Pipelining is a relatively new technology that’s gaining popularity among homeowners. One of the major draws for this pipe repair solution is its trenchless procedure. This means it doesn’t require excavations and destruction of property, such as walls and floors.
Compared to the more invasive pipe replacement procedure, lining pipes is more cost-effective and demands less downtime.
If you’re curious to find out how lining pipes work and what their primary purpose is, you’re in the right place. Ahead, you’ll find the basics of pipelining and find out when it becomes useful for proper owners.
What Is Pipe Lining?
Before learning about the purpose of lining pipes, it’s essential to understand what it is. Simply put, pipelining is the layperson’s term for cured-in-place pipe or CIPP. This procedure, done by licensed pipeliners, entails using a liner tube and an epoxy, vinyl, or polyester resin. This compound is placed inside the pipe and cured to form a durable lining. A liner solution and pipelining are also crucial components of CIPP. Think of it as putting a pipe inside the mainline.
What’s The Purpose Of Lining Pipes?
Lining pipes can fix most of the problems you’re facing because of old, worn, and damaged lines, whether made from brass, copper, galvanized steel, or iron. This procedure can help your corroded, broken, and cracked pipes work like new once again by placing a ‘pipe within a pipe.’
Once installed, pipelining can solve the following problems and provide the following benefits:
- Rehabilitates damaged and worn out pipes
- Solves weakness due to corrosion
- Protects lead leaching
- Avoids debris buildup
- Fights root intrusion
- Helps facilitate better water flow
- Increases the host pipe’s lifespan
- Prevents property destruction
- Retains the building structure
To summarize, lining pipes can address the most common plumbing concerns and strengthen your pipe structure as well. All these, without the destructive activities and long downtimes attributed to traditional pipe repair strategies.
How’s Pipe Lining Done?
Before initiating a project, the specialists will have to conduct an assessment to determine the source of the problem. After a quick check, pipe specialists will evaluate the installation materials and the ideal method for the repair activity. They’ll perform the following steps:
Inspection
Before any actual pipelining could occur, the workers will use small close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and insert them in your pipes to map the entire system. Besides looking at the whole system, the specialists will also look at the damaged areas where pipelining is needed. This procedure allows them to validate their plans regarding the materials, amount of resin, and methods required.
Cleaning
Plumbers often detect severe water line blockages during preventive home maintenance activities. Additionally, pipe technicians are going to clean the water lines through the use of water jetting. This technique is often used in industrial applications to clean the surface and remove blockages. In some cases, mechanical pipe cutters are used to remove severe clogs and tree root intrusion. The purpose of cleaning the pipes is to ensure that the new resin liner sticks to the old and damaged line.
Insertion
The technicians will mix the epoxy, polyester, or vinyl resin and place it inside the fabric liner. The liner’s outside section is cut so it sticks to the inside of the host pipe. The impregnated tube liner is positioned inside the water lines and later expanded using either water or air pressure through a rubber bladder.
Curing
Once inside, the resin-filled pipe is allowed to mold snugly against the host pipe. To ensure that it forms a durable inside layer, companies use steam, hot water, or ultraviolet (UV) light to facilitate the curing process, which lasts less than one hour.
Performing the curing process correctly is key to the entire CIPP method as it’s responsible for addressing all water line problems when it’s thoroughly dried. Thus, professionals must be able to create a CIPP lining that fits snugly against the old pipe. Once fully cured, the rubber bladder is removed.
Final Evaluation
Before calling it a day, technicians need to perform final checks to restore the waterline with CCTV cameras. They’ll spot the former problem areas and make sure the project is carried out correctly. Satisfied with the task, waterliners may then report to the client and bill them appropriately.
If not done correctly, the lining may disintegrate over time. That’s why proper pipe lining and curing procedures must be performed, and only by experienced CIPP installers.
The Bottom Line
Lining pipes or CIPP procedures have become the less invasive, more cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe repair and replacement methods. Apart from reducing fees and downtimes, clients can also enjoy drinking safe and potable water for extended periods as pipelining helps prevent contamination.