Perhaps the most dreaded part of any architectural venture is the piping infrastructure. Replacing pipes is a very tedious task and can be a nightmare considering how much work goes into it. But, instead of replacing the entire pipeline, one can reline them. Pipe relining cost is much lesser when compared to pipe replacement cost. It is cost-effective since one does not have to dig up the existing pipelines and replace them with new ones.

Instead of replacing them, professionals “cure” these pipes from within by using a resin that hardens inside the pipe within no time. Hence this process is called “curing”. The cured pipes are more robust, sometimes even more than the originally installed pipes. The resin that cures the inside of the pipe makes it strong; it is the reason for its sustained quality. The resin is inserted into the damaged pipe using a felt tube. The experts saturate the pipe with resin, which usually consists of fibreglass or polymer. When inserted into the pipe and is exposed to air, it starts to harden up, creating another pipe within the existing damaged pipe. When done from upstream, this felt pipe’s insertion is more straightforward than downstream. The access points are less riskier when it is upstream.

Pipe relining is known to be less expensive and highly cost-effective as it requires minimum to no digging. It is known to employ trenchless technology for this very reason. It is a less intensive process than the traditional method of digging and replacing pipes.

Process of Pipe relining

Relining of the pipe is carried out in multiple steps.

  • The first step is to check and assess the extent of damage done to the pipe. One does this by using an equipment called forced electron leak location. It helps to get a closer look and design more appropriate plans.
  • The second step is to clear the pipes. Clearing pipes of any debris ensures that there are no blockages and the repairman can insert the felt tube without any hindrances. The clearing process has multiple steps. The first step is to remove any large blockages, typically with robotic cutters, followed by spraying a high-pressure water jet to clear any leftover dirt and smoothen the pipe’s insides.
  • They perform a final check, and once there is a clearance, the stretch they have to repair is measured and along with the assessment of the extent of the damage.
  • Determining the length of lining enables the professionals to measure the amount of epoxy resin required to cure the pipe. This resin would make up the new pipe after curing, and it is easier to pump the resin in wider, straighter sections than in curved or T-sections and joints.
  • The curing process follows this step. The curing can take place manually, or one can speed it up by passing hot water through the pipes and using ultraviolet rays.
  • The last phase of this process is inspection. In this phase, pits are dug at random places to inspect the pipes’ hardness and strength and also how well they have formed in joints and tricky areas.

It is through this method that pipe relining takes place. And in no way can untrained individuals do it. So when one has no options left to fix their blockages and leaks, and are considering replacing pipes, give relining a shot. It is minimally invasive, does not affect the landscaping, overall very useful, and you won’t have to worry since pipe relining cost is gentle on the pocket.