Introduction to Pipe Relining
Pipe relining offers a trenchless method for restoring damaged pipes efficiently, without full replacement, providing a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to conventional methods.
Relining pipes involves installing a new epoxy lining inside the existing pipe, effectively sealing cracks and mitigating corrosion.
Specialising in advanced trenchless techniques, Gladesville Plumbing offers expert pipe relining services for residential and commercial clients.
This article outlines the typical timeline for a pipe relining project, covering each step from the initial CCTV inspection to final verification, and highlights the benefits of the process.
The Pipe Relining Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: CCTV Pipe Inspection
The first stage of any pipe relining project is a detailed CCTV or camera inspection.
A trained technician uses a specialised camera to thoroughly inspect the pipes and identify any existing damage. This allows us to diagnose the exact problem and determine if pipe relining is suitable, or if full pipe replacement is necessary.
CCTV inspection yields critical data such as pipe material, length, diameter, and the extent of damage, which informs the creation of a custom pipe relining strategy.
Timeframe: 1-2 hours
Step 2: Pipe Cleaning
Before applying the epoxy resin, pipes must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure successful bonding and curing. We use a high-powered hydro jetting process, forcing pressurised water through pipes to remove built-up debris, scale, grease and rust deposits.
For heavy blockages, we may employ mechanical cleaning with rotating blades to guarantee a successful resin installation.
Timeframe: 1-3 hours
Step 3: Epoxy Resin Installation
With pipes cleaned and prepped, specially measured liner materials saturated with epoxy resin are pulled or inflated through the existing pipes. These flexible materials expand and bond to seal cracks, gaps and corrosion damage for long-term repair.
Timeframe: 2-5 hours
Step 4: Curing Process
Post-insertion, the epoxy resin needs curing to harden and form a smooth, durable inner surface. Curing can involve hot water, steam, UV light, or air, depending on the site.
Timeframe: 2 hours up to 2 days
Step 5: Final Testing & Inspection
The final phase involves a repeat CCTV inspection and pressure/flow testing to validate the effectiveness of the relining pipe. Any minor adjustments are made before the pipe relining job is complete. Testing ensures optimal performance and longevity of the relining solution.
Timeframe: 1-2 hours
By adhering to a strict relining process from start to end, we provide durable, efficient solutions with minimal disruption unlike traditional pipe replacement methods.
Inspection and Assessment of Damaged Pipes
This technology identifies the exact location, severity and underlying cause of any leaks, cracks, blockages or corrosion. We can pinpoint problematic areas and prevent future plumbing problems from arising. The CCTV inspection also informs suitable and tailored solutions based on the specific pipe issues present.
Gladesville’s blend of aging pipelines, clay soils, and proximity to saltwater accelerates corrosion in metal pipes, which we consider in our approach. Our local expertise and inspection protocols account for these location-specific challenges.
Cleaning and Preparation for Relining
Thorough cleaning is essential before installing the epoxy resin liner; our industrial-grade hydro jetting technology propels pressurised water to cleanse the pipe interior.
Prioritising environmental protection, we safely handle and dispose of all waste to prevent contamination during the cleaning process.
Installing the New Pipe Liner
A key benefit of our relining pipe service is that it can install a new epoxy resin pipe liner without major disruption. This is achieved by pulling or inflating a flexible material soaked with specially formulated resins through the damaged pipe.
As the lining material expands, it conforms to the pipe walls, sealing any damage and reinforcing the structure. It essentially creates a new pipe within the existing pipe, reinforcing overall structural integrity for enhanced durability and performance.
At Gladesville Plumbing, we utilise industry-leading CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) technology customised to unique project requirements. Our technicians analyse CCTV footage to optimise resin mixtures, liner thickness, and curing methods for your specific piping.
Key benefits of our precise pipe liner installation technique include:
- Minimal excavation or property damage
- Short installation times of 2-5 hours
- Seamless integration and bonding with original piping
- Restored flow capacity and pressure ratings
- Long-term solutions preventing repeat repairs
With our high-quality epoxy resins and precision installation process, we deliver efficient, non-invasive pipe lining renewal solutions built to last for decades.
Curing the Epoxy Resin Liner
Proper curing of the epoxy resin liner post-installation is imperative for ensuring its integrity and longevity. We utilise specialised UV light equipment, strategically positioned throughout the pipe length to facilitate an even hardening process.
UV light triggers a reaction that solidifies the resin within 2 hours, a process that’s faster than ambient air methods. Proper calibration ensures the liner cures optimally.
