Sewer pipe lining is a technique for fixing and renewing sewer lines that are cracked, leaky, clogged, or otherwise compromised. It employs a trenchless, “no dig” method to prevent the need for excavating yards, breaking up sidewalks, or uprooting trees. The process includes sliding a tube soaked in epoxy resin into the old pipes, then expanding this tube and curing it with hot air, steam, or blue light LED technology to form a new, sealed lining against the existing pipe walls. This effectively replaces the damaged sections of the pipe and can extend the lifespan of the sewer system by several decades.
The Detailed Steps of Sewer Pipe Lining
Sewer pipe lining is a sophisticated method for repairing or replacing damaged sewer lines, commonly addressing issues in clay, cast iron, concrete, plastic, and PVC pipes. Here is the process of the trenchless pipe lining:
Sewer Camera Inspection:
This initial step involves using a camera to precisely identify the locations of cracks and damage within the pipes.
Cleaning of Existing Pipes:
Any debris, obstructions, or blockages are thoroughly cleared from the pipes to prepare for the lining process.
Measurement of Existing Pipes:
Accurate measurements are taken to ensure the new lining will fit perfectly.
Preparation of Replacement Tube:
The new pipe liner, typically made from materials like fiberglass, polyester, or a similar fabric, is prepared for insertion.
Epoxy Impregnation & Inversion of Tubing:
The liner is soaked with an epoxy resin and then turned inside out using an inverter drum. This places the epoxy on the outside, enabling it to bond securely to the inner walls of the existing pipe.
Insertion of Tubing into Damaged Pipes:
The resin-coated liner is carefully fed through the pipe system until it is correctly positioned within the damaged sections.
Curing the Tubing:
To form the new pipe lining, the inserted tube is cured using either traditional methods like hot air or steam, which takes between 4 to 12 hours, or more advanced Bluelight LED technology, which can significantly speed up the process.
Restoration of Sewer Flow:
Once the curing phase is complete and the new lining is solidified, sewer service is reinstated, effectively renewing the pipe system.
This trenchless approach minimizes disruption, avoiding the need for extensive digging and providing a long-lasting solution to sewer pipe issues.
The Evolution of Trenchless Pipe Lining
Traditional pipe replacement methods once required extensive excavation, disrupting landscapes, driveways, sidewalks, and even affecting trees and gardens. Trenchless sewer repair emerged as a revolutionary, less disruptive alternative. Plumbing industries initially adopted sliplining techniques, evolved to pipe bursting methods, and have since advanced to pipe lining technologies.
Sliplining Technique
Sliplining consists of inserting new, smaller carrier pipes into the existing damaged pipes. These new pipes are pulled through the old, cracked ones, essentially refurbishing the current pipeline. Water and sewer services are then redirected through these carrier pipes, rendering the old pipes redundant.
Pipe Bursting Method
Pipe bursting is another trenchless replacement technique, which, unlike sliplining, involves breaking the old pipe while inserting a new one. This process requires minimal above-ground entry and exit points, where a new pipe is driven into and through the old pipe, causing the latter to burst and be replaced simultaneously.
Terminology Associated with Trenchless Pipe Lining
Several terms are commonly used interchangeably with the sewer pipe lining process:
- Epoxy Pipe Lining
- Sewer Pipe Relining
- Cured-In-Place-Pipe (CIPP) Lining
- UV Sewer Lining: This refers to Ultraviolet Cured-In-Place pipe lining.
- Lateral Sewer Line
- Sewer Relining
- Internal Pipe Lining
- Drain Pipe Lining
- No Dig Sewer Relining
These terms reflect the variety of techniques and materials used in the modern approach to sewer maintenance and repair, emphasizing the industry’s shift towards more efficient, less invasive solutions.
Rather than excavating our whole yard to fix the leaky pipe, we should consider having the plumbing team apply trenchless sewer pipe lining, utilizing the latest Bluelight LED technology.
Advantages of Sewer Pipe Lining
Trenchless pipe lining is favored by both residential and commercial properties for several compelling reasons:
- Eliminates the need for disruptive digging or excavation, preserving landscapes, trees, and walkways
- Protects underground utilities from potential damage
- Effectively combats root intrusion and mitigates pipe erosion
- Omits the necessity for repaving once the job is done
- Enables traffic to flow uninterrupted during repairs
- Enhances the efficiency of pipe flow
- Offers considerable cost savings by avoiding excavation
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Pipe Lining
How durable is sewer pipe lining?
Sewer pipe lining, when used for repairs or replacements, can extend the life of pipes up to 50 years, although severely damaged pipes might need earlier replacement.
Which type of sewer pipe is recommended?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes are widely recommended for their affordability and ease of use, making them a popular choice among plumbing and sewer professionals.
How often should sewer lines be renewed?
The lifespan of sewer lines largely depends on the material used. While some may need replacement sooner due to significant damage, many sewer lines last between 50 to 100 years, sometimes even longer.
