Sewer Pipe Lining

HOW DOES SEWER PIPE LINING WORK?

In contrast to destructive old-fashioned pipe repair or replacement, trenchless sewer repair utilizes innovative technologies to renew your pipes from within. Originally developed in Europe, the fundamentals of trenchless sewer pipe repair have been in practice for more than 50 years. In fact, it has been on record since 1970 and is now trusted in nearly every municipality in the United States for repairing infrastructure in large diameter pipes beneath roads, bridges, and historical areas.

Today, trenchless sewer pipe lining is available for use in applications such as apartments, condominiums, commercial buildings, industrial properties, and more. It’s the ideal choice for property owners of nearly every type of building.

THE 3 STEPS OF SEWER PIPE LINING             

Following a thorough inspection and cleaning/descaling of the piping system, a flexible epoxy saturated tube (liner) is specially fabricated and inserted into the existing failed sewer pipe. Highly-trained pipe lining technicians expertly install the custom-built liner through the entire pipeline – around plumbing bends, diameter changes, in lateral or vertical stacks. Once in place, the liner is cured (hardened) to form a new structural surface. As needed, robotic instruments are used to re-open branch lines and ensure optimal flow. 

In addition to structural liners, spray coatings and brush coatings can be incorporated to reach otherwise inaccessible areas or depending upon the unique circumstances of the individual sewer pipe. 

In order to best serve Southeast Florida property owners, Pipelining Technologies, Inc. has streamlined the trenchless sewer repair process into 3 steps:

1. Diagnostic Video Camera Sewer Pipe Inspection 
2. Mechanical Cleaning & Descaling (Can include both wet and dry methods)
3. Precision Pipe Lining with Robotic Branchline Reinstatements

A forensic video inspection captures details in high definition. A full-color digital video should also record the diameter of the pipes, the length (linear footage), material(s), and branchline locations involved within your sanitary sewer lines. You should always receive a copy of the video inspection along with a detailed report of the findings for your personal records.

Mechanical cleaning and descaling to remove blockages, fat-oil-grease buildup, tree roots, and heavy scaling or corrosion. The cleaning restores the pipes’ original diameter, which should immediately improve flow capacity and prepares the pipes for lining. Both hydro (wet) and dry cleaning methods are used according to the property’s needs.

Once the pipes have been properly cleaned, custom liners are fashioned to fit inside the existing pipelines. The liners are made of a high-tech flexible material that is saturated with epoxy resin. Using small access points and your outside plumbing cleanout, the liner is inserted through the entire length of the pipe and allowed to cure (harden). The new liner becomes a structure of its own and has a life-use expectancy of 50 years!

After installing the sewer pipe lining, branchlines are reopened through robotic reinstatements. These futuristic robots navigate through the pipes and connect the liner to the branchline(s) to ensure a fully integrated drainage system. The robotic instruments are operated remotely with live cameras and are controlled by lining technicians. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING  AN EXPERT PROVIDER

Trenchless sewer pipe repair is much less damaging to the property than conventional pipe repair or replacement and can be done in a shorter time frame. But this is not a do-it-yourself method. It takes specialized training working under a licensed plumbing contractor in order to learn the skills needed to perform trenchless pipe repair. Only a small percentage of plumbing contractors invest in the time, equipment, and dedication involved in offering trenchless sewer pipe lining.

Many, if not most areas in the US, require a permit to enter the sewer system and have standard requirements for the materials used within those systems. Only reputable, licensed plumbing contractors can provide you and your property the assurance of quality service and help protect you from potential complications, damage to your sewer service, or possible legal concerns.

It is important to have a licensed, insured, permitted plumbing contractor that specializes in trenchless sewer repair, also known as pipe lining or cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) perform your services. If a company can not easily produce their license credentials, certificate of insurance, or tells you it’s not necessary to obtain a permit, do not proceed any further. These items serve to protect the property owner; be sure you work with a reputable company.

ADVANTAGES OF TRENCHLESS SEWER PIPE LINING

One of the greatest advantages of trenchless pipe lining is the reduced impact on your property. By using small access points and your existing plumbing, the trenchless approach helps protect your building’s valuable finishes, floors, walls, and cabinetry. It also safeguards the foundation of your property. 

• Minimal disruption to sewer or water service
• Expensive finishes and landscapes do not get destroyed
• Less waste is created
• 5 Year Parts & Labor Warranty from Pipelining Technologies
• 50 Year Life-Use Expectancy

To learn more about how your apartment, condo, or business can benefit from trenchless sewer repair, contact Pipelining Technologies today! 

COMMON REASONS TO USE TRENCHLESS SEWER REPAIR 

Some of the most common sewer pipe issues come from invasive tree root damage and overall aging and deterioration. Here is a list of routine sewer problems that can be corrected by trenchless sewer repair.

Trenchless Sewer Repair Can Correct Most:

• Cracks in clay, lead, cast iron, orangeburg, and plastic or PVC pipes
• Corrosion due to rust, age, or environmental deterioration
• Pipe breaks or holes
• Minor pipe or joint misalignment
• Tree roots in the pipes
• Sewage backups or blockages
• Sewer gas leaks/odors

TRENCHLESS SEWER REPAIR VS. CONVENTIONAL SEWER REPAIR

Trenchless sewer repair is a less destructive option to repairing common sewer line problems than conventional sewer repair. With traditional sewer pipe repair, there is heavy digging (trenches), usually through the property’s foundation, and excavation to remove pipes and replace them. This may damage or destroy flooring, walls, landscaping, driveways, and other structures. Oftentimes, conventional sewer repair is prohibitive due to business needs or ordinances that don’t allow for such destructive methods.

Trenchless sewer repair accomplishes nearly all of what can be done conventionally without the need to dig a large area and can be performed with minimal disruption to existing structures. This method is greener than traditional sewer repair methods since it reuses pipe that is already in the ground instead of harvesting old piping, creating waste and excess that has to be discarded.