What to Expect During Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is a revolutionary technique that has transformed the way damaged or blocked pipes are repaired. Unlike traditional methods that require extensive digging and disruption, pipe relining offers a minimally invasive solution that restores the functionality of your plumbing system efficiently and effectively. 

If you’re considering pipe relining for your home or business, here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect during the process.

1. Initial Inspection

The first step in the pipe relining process is a thorough inspection of your existing pipes. This inspection is conducted using advanced CCTV cameras that are inserted into the pipe system. The cameras provide a clear view of the interior of the pipes, allowing the plumber to assess the extent of the damage, identify blockages, and pinpoint any structural issues.

What Happens:
The camera inspection helps determine whether pipe relining is a suitable solution for your specific plumbing issues. It also provides crucial information that will guide the subsequent steps in the process.

Outcome:
A detailed understanding of the condition of your pipes, including the location and severity of any damage.

2. Pipe Cleaning

Once the inspection is complete and pipe relining is deemed appropriate, the next step is to clean the pipes thoroughly. Cleaning is essential to ensure that the new liner adheres properly to the interior of the existing pipe. Various methods can be used for this, but high-pressure water jetting is one of the most effective. This technique blasts water through the pipes, removing any debris, blockages, or buildup that could interfere with the relining process.

What Happens:
The pipes are cleared of any obstructions, such as tree roots, grease, or mineral deposits, ensuring a clean surface for the liner.

Outcome:
A clean, debris-free pipe interior, ready for the relining material.

3. Secondary Inspection

After the pipes have been cleaned, a second inspection is performed to ensure that all debris has been successfully removed and that the pipe is fully prepared for relining. This inspection is crucial for verifying that the pipe is in the right condition for the liner to be installed effectively.

What Happens:
The plumber re-inserts the CCTV camera to check the cleaned pipe and confirm that it’s ready for the relining process.

Outcome:
Confirmation that the pipe is properly cleaned and free from obstructions, allowing the relining process to proceed smoothly.

4. Determining the Relining Method

With the pipe prepared, the plumber will then decide on the best relining technique based on the specific condition of the pipe and the nature of the damage. The two main methods are Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Relining and Pull-in-Place (PIP) Relining.

CIPP Relining:
A flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the damaged pipe. The liner is then inflated, pressing it against the walls of the existing pipe. Once in place, the resin is cured using heat, forming a durable, seamless new pipe inside the old one.

PIP Relining:
This method is similar to CIPP but is used for pipes with more bends and curves. A pre-fabricated liner is pulled into the damaged pipe and then inflated to fit snugly against the pipe walls.

What Happens:
The plumber assesses the damage and selects the most suitable relining technique to ensure the best results.

Outcome:
A tailored approach that effectively addresses the specific issues within your pipes.

5. Installation of the Liner

The core of the pipe relining process involves inserting the flexible liner coated with resin into the damaged pipe. The liner is carefully positioned and then inflated, allowing it to conform to the shape of the existing pipe. This step is critical, as it ensures that the new lining fits perfectly within the old pipe, covering any cracks or damage.

What Happens:
The resin-coated liner is inserted and inflated to adhere to the pipe walls, creating a new interior surface.

Outcome:
A properly positioned liner that will soon harden into a new, durable pipe within the old one.

6. Curing the Liner

After the liner is in place, the resin must be cured to harden it and form a strong, seamless new pipe. The curing process can be done using heat from steam, hot water, or, in some cases, UV light. This step ensures that the new pipe lining is durable and resistant to future damage.

What Happens:
The liner is cured using the appropriate method, solidifying the resin and creating a new pipe inside the existing one.

Outcome:
A fully cured, durable lining that restores the pipe’s functionality and extends its lifespan.

7. Final Inspection

Once the curing process is complete, a final inspection is conducted using the CCTV camera to ensure that the relining has been successful. This inspection checks for any defects in the new lining and confirms that the pipe is functioning properly.

What Happens:
The plumber conducts a thorough inspection of the relined pipe to ensure it meets all quality standards.

Outcome:
A fully relined pipe, free from defects and ready for use.

8. Minimal Disruption

One of the most significant advantages of pipe relining is that it’s minimally invasive. Unlike traditional pipe replacement methods that require extensive digging, pipe relining involves little to no excavation. This means less disruption to your property, landscaping, and daily life.

What to Expect:
A quick and efficient process that restores your pipes without the mess and hassle of traditional methods.

9. Time Efficiency

The entire pipe relining process is usually completed in a fraction of the time it would take to replace pipes using traditional methods. Depending on the extent of the damage, the relining can often be completed within a few hours, making it a highly efficient solution.

What to Expect:
A fast and effective repair process that minimises downtime and quickly restores your plumbing system.

Conclusion

Pipe relining is a modern, efficient, and minimally invasive method for repairing damaged pipes. By understanding what to expect during the process, you can better prepare for the work and appreciate the benefits of this innovative technique. Whether you’re dealing with cracked pipes, root intrusion, or other plumbing issues, pipe relining offers a durable solution that can extend the life of your pipes and prevent future problems.

If you’re experiencing issues with your pipes, consider pipe relining as a viable option and consult a professional plumber to assess your situation.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the pipe relining process take?
The process typically takes a few hours to a full day, depending on the extent of the damage and the length of the pipe being relined.

2. Is pipe relining a permanent solution?
Yes, pipe relining is designed to be a long-term solution, with the new lining expected to last 50 years or more under normal conditions.

3. Can pipe relining be used on all types of pipes?
Pipe relining is suitable for most types of pipes, including PVC, clay, and cast iron. However, a professional assessment is necessary to determine if it’s the best option for your specific situation.