liner provides good chemical resistance but is not impervious to the substances that flow through pipes your home.
- Upgrade any old plumbing fixtures or appliances that could be putting excess strain on pipes, such as pre-1992 toilets.
- Install basket strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and hair. This prevents buildup inside pipes.
- Seal any leaky joints or small pipe cracks promptly. Even minor leaks carry the risk of moisture infiltrating your pipe over time, which could damage your property.
With periodic inspection and good preventative care, don’t hesitate to call us to ensure quality relined pipes can continue functioning at optimal levels for 50+ years. Call your local experts now if you notice any issues cropping up so we can fix your pipes before major failures occur.