The curing phase locks the liner into place as a strong, seamless layer, ensuring leak prevention, flow efficiency, and a lifespan of over 50 years.
Final Checks and Completion
The final stage includes a detailed inspection and testing to ensure the efficacy of the relining, using CCTV for any remaining irregularities.
Here in the Gladesville region, all pipe relining work must meet stringent quality guidelines as per Sydney Water regulations. We are fully licenced and qualified to issue compliance certificates upon project completion.
Final quality checks and warranties up to 25 years ensure your plumbing system’s resilience, certifying the solvency of our trenchless pipe solutions.
The Benefits of Pipe Relining
Pipe relining trumps full replacement by offering reduced disruption, improved flow, enhanced durability, and better cost-effectiveness.
Key benefits of trenchless pipe relining include:
- Little to no digging or destruction to floors/walls
- Much faster project timelines in just 1-3 days
- Improved water flow and pressure from smooth epoxy lining
- 50+ year design life with structural reinforcement
- Prevents leaks and stops infiltration into pipes
- Cost savings up to 60% compared to replacement
Minimal Disruption and Faster Completion
Pipe relining’s minimal disruption compared to traditional replacement methods is one of its key advantages. As a trenchless method that renews pipes from the inside out, it avoids the need to dig trenches or break up floors and walls.
Landscapes, driveways, and infrastructure remain largely undisturbed, with no need to uproot greenery or disrupt access and parking.
This also facilitates much faster project turnarounds, with the typical pipe relining job completed in just 1-3 days. The contained approach prevents weather delays, allowing swift resolutions without impacting daily routines.
In comparison, while pipe replacement dig-ups cause major upheaval and can take over a week to complete, relining pipes can be accomplished more swiftly. The reduced downtime, demolition and repairs of relining equate to considerable savings for residential and commercial clients.
Improved Strength and Durability
A key advantage of pipe relining is the significantly enhanced strength and durability achieved compared to the existing pipes. The seamless epoxy resin liners form a structural reinforcement that rejuvenates integrity.
Pipe relining solutions offer a lifespan that meets or surpasses that of new pipelines. Reconditioned pipes remain functional for decades, eliminating the need for frequent repairs. Our 10- to 50-year warranties underscore the reliability of trenchless pipe relining.
Specifically, epoxy liners add a protective corrosion and abrasion-resistant layer. They prevent infiltration of roots or groundwater that gradually erode pipes over time. Relined pipes outperform their degraded originals with improved structural integrity and flow efficiency.
Whether facing issues with ageing galvanised, concrete or cast iron pipes, pipe relining provides a swift and robust whole-of-life solution. With reinforced stability and durability, it eliminates the need for endless ongoing repairs.
Cost Savings Compared to Re-piping
Opting for relining pipe instead of complete pipe replacement provides immense cost savings. By preserving existing pipelines, expenses associated with demolition, excavation and landscaping repairs are avoided.
We estimate that pipe relining costs about 50-60% less on average compared to full re-piping. Factoring trenching, new pipe materials, labour, permitting, debris removal and surface repairs for dig-ups, replacement can cost anywhere from $300 to $1000 per linear metre.
Meanwhile, pipe relining ranges between $125 to $250 per linear metre - keeping expenditure lower without compromising effectiveness. The minimal interference also means less impact on business operations or productivity.
Pipe relining extends the functional lifespan of pipes at a fraction of the price of installing new pipe infrastructure.
Contact Gladesville Plumbing for a complimentary CCTV inspection and quote to identify cost-effective solutions that could significantly reduce your plumbing expenses.
Choosing a Professional Plumbing Service
When selecting a professional plumbing service for pipe relining, it is important to choose a company with extensive expertise and industry certifications.
At Gladesville Plumbing, all our technicians are fully licenced and qualified to undertake trenchless pipe repair work. We stay updated on the latest methods and advanced epoxy resins to deliver reliable, long-lasting solutions.
Key credentials to look for when choosing a pipe relining provider include:
- Licenced with the Plumbers and Drainers Board in your state or territory
- Experienced with CIPP pipe relining installations
- Personnel certified for confined space work
- Compliant with industry standards and safety/environmental regulations
- Carry appropriate public liability insurance for projects
Opt for a company like Gladesville Plumbing that offers comprehensive services - from initial CCTV pipe inspections, hydro jetting and relining through to final compliance checks. Streamlined support from start to finish ensures optimal outcomes.
We welcome you to contact our team of trenchless plumbing experts for quotes or advice on relining pipe solutions tailored to your needs.
Phone: 1300 349 338
Email: jobs@gladesvilleplumbingservice.com.au