Introduction to pipe relining
Pipe relining is a trenchless method of repairing damaged pipes without having to dig them up. It involves inserting a flexible epoxy resin liner into the existing pipe to essentially create a new pipe within the old one.
At North Ryde Plumbing, we specialise in pipe relining, utilising cutting-edge trenchless technologies to offer superior pipe repair services without the need for substantial excavation. Our skilled team excels in assessing pipe damage, preparing the pipelines, and expertly inserting the calibrated epoxy resin liner.
Once inserted, the epoxy resin is inflated and cured using hot water or steam to adhere to the inside walls of the pipe. This forms a smooth, seamless and long-lasting new pipe lining. Pipe relining is a swift process that not only takes significantly less time than traditional methods but also safeguards the nearby infrastructure.
Our residential and commercial services extend throughout North Ryde and its surrounding suburbs, ensuring comprehensive access to our expert plumbing solutions. With advanced equipment and plumbing services expertise in pipe relining, we can restore the pipes at your home quickly with minimal disruption to the property or facilities.
What is epoxy resin and how is it used in pipe relining?
Epoxy resin, a two-part thermosetting plastic, is favoured for pipe relining due to its exceptional strength, durability, and bonding capabilities. When mixed, the epoxy components react and harden into a solid material that adheres tightly to the interior of pipes.
In the pipe relining process, a felt liner saturated with epoxy resin is inverted or pulled into the damaged pipe. Next, hot water or steam is blown into the inside pipes to cure the epoxy, causing it to solidify. As the resin hardens, it forms a new pipe inside the old, bonding tenaciously to create a smooth, jointless and corrosion-resistant new lining.
Epoxy resin is crucial in this application as it creates a robust structural connection between the host pipe and the new internal liner. The cured epoxy liner essentially forms a new pipe inside the old, restoring function and flow to the system. Epoxy also protects the lining from substances flowing through the pipes.
Compared to digging up and replacing old pipes, epoxy relining ensures less invasive solutions that come out ahead in preserving surrounding infrastructure. It also saves time and money while providing an equally durable result. This resin enables interior pipe restoration, completely encapsulating the old surface and eliminating the need for disruptive exterior work.
North Ryde Plumbing prides itself on extensive expertise in pipe epoxy formulations and curing methods. We implement seamless and enduring pipe repairs using industry-leading epoxy resins for our residential and commercial clients throughout North Ryde.
The pipe relining process step-by-step
The pipe relining process involves several key steps:
- Initial CCTV pipe inspection - We first thoroughly inspect the damaged pipe using a special CCTV camera to assess the location, material and extent of damage.
- Pipe preparation - The pipe interior is cleaned and prepared with tools like a robotic cutter, high-pressure water jetting and vacuuming to create an optimal bonding surface.
- Liner preparation - We impregnate a felt liner tube with environmentally-safe epoxy resin before calibrating it to the pipe’s internal dimensions.
- Liner inflation - Compressed air inflates the liner to ensure full contact and adherence to the interior walls of the pipe.
- Curing with a gas hot water system - A gas hot water system or steam is pumped into the inflated liner, activating and curing the epoxy resin to hardness within 2-3 hours.
- Final CCTV inspection - A camera inspects the pipes to validate the complete pipe relining and smooth epoxy finish before returning the pipes to full operational service.
A detailed explanation from a seasoned plumber clarified how pipe relining restores pipes in situ without the need for excavation or outright replacement. With expert local plumbers who consistently turned up on time and the latest equipment, Our expert local plumber explained everything and assured that we can get your pipes relined quickly and effectively with minimal disruption to your property.
Compared to traditional pipe repairs, pipe relining uses less energy and raw materials, generates negligible waste and protects surrounding structures - making it a smart, eco-friendly solution ideal for residential, commercial and municipal applications.
