Pipe relining is the latest way of repairing broken pipes from the inside. Pipe relining Sydney is popular because of its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in repairing cracked pipes. The method is also known as trenchless pipe repair technology as it doesn’t need digging a trench to access the damaged pipes.
How Does Pipe Relining Work?
There are various methods used for pipe relining. But the most popular process uses epoxy resin to design another pipe in the damaged pipe. Below are the steps involved in relining the pipe:
Inspection and Measurement
The first step in pipe relining is inspecting the plumbing network and assessing the damage. Usually, a camera is inserted into the pipe to check if there are any blockages, missing sections, breaks, or misalignments. The footage captured by the camera helps plumbers diagnose the exact problem and identify the area of the damage.
Cleaning Drains
The next step is to clean the drains using a hydro-jetting process. Hydro-jetting flushes out years of dirt and debris, scale, and other substances that may have accumulated in the pipe. Once clean, the pipe will be ready for lining.
Creating a Customized Pipe Lining
After cleaning the pipes, the plumbers will create a customized liner and bladder according to the pipe’s size and dimensions. The design will also include any bends or junctions in the pipe.
Installing the Relining Solution
Once the customized parts are ready, the professional will soak the liner in epoxy resin. Next, they will insert the uninflated bladder into the pipe. A rope will be attached to both sides of the liner to pull it into the correct position. They will use a drain camera to ensure the position is correct. Then, the bladder is inflated to air blow the liner and seal it on the inner side of the original pipe. As a result, another pipe is created to cover the cracks and other damage. The bladder will stay inflated till the resin is cured. Once the resin is cured, the bladder is deflated and pulled out.
Testing the Relined Pipe
Once the relining is complete, the plumbers will use a CCTV camera to ensure the sealing is in place and correctly installed.
Other Methods of Pipe Relining
While the epoxy resin is the popular method for relining pipes, other methods are also used.
UV-Cured GRP Relining: UV lighting is used to harden the resin found in the lining to create the new pipe.
Ambient Cure Polyester Resin: A two or three-part resin system is used to create the inner pipe. The resins react with each other to harden and create a new pipe.
Heat-Cured Thermosetting Resin: Steam or hot water is used to harden the resin and create the inner pipe.
Benefits of Pipe Relining
Pipe relining has become so popular because of its many benefits. Common benefits of this method include the following:
Doesn’t Disrupt Your Normal Routine
Since pipe relining requires minimal digging, it will not affect your routine or the traffic around the area that needs repairing. It will also not affect your landscaping, fencing or flooring. Typically, a maintenance hole will be needed for the filling, but even in cases where the plumber needs more passage, there will be minimal damage to the landscaping. As a result, this method can be used in public buildings and parks as well.
Saves Time
Pipe relining is much faster than pipe replacement. The latter requires soil digging, removing the damaged pipes, and replacing them. Since this method doesn’t require any of these steps, it can be done in as less as two hours.
Easy to Identify the Cause of the Problem
Since cameras are used during pipe relining, you can assess the damage and identify the exact cause and spot of the problem. This will also help professionals determine whether they should repair the damaged pipe or clear the primary cause.
Provides Scope for Partial Repairs
Pipe relining lets you fix only the damaged pipes. You don’t have to change the entire piping system. If the damage is caused in a small area, you can create a one-meter lining and do a spot fix. You won’t have to repair the entire pipe unnecessarily.
Cost-Effective
While the cost of pipe relining depends on the extent and area of damage to the pipe, it is still relatively cheaper than the traditional pipe replacement methods.
Pipe relining is an effective way of repairing damaged pipes and clearing blocked ones. However, you will need professional plumbers like Bayside Plumbing to carry out the procedure. They help reline broken, blocked, damaged, collapsed, and old pipes to prevent leaks and bursts. You can contact them to get an estimate to reline your damaged pipes.