Struggling with plumbing issues, worried about the extensive digging requirements, but need a durable solution fast? The answer is pipelining installation!
Pipelining, a powerful trenchless technique, offers a transformative solution to repair, rehabilitate, optimize, and improve the overall efficiency of your plumbing systems.
If you’re eager to harness the benefits of pipelining in your plumbing work, this step-by-step installation guide is designed to provide you with invaluable insights and practical instructions.
In this blog, we’ll focus on some important trenchless pipelining installation methods such as CIPP, epoxy, water line pipelining, and sewer pipelining. Read on to know more.
Common Plumbing Issues
First, let’s take a look at some of the common issues that are clear indicators that you need to install pipelining.
- Pipe Leaks and Corrosion: Not enough water in the property or issues with the foundation itself? This indicates pipe leakage. Aging pipes are prone to leaks and corrosion, leading to water damage, reduced water pressure, and wastage. If you see small pools or puddles forming on your property, then it’s a sign of a sewer leak.
- Pipe Blockages: Ever experienced slow drainage? The likely culprit – blocked pipe lines. Blockages caused by debris, scale buildup, or tree roots can impede water flow and cause backups or flooding.
- Sewer Line Issues: Foul odor in the house or office? Sewer line problems, such as cracks, fractures, or root intrusion, can lead to foul odors, sewage backups, and environmental contamination. Sometimes, you can see sudden growth of grass in a portion of your yard, which indicates sewer leaks in that area.
- Pipe Misalignment: Over time, pipes can become misaligned due to ground shifting or settling, causing restricted flow and potential leaks.
- Pests: Damaged drain or sewer pipes can be a gateway to pests, such as mice, cockroaches, bugs, and other insects to enter your property.
What is Pipelining?
Pipelining is a trenchless technology that allows for the repair and rehabilitation of existing pipes without the need for extensive excavation. It involves the insertion of a flexible lining material into the damaged pipe, which is then cured to form a new, durable pipe within the old one.
This innovative technique has gained popularity due to its numerous benefits over traditional methods:
- Simplified trenching and less damage to the surrounding environment
- Reduced time and costs associated with repairs
- Reduced disruption to the everyday life of residents
- Easier to learn and use, making it a popular choice for environmentally-sensitive projects
As the demand for pipelining continues to grow, so too does the number of companies offering this innovative technology. If you are considering using this technology, be sure to speak to a specialist to get the most from your investment.
Trenchless Pipelining Techniques
Let’s look at how trenchless pipeline scores over traditional methods in plumbing installations.
Trenchless pipelining refers to a set of methods and techniques used to repair or replace underground pipes without the need for extensive excavation and trenching. These methods offer a less invasive and more efficient alternative to traditional pipe repair or replacement.
Check out some of the trenchless pipelining techniques:
- Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining: This is one of the most widely used trenchless pipelining methods. It involves inserting a flexible liner coated with resin into the existing damaged pipe. The liner is then inflated and cured, either through heat or UV light, creating a new durable pipe within the old one.
- Pipe Bursting: Pipe bursting is a trenchless method used for replacing old or damaged pipes with new ones. It involves pulling a bursting head through the existing pipe, which fractures the old pipe and simultaneously draws a new pipe into place.
- Slip Lining: This involves inserting a new pipe, typically made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PVC, into the existing damaged pipe. The new pipe, which is smaller in diameter than the host pipe, is inserted either by pulling or pushing.
- Pipe Relining: Pipe relining (inversion or inversion relining), is a method where a flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the existing pipe using air or water pressure. Once in place, the liner is inflated, and the resin cures, creating a new pipe lining within the host pipe.
- Pipe Coating: Pipe coating, on the other hand, involves the application of a protective coating (mainly, epoxy) or lining to the interior surface of a pipe. Pipe coating is often used as a preventive measure to protect new pipes or to rehabilitate pipes with minor surface defects.
- Microtunneling: It is a trenchless method used for installing new pipes or conduits underground. It involves using a microtunneling machine to excavate the soil and create a tunnel while simultaneously installing a new pipe.
Which pipelining technique is right for you?
Selecting the appropriate method depends on factors such as the condition of the existing pipes, the extent of damage, the type of material, and the specific requirements of the project. Consulting with trenchless pipelining experts or contractors can help determine the most suitable technique for a given situation.
Trenchless Pipelining Installation Process: Key Steps
The pipelining process involves several steps, starting with a thorough inspection of the plumbing system. While the exact steps may vary depending on the specific method used, here is a general overview of the pipelining process in plumbing:
- Inspection and Assessment: The first step involves conducting a comprehensive inspection of the plumbing system using specialized cameras or robotic devices. This inspection helps evaluate the extent of damage, identify the nature of issues, and determine the suitability of pipelining as a solution.
- Preparation and Cleaning: Before the pipelining process begins, the damaged pipe needs to be cleaned and cleared of any obstructions, debris, or buildup. Techniques such as high-pressure water jetting or mechanical cleaning methods are employed to ensure a pristine surface for the lining material.
- Liner Fabrication: Next, the liner material is selected based on the specific requirements of the project, such as pipe diameter, material compatibility, and expected lifespan. The liner material, which is often a flexible fabric or resin-impregnated tube, is prepared and cut to the appropriate length.