Inspecting and cleaning the pipes
Before applying an epoxy resin liner, the existing pipes must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned. At North Ryde Plumbing, we utilise CCTV drain cameras to internally visualise and got the job done effectively, ensuring a comprehensive assessment for our clients.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras on flexible cables, we navigate the pipes to pinpoint cracks, leaks, blockages, corrosion, and tree root intrusions. Live footage is viewed on screens as we assess if relining is required, and our team members explained what was needed to be done in terms of repairs.
For accurate pipe measurements, they sent through a calibration tube, providing precise data for our dedicated technicians. This determines the exact diameter and length to fabricate a tailored epoxy liner, and then they meticulously cleaned up after the process.
Cleaning is then conducted to prepare the pipe for optimal resin bonding. Using state-of-the-art jetters and vacuums, Our team effectively resolves pipe issues by removing obstructions, such as debris, scale, rust, and old pipe remnants. The interior is scraped, scoured, and cleaned up after thoroughly to create a clean conduit for the resin liner.
North Ryde Plumbing’s investment in sophisticated CCTV and pipe cleaning technologies allows our experts to perform thorough inspections and ready ageing or compromised pipes for structural reinforcement via internal epoxy relining.
Preparing the epoxy resin mixture
Preparing the epoxy resin mixture is a vital step that requires care and precision. Our plumbing technicians, experienced in using industrial-grade epoxy resins, follow stringent safety measures to achieve the ideal consistency for application.
Our local plumber ensures that the resin and hardener components are meticulously measured to the product’s specifications, typically using a simple 1:1 volume ratio. The two liquid parts are thoroughly combined and blended to produce a homogenous mixture free of striations or inconsistencies.
Getting the resin formulation right ensures proper wetting and uniform bonding over the entire interior pipe surface area during installation. As the epoxy cures, it will achieve maximum strength, durability, chemical resistance and long service life.
At North Ryde Plumbing, Our advanced mixing equipment allows for efficient production of large volumes of resin required for extensive pipe relining tasks. Our crew understands the work time constraints once epoxy mixtures are blended and prepared for impregnating the liner.
By following codes of practise and the safety guidelines for handling industrial epoxy blends, we properly prepare resin lining materials to manufacturer specifications so relining projects are completed safely and successfully.
Inverting the epoxy-coated liner into the pipe
Once the epoxy resin mixture is prepared and used to saturate the felt liner offsite, the next crucial step is inverting or winching the coated liner into the host pipe needing repair.
Technicians employ a specialised winch to delicately introduce the collapsed liner into an established access point like a manhole. The local plumber skilfully turns the liner inside out as it progresses down the pipe length, ensuring the epoxy-coated side makes direct contact with the interior pipe walls.
We exercise great care during the inverting process to minimise stress or damage to the liner. The liner is inverted at a steady, controlled pace until it spans the predefined section of pipe undergoing restoration. Precise liner dimensions and dedicated winching equipment ensures a smooth installation process.
With precise positioning, the epoxy-saturated liner ensures the reinforcement of the existing pipe structure, priming it for inflation and curing. This ensures that the resin bonds with no fuss to the piping walls near your house, forming a durable internal barrier.
Our team is adept at managing the detailed logistics and precision necessary during liner placement, ensuring meticulous orchestration before final curing. We invert and install epoxy-coated liners correctly so they integrate seamlessly within aged piping after hardening, restoring structural integrity from the inside out.
Curing and hardening the epoxy resin
The curing phase is integral, where hot water or steam catalyses and solidifies the epoxy resin, culminating the structural reinforcement process.
Once properly positioned, the resin-infused liner is subjected to a continuous flow of hot water or steam for 2 to 3 hours, allowing for the resin to set. The heat triggers cross-linking of the epoxy components; thus, the material was able to seamlessly bond to the host pipe. Temperatures reaching 140°F to 180°F accelerate gelling and curing.
As the exothermic reaction progresses, the resin transforms from a viscous liquid into a rock-hard, jointless plastic material that structurally bonds to the old pipe walls. The epoxy also continues to expand and conform to irregularities in the piping, sealing pinholes and cracks to prevent leaks or infiltration.
