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Trenchless Sewer Repair

Trenchless Sewer Repair Techniques

Is Trenchless Pipe Repair The Best Solution for Me?

In most cases, a resounding yes. However, as with any major decision when it comes to your home there are several key factors you must first consider.

Types of Trenchless Sewer Repair

When you hear the term, “Trenchless Pipe Repair”, there are two primary types of repair styles currently being offered to homeowners today. The first method we will be discussing is referred to as, trenchless pipe liner or as its commonly referred to as C.I.P.P. (cured in place pipe). Typically, trenchless pipe liners require the least amount of digging if any at all. In some cases, a small access hole may be required to access the pipe if there is no feasible inside or outside access. Should this be the case, please know the hole is very small and can easily be filled in and put back to its original condition. Ideally, a no digging method is preferred and in most cases this is exactly what happens when you have access inside the house or through a cleanout located outside.

Inspecting The Pipe With A Sewer Video

All pipes or sewer pipes must got through a thorough video camera inspection first to determine the condition of the interior of the pipe. Also, by sending a video camera down your sewer line, it allows for the contractor to factor in the length and the size of the liner for the pipe repair. Most video cameras can record this process thus making it viewable for both the contractor and customer. If you are having a problem with your sewer or pipeline then when you view the video you could expect to see the cause of the problem, in most cases, you would expect to see tree root penetration and root buildup, cracked or broken pipes or a buildup of scale and debris. Once you have consulted with the trenchless sewer repair specialist then you are ready for the actual work of lining to begin.

Cleaning The Sewer Pipe With Hydro Jetting

To clear out the scale and debris or tree root buildup most sewer repair contractors use one of two options, the first or most preferred option is to use a highly pressurized water “jet” to clean out the interior of the pipe. These hydro jets run at about 4,000 psi, so cutting the roots out of the line will not be a problem. Additionally it thoroughly scrubs the interior of the pipe clean. Most jetters come with their own water tank so it is not typical to have to supply the water. The second option to clear out the interior of the pipe and get it ready for the sewer pipe liner, is, to cut them out with an auger type machine that has a cutting blade on the end of it. This can require more work and is a bit outdated as sometimes you could further damage the interior structure of the pipe. Either method will effectively clean out the inside of the pipe so that the liner can easily adhere to the interior of the pipe structure.

Epoxy Sewer Pipe Liners

The liners are constructed from a felt like material which is very flexible and pliable. They are designed this way so they can easily fit into and assume the shape of the interior host pipe. The technician will measure out the correct amount of liner needed to line your pipe. It is carefully rolled out and cut and is now ready to be impregnated with an epoxy resin, two part combo. Once the liner has been saturated, we have now entered the critical part, it is time to get this liner inside your sewer pipe. The technician will “shoot” the liner into the old pipe by blasting air into the liner where it unravels inside the pipe. Once this process is completed, the technician will insert an air bladder inside the liner and it will be inflated with air ensuring the liner will be completely pushed up against the interior of the host pipe. At this point, the configuration is allowed to sit and ‘cure’ in place. The air curing method can take anywhere from 5-8 hours. The conditions of the environment will factor into the proper curing time so you can expect your curing time to vary.