The sink’s draining slowly again. That gurgling sound from the shower drain is back. We’ve all been there, battling those nagging plumbing issues that hint at something more significant going on beneath our feet. The usual fix? Ripping up your yard or digging through your floors – a messy, expensive process most homeowners dread.
But what if there was another way? Enter pipe relining, a modern plumbing solution that repairs damaged pipes without the major excavation. Green Planet Plumbing is here to walk you through exactly how pipe relining works, so you can understand this efficient method for fixing underground pipes.
Understanding Pipe Relining: The No-Dig Solution for Damaged Pipes
So, what exactly is pipe relining? Instead of digging up and replacing a damaged pipe, plumbers essentially create a brand new pipe inside the old one. It’s like giving your plumbing a fresh start without the headache of major construction.
Compared to traditional pipe replacement, the benefits are clear. Relining often costs less because there’s less labour involved. You also avoid the massive disruption to your property – no torn-up gardens, driveways or patios. The work is generally completed much faster, getting your plumbing back to normal sooner. Plus, a properly relined pipe is designed to last for many years, giving you peace of mind. This solution works for different pipe materials including PVC, clay and even older cast iron pipes.
Step 1: CCTV Pipe Inspection – Finding the Problem
The initial step in any pipe relining project is a thorough inspection using a CCTV camera. A plumber inserts a specialised camera, attached to a flexible cable, into your sewer or drain line. This camera travels through the pipe, transmitting real-time video back to a monitor.
The purpose is to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem. Are there cracks? Leaks? Is the pipe blocked by tree roots or corrosion? The CCTV inspection helps identify all these issues. The camera is equipped with lights to provide clear images, even in dark pipes. This detailed look is essential because it allows plumbers to accurately assess the extent of the damage and determine if pipe relining is the best solution, rather than suggesting solutions for the wrong problem.
Step 2: Pipe Cleaning and Preparation for Relining
Before a new liner can be installed, the existing pipe needs a thorough cleaning. This step is vital because proper adhesion of the liner to the old pipe walls is essential for a successful, long-lasting repair. High-pressure water jetting is the standard method used. A specialised nozzle blasts water at very high pressure, dislodging debris, tree roots, mineral build-up and any other obstructions clinging to the inside of the pipe.
The goal is to create a surface as clean as possible, free from anything that could prevent the liner from bonding correctly. In addition to removing solid materials, any standing water in the pipe must also be drained or removed to ensure the liner can fully contact the pipe’s interior.
Step 3: Liner Insertion – Installing the New Pipe Within
With the pipe now clean and prepared, the next step involves inserting the new liner. This liner is typically a flexible tube constructed from a material like felt or fiberglass, designed to conform to the existing pipe’s shape. This liner is coated with a special resin, which is key to forming a strong, watertight bond with the old pipe. The resin acts like a powerful adhesive, creating a durable new pipe within the old one.
Plumbers use different methods to insert the liner. One common technique involves using air pressure to invert the liner into the pipe, essentially turning it inside out as it moves along. Another method employs water pressure to carefully push the liner into place. Regardless of the method, precise positioning is critical. The plumber must ensure the liner covers all the damaged sections of the pipe, creating a seamless and reliable repair.
Step 4: The Curing Process – Hardening the New Pipe
Once the liner is in place, the resin needs to harden to create a strong, new pipe. This is known as the curing process. Plumbers use different methods to activate and harden the resin. Some use hot water, circulating it through the liner to trigger the curing reaction. Steam is another option, providing consistent heat for the hardening process. UV light is also sometimes used, particularly for certain types of resins.
Regardless of the method, the goal is the same: to solidify the resin, forming a tough, seamless pipe lining within the existing one. A correctly hardened pipe provides the structural integrity needed for proper function.
Step 5: Final CCTV Inspection – Verifying the Repair
The final step is another CCTV inspection. This crucial check confirms that the entire relining process was successful. The camera is sent through the newly lined pipe to verify that it’s fully restored, without any defects or issues. The plumber checks to ensure the liner has bonded correctly to the original pipe, creating a secure, watertight seal.
They also confirm that the pipe is flowing freely, without any obstructions or restrictions caused by the relining process. Only after this careful verification is the repair signed off, ensuring a fully functioning, long-lasting result.
Is Pipe Relining Right for You? Knowing When to Call a Professional
Are you noticing persistently slow drains? Experiencing frequent backups? Perhaps you’re detecting unpleasant odours coming from your drains? These can all be signs of a damaged sewer or drain line. It’s important to remember that only a qualified plumber can properly assess your specific situation and determine if pipe relining is the right solution for your plumbing problems following Plumbing Code of Australia regulations.
Need Pipe Relining in NSW?
If you are experiencing plumbing issues, contact Green Planet Plumbing for expert pipe relining services in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and The Hunter Valley. Our team can assess your pipes and provide a cost-effective solution. Call (02) 4911 9402 for a free quote! We can also help with other plumbing issues such as blocked drains and hot water issues.