The Pipe Lining Process Explained

Sewer drainage pipes and rainwater leader piping frequently create havoc for property owners and managers. Sewers and rainwater leaders leak and back up due to aging lines, root intrusion, calcification, and ground movement costing property owners millions of dollars annually in damage to their property structures and landscaping, and millions more in increased taxes due to crumbling underground infrastructure of municipalities.

In addition to the expense and inconvenience, leaking sewage and rainwater creates health risks such as contamination from mold and harmful bacteria. Backups also cause sewers to overflow, spewing deadly waste into our streets, waterways and beaches.

Trenchless technology has created an alternative to sewer drain and rainwater leader pipe replacement commonly referred to as Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP). CIPP is where a pipe is created “within the existing pipe” with special epoxy resins creating the structural strength of new pipes without damage to structures, floors, interior walls, sidewalks, streets or landscaping. The process has been in use now for over 25 years. There are two primary types of applications, the ‘pull-in-place’ (PIP) method and the ’inversion’ method.

The Pull-In-Place Method (P.I.P.)

Pipelining Technologies, Inc. specializes in the ‘pull-in-place’ (PIP) method, where the epoxy saturated liner is pulled into position where needed and cured in place and then the job is complete. In order to pull a liner in place, two access points are required, one to feed the liner in and the other to pull it into place. This is the one limitation of this process because at times there is only one access point, in which case we would use the inversion process.

Millions of linear feet of drain lines have been saved using the pull-in-place process. We realize every building and project is unique and we would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your particular situation. Pipelining Technologies, Inc. installers have the experience and advanced technical knowledge to meet your specific needs, regardless of the depth of the pipe or corrosive nature of the environment.

The Inversion Method

The ‘Inversion’ pipelining method is a very interesting process. The advantages to inversion are:

• Only one access point is required.
• Up to 200ft of liner can be installed in a matter of seconds.
• The Epoxy is laid up against the pipe, adhering the liner to the pipe.

Most large projects require a combination of the pull-in-place and inversion methods. All in all, both methods carry the same manufacturer warranty and in Pipelining Technologies, Inc.’s case, a Ten Year Parts and Labor Warranty.

General Overview

The Pipelining Technologies, Inc. process consists of three steps. First, the lines are evaluated with sewer cameras to determine what is needed to resolve the problem. Next, lines are cleaned, and finally the liner is pulled into place or shot into the pipe via inversion. The end result is the creation of a smooth and seamless ‘pipe within a pipe.’ Roots cannot penetrate the new “joint less” pipe. Calcification can no longer occur because the deposits will not adhere to the inner walls of the new epoxy barrier-lined pipe. Best of all, the whole process is done from above ground, which means landscape, foundations, driveways, interior walls and floors remain undisturbed.

Identify the Problem by Sewer Camera
When you call to have us to evaluate your sewer and drain lines, the first thing we will do is schedule a video/camera inspection. When we come to your property, we will run a camera through your rainwater leaders, sewer main lines and/or lateral lines. The camera footage is recorded on DVD format and you are provided a copy of the DVD as well as a plot plan of how the sewer lines run through your property, and/or locations of rainwater leaders and piping. From here the technician will be able to evaluate your needs and recommend the best solution for your specific problem.

Clean the Pipes
Once the problem and solution are identified, the Pipelining Technologies, Inc. process can begin. The first step is to clean out all roots and de-scale any calcite, etc. in order to return the pipe back to its original functioning diameter. To do this, we either jet the lines or use pneumatic tools, and mechanical cleaning tools. Cast pipe may require additional preparation if the pipe is badly corroded or there is a void in the pipe.

Install the Liner
After the cleaning process is complete, the lining can begin. Based upon the solution that you and your technician have decided upon, the length of liner needed is cut; a custom two-part epoxy is mixed and poured in to permeate the felt liner. The saturated liner is then either pulled-in-place or inverted, the bladder is inflated and the curing begins. Once the epoxy lining has cured, the bladder is extracted, leaving a complete structural pipe within a pipe. To insure that the job has been performed perfectly, a camera inspection is done to inspect the work and you receive a copy of this as well.

