Residential Drain Repairs: What to Expect During a Drain Relining Project
Drain relining is a trenchless drain repair technique that uses a special lining to fix damaged piping. The pipe liner reinforces old, rusted or cracked pipes and makes them look and function as new. Drain relining is a non-invasive technique; therefore, your plumber won't excavate your drains to repair them. The process is faster, cheaper and more effective than traditional drain repair techniques. Below are the procedures to expect during a drain relining project.
Non-invasive drain inspection
Before carrying out drain repairs, inspect the piping to ascertain the extent of the damage. Non-invasive techniques such as the use of drain cameras give you a clear view of the inside of your drainage system. With video camera inspection, you can gather the following information about your drains:
- The exact location of the damage
- Cause of the damage; for example, tree roots, rust or soil movement
- The severity of the wear
- The general condition of the drains
The inspection allows your contractor to establish the viability of relining as a repair option. For example, if your pipes have severe damage, replacing them would be the best choice. However, for localised wear, you can proceed with pipe relining. The footage from the video cameras allows you to map out the length of the pipe that requires relining.
Pre-repair drain cleaning
Broken drain pipes often have drainage problems. Dirt and debris lodge into the cracks and create clogs. Before relining the piping, you need to flush out the clogs and clean the system. Eliminating clogs creates a clean and smooth inner surface for the liner to bond to.
For fast and effective drain cleaning, consider hydro jetting. This device uses motors to pressurise water and jet it out through a nozzle and into your drain pipes. The highly pressurised water dislodges the clogs and pushes the debris into the sewerage system.
Drain relining
After cleaning your drain pipes, the next step is to reline them. The contractor measures out the lining material required to cover the affected length of the piping and mixes the resin materials on-site. After the liner is ready, it is pushed into the damaged piping using an air inversion tank. The liner has to cure in place for around an hour or less, depending on the curing technique used.
The pipe relining process doesn't require excavation. Your contractor may create a small access point to gain entry into the drain pipes. You can choose an access point that will not invade your flooring or landscaping. After relining the drains, your contractor should inspect them one last time to confirm the quality of the repairs.
Drain relining only takes a few hours, and you don't have to incur post-repair restoration costs. Contact a plumber for drain relining services.
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