- Lining Installation: The liner material is then inserted into the damaged pipe using an appropriate method, such as inversion, pull-in, or spray lining. In the inversion method, the liner is turned inside out and pushed or pulled into place using air or water pressure. In the pull-in method, the liner is pulled into the pipe using winches or a cable system. In the spray lining method, a liquid lining material is sprayed onto the interior surface of the pipe, forming a coating.
- Inflation and Curing: Once the liner is in place, it is inflated using air pressure or other means to press it against the interior walls of the damaged pipe. The curing process is initiated to harden the liner material and create a new pipe within the existing one.
- Curing can be achieved through various methods, such as heat, steam, UV light, or chemical reactions, depending on the specific liner material used.
- Quality Control and Testing: After the curing process, the rehabilitated pipe is inspected to ensure the integrity of the lining and its proper alignment. Specialized cameras or inspection equipment are used to verify the quality of the pipelining installation.
- Additional testing, such as pressure testing, may be performed to ensure the functionality and reliability of the rehabilitated pipe.
- Restoration and Cleanup: Any access points or pits created during the pipelining process are restored and backfilled, leaving minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
- The plumbing system is put back into operation, and any necessary final cleanup or adjustments are made to complete the pipelining process.
CIPP Installation Steps
The CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) process is a revolutionary form of trenchless technology that enables sewer lines to be repaired or replaced without excavating the old pipe system.
The CIPP installation process typically consists of the following steps:
- The pipe is first scanned using a CCTV camera.
- Next, the pipe is cleaned thoroughly. The pipe must be dry for the procedure.
- The liner material is prepared and cut to the required length. The CIPP liner is typically made of a flexible fabric or a resin-impregnated tube.
- The liner is then inserted into the damaged pipe using an inversion or pull-in method. A felt tube saturated with resin is inserted into the existing pipe. Next, air pressure is used to ensure that the tube adheres to the original pipe, creating a seamless seal and long-term structural repair.
- Curing is done to harden the liner by using heat, UV light, or steam. The curing method depends on the type of resin used in the liner.
- Once the curing is done, the rehabilitated pipe undergoes quality control and testing.
- Finally, the pipe is put back in operation and other connections are restored.
- The rehabilitated pipe is now ready to provide improved functionality and longevity.
CIPP provides a seamless and durable new pipe lining, enhancing the performance and lifespan of the rehabilitated pipe.
Epoxy Pipelining Installation Steps
For CIPP, three major types of resins are used, namely, epoxy, vinyl, and polyester. Of these, the epoxy lining is one of the most effective methods of repairing damaged pipes.
The epoxy pipelining process typically involves the following steps:
- A specialized cleaning process is used to remove all debris from the interior of existing pipes.
- By using a mix of air and silica particles, all the deposits and dirt are “blown” away to be collected at the end of the line.
- Once the pipes are sufficiently cleared, an epoxy resin lining is inserted in the same pipe, which hardens in a few hours for immediate use.
- It is then cured through UV light, heat, or steam.
- After quality checks and restoration of systems, the pipes are ready for use.
Water Pipelining Process
Water pipelining involves the rehabilitation or repair of water supply lines, which transport potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
It helps address issues like leaks, corrosion, or cracks in the water supply system, ensuring the continued flow of clean and safe drinking water.
This is beneficial as it:
- Is cost-effective
- Is safer
- Is non-disruptive
- Provides longevity
This process typically includes techniques, such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) epoxy lining (explained above), pipe bursting, or pipe relining, depending on the specific needs and condition of the water pipes. Then, the pipes are cured and quality tested.
Sewer Pipelining Process
Sewer pipelining focuses on the rehabilitation or repair of sewer lines responsible for conveying wastewater, sewage, and other effluents away from buildings to treatment facilities or disposal points.
Sewer pipelining techniques, such as CIPP lining, pipe bursting, or pipe relining, are employed to address issues like cracks, root intrusion, or structural damage in sewer pipes.
Damaged or leaking joints are sealed or replaced to ensure the integrity of the rehabilitated sewer system. Again, quality checks and restoration activities are undertaken to restore the sewer system.
By utilizing such trenchless methods, sewer pipelining minimizes disruption, reduces costs, and extends the lifespan of the sewer system.
What’s the Cost of Pipelining?
Now, let’s come to the crux of the matter, cost. Many components impact the pipelining cost, such as:
- Types of pipes – PVC, PEX, Clay, Iron, etc.
- Amount of cleaning required
- Pipe location, accessibility, size, and length
However, on average, the cost of pipelining can vary from $50-$250 per foot. For a single average home, the cost of drain repair could range between $4000 to $15000. For shorter pipe lengths (under 50 feet), the cost can come up to $4000.
Use this formula for calculating pipelining costs:
Cost = Pipe Length x Pipe Diameter x Depth of Pipe x Network Complexity
Pipelining Near Me
Unsure how to proceed with fixing your sewer or water lines? Don’t worry, choose San Diego Pipelining for all your plumbing needs in Southern California. Our expertise allows us to swiftly determine the issue and customize the ideal drain repair methods that are long-lasting. Contact us today and schedule your services now!