Our plumbers are adept at upholding the ideal curing temperatures, utilising sophisticated heat exchangers, boilers, and thermocouples. This enables the installed liner to fully harden and assume the shape of the existing conduit. On cooling, the epoxy remains flexible and durable despite pressure, impact or chemical exposure over time.
At North Ryde Plumbing, we strictly follow manufacturer processing guidelines to properly cure liners once inserted. Our expertise and advanced equipment ensures the epoxy sets evenly and adequately, restoring structural integrity from the inside-out.
Benefits of pipe relining with epoxy resin
Pipe relining using epoxy resin offers numerous advantages over traditional pipe replacement:
- Longer lifespan - Epoxy liners can last 50 years or more due to the material’s extreme durability and resistance to corrosion or deterioration.
- Faster repairs - The efficiency of pipe relining, which is completed within a few days without an excavation, contrasts with the more time-consuming and demolition-heavy pipe replacement.
- Less expensive - Relining costs $60 to $70 per linear foot on average compared to $200 to $250 per foot for pipe replacement, offering major cost savings.
- Minimal disruption - Structures and landscaping remain fully intact since no digging or demolition is required to access pipes from the surface.
- Increased flow - Smooth epoxy lining eliminates obstructions, root intrusion, leaks and buildup in sewer drain systems to optimise drainage and flow rates.
- Flexible application - You can choose pipe relining to restore pipes of almost any diameter, configuration and material without requiring custom fittings.
We offer a 10-year guarantee on our epoxy pipe relining services, reflecting the durability afforded by our quality materials and refined techniques. I highly recommend giving North Ryde Plumbing a call today on 1300 349 338 for professional pipe relining using proven epoxy resins to restore your pipes quickly without major property disruption.
Environmental impact
Pipe relining using epoxy resin has numerous environmental benefits compared to replacing pipes. As a trenchless method, it preserves surrounding infrastructure and reduces landfill waste.
No digging or heavy machinery is needed, protecting tree roots, pipes, cables and foundations. Relining also eliminates soil and vegetation removal. And because the existing pipe structure remains, there’s no demolition waste to dispose of.
Lining pipes made from existing materials rather than replacing them consumes less raw materials and energy overall. Epoxy resin also contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring it’s safe for any plumbing application.
North Ryde Plumbing takes pride in maintaining eco-friendly worksites and business practices. Customers are very happy with our high-tech pipe relining, as it helps reduce environmental impacts across residential and commercial properties throughout the North Ryde area.
Pipe relining vs. full replacement
Pipe relining offers a minimally invasive alternative to fully replacing damaged pipes. Relining involves technicians inserting a flexible, epoxy-coated liner into an existing pipe, effectively creating a 'new pipe’ within the old one.
Factors to consider when deciding between pipe relining and full replacement:
- Severity of damage - Relining works well for sewer pipes with superficial cracks, pinholes or joint misalignments. For a sewer pipe that has collapsed or is severely blocked, full replacement may be necessary.
- Pipe material and size - Clay, concrete, PVC and various metal pipes can be relined. Very small diameter pipes may not accommodate lining equipment. Larger sewer line mains can usually be relined.
- Access and location - If pipes are buried deep underground or lack access points, excavation-based replacement may be required. Relining is the perfect solution to open up options for repairing pipes under structures, landscaping or busy areas.
- Costs - Pipe relining costs around $60-70 per linear foot, providing major savings over replacement. However, severely damaged pipes that require frequent repairs might justify a longer-term investment in full replacement.
In most residential and commercial applications across North Ryde and surrounding suburbs, pipe relining offers a faster, less expensive and less disruptive option than pipe replacement projects.
With cutting-edge equipment and deep expertise in trenchless pipe restoration, North Ryde Plumbing can expertly ascertain if your pipes are suitable for epoxy resin relining.
Contact us today on 1300 349 338 for professional recommendations tailored to your unique pipe infrastructure and property requirements.
