Trenchless relining is a modern plumbing solution to repair damaged underground pipes without digging trenches. This no-dig method uses a resin liner inserted inside the pipe to seal cracks and restore flow. Key benefits are no excavation mess, faster repairs, lower costs and less disruption.
Trenchless pipe relining is a modern plumbing approach that repairs pipes without requiring excavation. It involves inserting a resin-impregnated liner into the existing pipe, which is then cured in place to form a smooth, seamless ‘pipe within a pipe’.
The liner adheres to the inner walls of the old pipe, forming a new drain or sewer pipe in situ. This negates the need to dig trenches or jackhammer floors to access and replace ageing pipes.
Trenchless relining uses a technology called Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining. The materials bond securely to the inner walls of the host pipe to restore structural stability and prevent infiltration.
A resin-impregnated liner is inserted into the pipe and expanded, then cured with hot water, steam, or UV light to create a tight, seamless lining.
The trenchless relining process starts with a thorough inspection of the damaged pipe using CCTV cameras. This allows any issues like cracks, holes, root ingress or buildup to be identified before work begins.
The pipe is then cleaned using high-pressure water jets to remove debris, grease and calcified buildup along the walls. This prepares the surface for optimal adhesion with the new liner.
The resin-saturated liner is fed into the pipe, with an inflatable bladder pressing it against the pipe’s inner walls, after which it hardens via hot water or steam, forming a tight seal.
As the materials cure, they fuse permanently with the existing pipe walls. The process yields a seamless pipe with the same strength and flow capacity as the original. The old pipe remains underground, repaired without need for expensive and disruptive excavation.
Pipe repairs using trenchless relining not only save time and money compared to tearing up driveways or digging trenches, but they also minimise disruption to the surrounding infrastructure. The method causes less disturbance to landscapes, floors, walls, roads and pavements.
Trenchless relining mainly uses thermoset plastic resins and fibreglass or felt liners to rehabilitate damaged drains. Common materials include:
The materials bond permanently with original drain pipe walls to form a seamless, jointless and corrosion-resistant finished product. Their durability often surpasses that of traditional piping systems.
Crucially, CIPP materials require significantly less energy and resources to manufacture compared to traditional concrete or clay pipes. Trenchless relining offers an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative to conventional pipe replacement.
Cured-In-Place Pipe lining, or CIPP, is the leading method for trenchless pipe repair. It involves inserting a resin-soaked felt liner into the compromised pipe and hardening it in situ to fashion a snugly fitted 'pipe within a pipe’.
There are two main methods used to cure the CIPP liner:
Once cured, the hardened liner forms a jointless, seamless pipe liner with high structural strength. It also prevents root intrusion, resists corrosion and improves flow rates. Installations of CIPP have been known to last more than 50 years in municipal sewers.
Advanced robotic cutters and pipe patching methods meticulously restore connections to the renewed pipe, and lateral liners seal side connections.
CIPP creates a durable, leak-proof lining with a projected lifespan comparable to a new pipe system.
Trenchless relining becomes the method of choice over complete pipe replacement in situations where:
Relining eliminates the need to jackhammer floors, dig large trenches or destroy landscaped areas - making it ideal for difficult to access pipe locations.
Furthermore, it’s markedly less costly than a full system replacement. Trenchless relining is cost-effective, takes just a few days to complete, and minimises disruption.
Trenchless drain repairs are the logical choice for convenience, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency if the old pipes are viable for repair.
The process starts with an in-depth CCTV drainage inspection. A camera probe is fed through the entire pipe system to identify any damage, blockages or issues. Footage is examined to determine if the pipes are suitable for trenchless relining without having to dig up existing infrastructure.
Subsequent to assessment, powerful water jets meticulously cleanse the pipe interiors in preparation for repair. Grease, scale, intruding roots and debris are cleared out to allow the new liner to properly adhere.
Following preparation, the pipe lining process commences. Liners, either felt or PVC, saturated with thermoset resin are guided into the pipe either manually or by compressed air.
An inflatable bladder device called an inversion drum is attached to one end then inflated, pressing the liner firmly against pipe walls. Hot water or steam is then pumped inside to cure the resin into a hard, smooth lining.
After several hours of curing, lateral connection points are reopened using a remote-controlled cutting device guided by cameras. The pipe system is then pressure tested and inspected one last time before being put back into service.
Drain pipe relining results in a revitalised drainage system with better flow efficiency, robustness, and extended lifespan.
Before any trenchless relining can begin, the existing drainage system must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned.
Remote-controlled units with CCTV cameras navigate the pipe system for a non-intrusive assessment. High-resolution cameras provide a detailed analysis of pipe condition, pinpointing any cracks, fractures, obstacles or blockages.
Footage is examined to identify necessary access points and determine if the pipes are structurally sound enough for relining. For relining, pipes should retain a minimum of 50% of their original wall thickness.
With inspection complete, specialised jetting equipment blasts the inner walls with 5000psi water jets. This high-pressure water propels itself through the pipe, scouring and removing years of accumulated debris, grease, scale and even tree roots that have infiltrated through cracks.
The entire pipe wall is scoured to the bare surface. This clears out obstructions and prepares the pipes for optimal adhesion with the trenchless lining system.
A final CCTV inspection ensures no debris was missed. The pipe network is now ready for the new CIPP liner to be installed.
Thorough cleaning and inspection before lining is essential. It identifies existing and potential faults so they can be addressed, while clearing surface grime allows the liner to bond securely along the entire interior length of pipe.
Once inspection and cleaning is complete, the CIPP lining installation process begins. The felt or PVC liner tube is saturated with specially formulated thermoset resin then carefully fed through the cleaned pipes.
An inflatable inversion bladder attached to one end of the liner is pressurised, turning the liner inside out and pressing it firmly against the inner pipe walls. Controlled air or water pressure ensures consistent results.
Water between 60-90°C or steam circulates inside the liner to activate and harden the resin. Resin mixtures can solidify within 3-6 hours. Ambient temperature resins are also available.
As the resin cures, it forms permanent molecular bonds with the original pipe walls, sealing cracks and strengthening joints. Upon cooling, the materials form a snug, seamless, and corrosion-proof lining.
After curing, cleanout points and lateral junctions are reopened internally using a remote-controlled robotic cutter guided by cameras. The pipes undergo final CCTV and pressure testing before returning to normal operation.
From here,
After pipe relining, proper maintenance is crucial to prolong the lifespan and efficiency of your pipes. Periodic inspections, drain cleaning, and avoiding harsh chemicals can help maintain the integrity of the relined pipes. Contact Kareela Plumbing for expert advice and reliable pipe relining services.
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Read MoreKareela, 2232 NSW
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