Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nasir Hanif
Pipes are usually hidden behind walls and under the ground, out of sight and out of mind. That is until they break and you need to repair them. Plumbing Emergencies
In these situations, you do a quick calculation in your head of the possible expenses. How much will it cost to repair your yard after the pipe is fixed? What will it cost you to rebuild the walls?
The longer you go, the more you dread calling the plumbing.
If you are like most homeowners, these thoughts can keep you up sometimes. The good news is that there is a way to fix your damaged pipe without having to dig or excavate: domestic pipe relining.
Pipe relining can be done in two ways:
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The Air Inversion Method
The inversion method is done by infusing a tube with a resin material that is designed especially for this application.
A device that looks like a drum turns the tube inside out as it is being installed into the damaged pipe, so the resin-filled side of the tube faces the inside of the pipe being repaired.
After the liner is fully laid out, it is filled with compressed air until it is inflated, pushing the resin-infused surface of the tube against the inside of the pipe.
Once all the bends and contours of the pipe are lined, hot compressed air is blown into the pipe to cure the resin. In some cases, actually, hot water is used to strengthen the bond between the inside of the pipe and the liner.
After the curing process, you get a stronger pipe that is resistant to chemicals or corrosion and can stand up to scratches.
In the inversion method, only one opening is needed. It is typically used to repair pipes up to two metres long, but with enough air capacity, you can repair pipes of virtually any length.
Pull-in-Place
The second type of domestic pipe relining is the pull-in-place method. It is ideal for pipes that have incurred less extensive damage, resulting in smaller gaps in the line. It involves using a resin-infused liner of a certain length fitted with an inflatable sleeve or bladder.
Both ends are tied to a rope, and the liner is then inserted into the pipe. After this, it is pulled into the desired position using the ropes on both ends.
Once in position, the sleeve is inflated until the resin is cured. At this point, the liner hardens, essentially forming a new pipe within the old pipe.
Aside from the obvious differences in the process, another thing that sets the pull-in-place method from the inversion method is that it requires a second access point outside the house, usually a cleanout. Not all houses have this feature, but a nearby manhole will do just fine.
In addition, the pull-in-place involves pulling the liner along the length of the pipe, which leads to friction. That is why it is not ideal for plumbing systems where the lines are longer.
Which One is Better for You?
The inversion method is ideal for repairing damages further along the pipe, while the pull-in-place method works great for shorter lines where friction is minimal.
Which method you should choose will ultimately depend on your situation. Just make sure that you call licensed professionals only, and they will take care of the rest.
Read more: When You Should Call Professional Plumber?
