Trenchless relining, also known as no-dig repair, is a pipe restoration method that doesn’t require excavation. It works by inserting an epoxy resin liner into damaged pipes to essentially create new pipes from the inside out. Get answers on trenchless pipe solutions from the experts.
Trenchless pipe relining repairs damaged underground pipes efficiently, circumventing the need for disruptive excavation and landscape damage. This method serves as a more effective alternative to traditional pipe replacement for substantial pipe damage.
The procedure entails inserting a robust lining material into existing pipes, effectively creating a new pipe within the old one and restoring pipe functionality.
Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP) and pipe bursting are the two primary approaches to trenchless pipe relining, each with its distinct process and equipment considerations, which we will elaborate on later in this article.
There are several key reasons why trenchless relining is often the preferable pipe repair method compared to traditional pipe replacement.
Trenchless relining is notably cost-effective. While full sewer repair involving excavation may exceed $10,000, relining accomplishes similar results at a substantially lower cost.
The minimal landscape and property disruption is another major advantage, leaving you with little to worry about. Especially in urban areas, ripping up pathways, gardens and driveways causes major inconvenience and interruptions. The trenchless method involves almost no excavation or disturbance in most cases.
Rapidity is another merit, with the relining process finalised swiftly to minimise disruption to your daily activities. This reduced project duration gets properties functioning normally again sooner.
Trenchless relining has environmental benefits. It generates far less waste compared to traditional methods since relining can rehabilitate old pipes rather than removing and replacing them. The carbon footprint of these repairs is also smaller with less heavy machinery required on-site.
When pipes are damaged yet structurally intact, trenchless relining is a swift, economical, and less invasive repair option, significantly extending pipe lifespan.
The primary trenchless pipe relining methods are CIPP and pipe bursting.
Pipe bursting entails simultaneously fracturing the old pipe and installing a new one in its location. A 'bursting’ device is fed through the pipe, breaking apart the old pipe walls. The fragments are then pushed into the surrounding soil as the new pipe takes its place.
The new pipes can be made of various durable materials like PVC or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic.
CIPP, synonymous with trenchless drain relining, involves installing a resin-saturated lining within the damaged pipe. The lining material is inserted into your pipe then heated or UV cured to harden it in place, forming a smooth watertight seal.
This is an ideal repair method when pipes are still structurally sound but have cracks, holes and root infiltration. The resin lining rehabilitates and seals the pipe, extending its lifespan 30+ years in most cases.
Pipe bursting is one of the most effective trenchless relining techniques for situations where existing pipes are severely damaged. It is a pipe replacement method rather than just a repair.
Pipe bursting entails propelling a 'bursting’ device through the old, damaged pipeline, disintegrating it while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into position.
High density polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC plastic drain pipes are common replacement materials used. They can have a 50 - 100 year lifespan once installed.
Pipe bursting causes minimal ground disturbance. And the installation of new, durable piping means repairs should be long-lasting compared to other trenchless methods.
It does depend on having suitable soil conditions without large rocks. Clay soils usually allow for easier pipe bursting.
Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) is a key trenchless technique, involving the installation of a resin-coated liner within damaged pipes, repairing defects such as cracks, leaks, and root infiltration.
The procedure starts with a CCTV camera inspection to measure the subsurface pipe and to custom-fabricate a polyester or epoxy resin liner. The resin-soaked, flexible liner is then introduced into the damaged pipe via an access point.
After insertion, the liner is pressurised with air to ensure full and even adherence to the pipe’s inner walls. Subsequently, the liner is cured with hot water, steam, or UV light to activate the resin, forming a smooth, watertight layer.
The curing process usually takes several hours; for more details, please call our support team. Once set, the liner provides a seamless barrier inside the pipe, sealing any cracks and leaks. This repairs the pipe structurally and prevents further root infiltration or groundwater entering the pipeline.
CIPP lining is best for pipes that are still fundamentally structurally sound but have damage allowing water infiltration or root intrusion. It extends the life of pipes by 50 years or more in most cases.
So compared to complete pipe replacement, CIPP offers major cost and time savings while being minimally invasive. It causes very little landscape disruption and rehabilitates old pipes rapidly so they function like new ones.
Trenchless relining, whether CIPP or pipe bursting, follows a clear step-by-step process from initial inspection to final reinforcement.
The first step is a thorough CCTV inspection of sewer lines. A camera is fed through the entire sewer line, assessing damage like cracks, holes and root intrusion. This identifies if trenchless relining is suitable and determines the method - CIPP or pipe bursting.
In CIPP projects, targeted repairs may be required, typically identified with a CCTV camera. These involve excising localised damage with a robotic cutter, inserting a new pipe segment, and securing it.
