Also referred to as Cured-In-Place Pipelining, or CIPP, pipe relining is a technique for fixing your pipelines that allows you to avoid the expensive process of digging up and completely replacing your entire piping infrastructure. Pipe relining is a safe, cost-effective method that enhances the durability of your plumbing system at a faster rate than traditional pipe replacement and causes less disruption to your landscape.
How This Process Works
Pipe relining works by fixing your pipes from the inside. A flexible felt tube made of polyester or fiberglass and saturated with resin is inserted into the existing, damaged pipe. Over time, this special resin hardens to form another pipe within the original pipe. This method is considered trench-less technology because it involves minimal digging and forms a much simpler and more cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe repair methods.
Steps for Pipe Relining
Step One: Verify the pipe is a suitable candidate for relining: First, a professional installer examines your pipes to assess the extent of the damage. This used to be accomplished with closed-circuit cameras, but today forced electron leak location (FELL) equipment provides a more thorough inspection and allows for the creation of more effective solutions.
Step Two: Prepare and measure the pipe: Next, the blocked pipes are thoroughly cleaned to return them to their original dimensions. Regular cleaning methods are employed first and any blockages are removed, usually with robotic cutters. After this, a high-pressure water jet ensures the pipe walls are fully clean and ready for the resin to attach. The camera equipment is employed a second time to verify the pipe is ready for insertion. Then, the length of the pipe is calculated to determine the length of the lining.
Step Three: Insert and cure pipe liner: The flexible felt tube saturated with epoxy resin is inserted into the pipe. Inside the tube is a bladder that inflates and pushes the tube to form the inner walls of the pipe. Next is curing, the longest part of the process. Hot water is used to harden the resin, followed by UV radiation to cause final hardening. Before the process can be completed, junctions and inspection pits must be cut out. Junctions are removed with robotic cutters, while inspection pits are removed with grinders or surface-level cutters.
Step Four: Final inspection: The bladder is deflated and removed, then the installer uses the remote camera again to verify that the liner has been placed appropriately.
Issues with your pipeline no longer necessitate intensive, costly, time-consuming “dig and replace” repair methods. If you notice problems with your plumbing system, consider fixing these issues and enhancing the resale value of your home with pipe relining. Call the experts from Mr. Rooter today to see how we can help you.