The Benefits

Prevents Root Intrusion and Stops Leaks
Cured-in-place epoxy lining molds to the diameter of the host pipe or creates a pipe where there are gaps, literally creating a seamless pipe within a pipe. This eliminates the possibility of future root intrusion. In most cases, when there are cracks, separation, or root intrusion, sewage or rainwater is seeping out below your property into underground structures or into the landscaping. Sinkholes and structural undermining are the results of drainage systems that are compromised by this uncontrolled seepage. The pipe lining process eliminates this problem today and for the foreseeable future.

Increases Flow
Cured-in-place pipe actually increases flow capacity because the Pipelining Technologies, Inc. pipe is smoother than old clay, cast iron, or concrete pipe. Calcification deposits will not adhere to the epoxy-lined walls; thus, flow is unimpeded, and future blockage from normal pipe use is greatly reduced. Maintenance contracts are available to prevent soft scale build-up and to detect any potential concerns before they become major problems.

No digging or destruction
All of Pipelining Technologies, Inc. lateral rehabilitation techniques can be launched through cleanouts. Above ground there are no interior walls to repair, no piles of excavated dirt, no landscape to replace, no concrete foundations or asphalt driveways to repair, no traffic tie-ups, and no haggling with subcontractors over repair of the damage. You can tear up your walls, floors, landscape and more, but why would you if you didn’t have to?

Offers the Structural Strength of New Pipes
The finished product withstands every corrosive environment, as well as the test of time, thus eliminating any future need for excavation. Resin formulas are custom-specified to meet customers’ special requirements. Pipelining Technologies, Inc. liner enhances the structural strength of host pipe and acts as a stand-alone pipe within a pipe, meeting or exceeding ASTM D790 Standards. The life expectancy of Pipelining Technologies, Inc. liner is over 50 years.

Alternative to Sewer Drain/Rainwater Leader Replacement
Replacing underground sewer drain pipe and rainwater leader lines means costly excavation of slab foundations, flooring, interior walls, side walks, streets, driveways and landscaping, only to have the same problems arise when roots grow back, calcification deposits build up, or corrosion creates leaks again. Pipelining Technologies, Inc.’s proven trenchless technology process has been used since 1998 to restore drain lines and rainwater leader piping to better-than-new condition, without destruction of floors, walls, foundations, landscaping, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, or anywhere drain lines are located.

At Pipelining Technologies, Inc., we use our pipelining services to facilitate a variety of water or sewer system issues. Using our state-of-the-art technology, we are able to handle leaks, cracks, erosion, and breakage of quite a few piping systems. Whether you are looking to repair vertical stacks pipe lining, lateral pipe lining, or horizontal pipe lining, we have the tools and technicians to repair even the most corroded pipes within your system.

Vertical Pipe Lining

Vertical pipe lining or vertical stack pipelining involves high-rise buildings such as large condos, tall apartment buildings, and commercial office buildings. At Pipelining Technologies, Inc., we understand the importance of keeping business open during any repairs. In doing so, we work with our clients to ensure that we are repairing a manageable portion of the pipelining, affecting only certain shares of the building at a time. Our advanced machinery allows us to repair your piping systems without removing tenants or demolishing the surrounding areas.

Lateral Pipe Lining

Lateral pipe lining uses our cured-in-place pipe to increase the flow capacity of lateral pipes within residential buildings. Lateral sewer lines run from a house or business to the main sewer system near the street. Pipelining Technologies, Inc. is the solution to your entire lateral pipe lining needs. With our unmatched services, we work quickly and efficiently to repair lateral piping with perfection.

Horizontal Pipe Lining

At Pipelining Technologies, Inc., we place a substantial focus on our horizontal pipe lining. Our epoxy lining services industrial, commercial, and residential buildings, creating a lining that encourages smooth flow of water and completely stop pipe leakage. Further, our cutting-edge equipment ensures that little to no destruction is involved with the piping systems, as well as the surrounding areas.