Pipe relining is a minimally invasive method to repair damaged or deteriorating pipes without the need for extensive digging. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the pipe relining process:

1. Initial Inspection and Assessment

• CCTV Camera Inspection: The first step involves a detailed inspection of the damaged pipe using a CCTV camera. This helps locate blockages, cracks, or damage, and assess the overall condition of the pipe.
• Preparation and Planning: Based on the inspection, the technician will decide on the best relining approach, calculate the necessary materials, and plan the curing time.

2. Pipe Cleaning and Preparation

• Clearing Debris: The pipe is thoroughly cleaned to remove blockages, debris, and buildup. This allows the new lining to adhere properly to the existing pipe walls.
• Hydro Jetting or Mechanical Cleaning: High-pressure water jets (hydro jetting) or mechanical tools are often used to clear out stubborn debris, mineral buildup, or tree roots, leaving the inner walls of the pipe clean and ready for relining.

3. Measuring and Cutting the Liner

• Liner Preparation: A felt or fiberglass liner, coated with a two-part epoxy resin, is cut to fit the length of the damaged pipe.
• Resin Mixing and Application: The epoxy resin is carefully mixed and applied evenly to the liner, ensuring full coverage. The resin hardens to create a durable, new “pipe within a pipe.”

4. Inserting the Liner into the Pipe

• Liner Inversion or Pulling: The prepared liner is inserted into the existing pipe either by inversion (using air or water pressure) or by pulling it through with a winch. This places the resin-coated liner precisely within the damaged section.
• Proper Positioning: The liner is positioned along the damaged areas and checked to ensure it reaches the right location within the pipe.

5. Curing the Liner in Place

• Curing Methods: Once positioned, the liner is inflated using air or water pressure to press it firmly against the inner walls of the existing pipe. This creates a tight seal.
• Curing Options: Depending on the type of resin and application, the curing process may be done using ambient temperature, hot water, or UV light. Curing usually takes several hours but may vary depending on the resin type and pipe conditions.

6. Final Inspection and Quality Check

• Deflating and Removing the Bladder: Once the resin has hardened and cured, the inflatable bladder used to hold the liner in place is deflated and carefully removed.
• Post-Relining Inspection: Another CCTV camera inspection is conducted to check the liner’s integrity, confirm the quality of adhesion, and ensure the pipe is now fully sealed and operational.

7. Testing and Clean-Up

• Testing for Functionality: The newly lined pipe is tested for flow and pressure to confirm that it’s working as expected.
• Clean-Up: The work area is cleaned, and any leftover materials are removed, restoring the site with minimal disturbance.

The team of friendly and skilled professionals at Plumbing Plus is ready to help you with whatever plumbing problem that may occur in your home. As a family-owned business, we understand your need for fast, reliable solutions, especially when the plumbing issue is disrupting your family’s routine. You can count on our well-trained plumbers to always arrive on time and in a fully stocked truck. We also provide upfront pricing, so there is never any confusion.