For line installation in CIPP, a custom-made liner impregnated with epoxy resin is inserted and expanded within the host pipe before being cured. For pipe bursting, the bursting tool and new replacement pipe are worked through the old pipe.
After curing, final CCTV inspection and pressure testing ensures no defects. The access pits are filled in and landscapes restored, completing reinforcement works.
Our expert technicians ensure the trenchless relining process is smoothly executed with minimal intrusion, enhancing structural integrity and extending pipe lifespan by over 50 years.
CCTV or video pipe inspection is a key first step in the trenchless relining process. It allows our technicians to assess the location, severity and nature of any pipe damage through a detailed video investigation.
A CCTV drainage camera is navigated through the main sewer line to provide a clear visual of any issues, such as fissures, obstructions, or root invasions. It is a completely non-invasive diagnosis method.
The CCTV inspection serves several purposes:
Therefore, specialised CCTV pipe inspection is vital for establishing the work scope and formulating the best trenchless relining strategy. It provides us detailed insights without any property damage or excavation works needed.
Cleaning and Preparation
Before any trenchless relining works, comprehensive pipe cleaning and preparation is vital.
Our use of hydro-jetting employs high-pressure water streams to comprehensively cleanse the main sewer, eliminating build-ups like grease, scale, rust, and other detritus.
Any remaining roots or obstructions are also cleared to ensure the pipe has a smooth surface. This ensures proper adhesion of the lining during installation.
CCTV inspection follows to confirm successful cleaning. Only once the pipe interior is fully prepped through jet washing and degreasing will technicians begin either the CIPP or pipe bursting process.
Proper cleaning and preparation of pipes are instrumental for the long-term success of trenchless relining. It enables durable linings to bond reliably, providing exceptional structural reinforcement.
The installation stage is critical for trenchless pipe relining success. Our technicians take great care when inserting the new CIPP liner or replacement pipe materials.
For CIPP projects, the custom-fitted epoxy resin liner gets fed inside old piping through an access point and inflated using air pressure. This ensures complete contact with the inner pipe walls. It is crucial to maintain inflation pressure until the liner solidifies.
Pipe bursting demands precision in the parallel insertion of the bursting device and new piping. The pneumatic or hydraulic expander must fracture the old pipe perfectly while pulling the durable HDPE or PVC replacement pipe behind.
Our trenchless relining team utilises specialised equipment like CCTV cameras, resin impregnation devices, robotic cutters and more. This optimises liner insertion and curing results.
Careful new lining installation minimises any need for reworks or repairs later on. It provides the reliable structural reinforcement and watertight seal within old pipes that prevents future infiltration or failures.
Once the new CIPP liner is inserted, curing it to form a hardened, watertight barrier is essential. We utilise steam, hot water or UV light to activate and set the resin.
Precise monitoring of temperature and curing durations is crucial for the resin to set into a uniform, seamless lining. This bonds it evenly across the old pipe’s interior to provide robust structural reinforcement.
For pipe bursting projects, no curing is involved as replacement pipes are directly inserted. But testing still ensures correct alignment and watertight seals.
Our technicians use CCTV technology to closely track heat, duration, and pressure during the curing stage to ensure a successful bond. This creates an impenetrable barrier inside damaged pipes, restoring flow capacity and preventing infiltration.
The final step after trenchless relining installation is a CCTV inspection. Our camera is fed through the pipeline again to verify repairs have been fully successful.
This inspection checks key aspects like:
CCTV footage facilitates confirmation of the relined pipe’s structural soundness. We can also accurately assess the work and materials used compared to initial pipe condition.
Once our trenchless relining technicians complete analysis of the final CCTV investigation, the access pits are backfilled. Any surrounding surfaces like concrete or pavers are reinstated to their original condition.
Consequently, the final camera inspection assures quality, confirming that the pipe repairs satisfy all requirements. It also gives customers peace of mind their plumbing has been restored and is performing optimally before works are signed off.
If you see signs of a blocked sewer like gurgling drains or sewage backups, call a licensed plumber immediately. They can inspect the line with cameras and use high-pressure water jets or augers to clear even severe blockages before damage happens.
Read MorePipe relining is a faster, more affordable trenchless alternative to traditional pipe replacement. With less digging & disruption, pipe lining renews pipes from the inside. Learn why pipe relining outperforms replacement.
Read MorePipe relining smoothly coats the inside of damaged pipes for 50+ years. It prevents leaks, restores water flow, removes blockages, avoids excavation costs and takes just hours to complete.
Read MorePetersham, 2049 NSW
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