What is pipe relining?
Pipe relining involves repairing the existing pipe while it is in the ground and is a practical alternative to digging up the pipe and replacing it for many homeowners and businesses across Sydney. If you’ve been having ongoing blocked drain problems your plumber could suggest pipe relining as a long-term solution.
The beauty of pipe relining is it can be carried out with minimal disruption to your property and the repairs are completed relatively quickly. Excavating pipes and stormwater drains to replace them can include digging up large areas of your garden, sometimes requiring the removal of gardens, retaining walls, driveways and patios which can not only increase the time repairs take it can also add to the costs involved significantly.
Pipe relining places a strong inner layer along the broken or cracked section of a pipe or drain which when cured or set will seal the damage and provide a smooth, solid surface which will last around 50 years or more. The hard inner layer will prevent tree root intrusion, a major cause of blocked drains, and remove any rough areas which can snag passing food scraps, garden debris or toilet paper which can lead to ongoing drain clogs.
The pipe relining process
In the pipe relining process your drain specialist will carry out several steps to ensure the drain or pipe is thoroughly repaired.
- Inspect the pipe - this usually involves using a specially designed drain camera to find and identify the damage so the pipe liner can be placed in exactly the right spot.
- Place the special flexible pipe liner along the damaged pipe - this is usually done via a nearby drain vent or small access hole.
- Inflate liner - this is done to secure the liner to the existing pipe including bends and joins.
- Set or cure the liner - depending on which type of pipelining your pipe relining specialist is using they will then allow the lining to set or cure the liner which causes it to harden and seal any cracks or breaks.
- Inspect and cut - once the liner is set the finished pipe reline is inspected to ensure a smooth finish and any junctions or inspection points along the new pipe are cut out.
When completed the liner will act like a new pipe providing years of effective use and preventing many more blocked drains.
More information on Pipe Relining.
