The Safety of Pipe Relining: What You Need to Know Before You Try It

November 13, 2022by Alex

If you’re dealing with broken or damaged pipes in your home or business, you may have heard of pipe relining as a possible solution. Pipe relining is a no-dig method for repairing damaged pipes by creating a new, seamless lining inside the existing pipe. It’s a popular alternative to traditional pipe replacement, which can be time-consuming, costly, and disruptive. However, as with any repair method, it’s important to understand the safety considerations before attempting pipe relining.

The Basics of Pipe Relining

Before diving into the safety aspects of pipe relining, let’s briefly review how the process works. Pipe relining involves inserting a liner coated with an epoxy resin into the damaged pipe. The liner is inflated, and the resin cures, creating a new pipe within the old one. The result is a seamless, durable pipe that can last up to 50 years. Because the process doesn’t require excavation or removal of the old pipe, it can be completed quickly and with minimal disruption.

Safety Considerations for Pipe Relining

While pipe relining is generally considered safe, there are a few important factors to consider:

1. The Condition of the Existing Pipe

Pipe relining is most effective when the existing pipe is still structurally sound, despite being damaged. If the pipe is severely corroded or collapsing, it may not be a good candidate for relining. A professional plumber can assess the condition of your pipes and determine whether relining is a safe and viable option.

2. The Type of Resin Used

The epoxy resin used in pipe relining is generally considered safe, but it’s important to ensure that it’s appropriate for your specific situation. Different resins have different strengths and curing times, and some may be better suited for certain types of pipes or conditions. Your plumber can help you choose the right resin for your needs.

3. Proper Installation

As with any plumbing repair, proper installation is key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the repair. It’s important to work with a licensed and experienced plumber who is familiar with the pipe relining process and can ensure that the new lining is properly installed.

4. Potential Health Risks

While the epoxy resin used in pipe relining is generally safe once it has cured, there may be some health risks associated with the installation process. The resin may release fumes during installation, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Proper ventilation is necessary to mitigate these risks.

Benefits of Pipe Relining

Despite the safety considerations, pipe relining is generally considered a safe and effective method for repairing damaged pipes. In addition to being less disruptive than traditional pipe replacement, it offers several benefits:

1. Cost-Effective

Pipe relining can be a cost-effective solution for repairing damaged pipes compared to traditional pipe replacement methods. Traditional methods of pipe replacement involve excavation, which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. In contrast, pipe relining is a no-dig method that requires minimal excavation and can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

Pipe relining also eliminates the need for costly and disruptive excavation work, which can save homeowners and businesses a significant amount of money. Since excavation work requires heavy machinery and often involves damaging landscaping or concrete surfaces, it can be very expensive to repair these damages. Pipe relining, on the other hand, requires minimal excavation and therefore does not cause significant damage to surrounding areas.

Additionally, pipe relining can extend the lifespan of pipes, meaning that homeowners and businesses can avoid the costs associated with frequent pipe replacements. Traditional pipe replacements require pipes to be completely removed and replaced, which can be very costly, especially for large and complex pipe systems. With pipe relining, the existing pipe is simply lined with an epoxy coating, which strengthens the pipe and protects it from further damage, ultimately increasing its lifespan.

Overall, the cost-effectiveness of pipe relining can vary depending on the specifics of each individual case. However, in general, pipe relining can save homeowners and businesses money by avoiding the costly excavation work required for traditional pipe replacement methods, extending the lifespan of pipes, and reducing the need for frequent repairs.

2. Durable

The new lining created by pipe relining is seamless and durable, meaning that it’s less likely to develop leaks or other issues over time.

The epoxy resin used in pipe relining creates a seamless and sturdy pipe within the existing damaged pipe, providing a smooth and continuous surface for water and waste to flow through.

The epoxy resin used in pipe relining is designed to withstand high levels of pressure, extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals, making it resistant to damage and corrosion. It also has a long lifespan, typically lasting up to 50 years or more, depending on usage and maintenance.

Unlike traditional pipe repair methods, which involve replacing the entire damaged pipe, pipe relining only repairs the damaged section of the pipe. This means that the new liner fits tightly within the existing pipe, providing a solid and durable solution that is less susceptible to cracks, leaks, or other damage.

Overall, the use of high-quality materials and advanced technology in pipe relining provides a durable and long-lasting solution that is not only cost-effective but also minimizes disruption to your property and daily routine.

3. Fast and Convenient

Because pipe relining doesn’t require excavation, it can be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to your property.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Pipe relining is a more environmentally friendly option than traditional pipe replacement, as it doesn’t require the use of heavy machinery or the excavation and disposal of old pipes.

Conclusion

Overall, pipe relining is a safe and effective method for repairing damaged pipes, provided that it’s done correctly. By working with a licensed and experienced plumber, ensuring that the resin is appropriate for your specific situation, and taking appropriate safety precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of pipe relining without risks associated with someone who is not qualified or experienced for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining is a trenchless pipe repair method that uses a resin lining to fix pipes. The existing pipe is cleaned and inspected, then lined with a resin material that’s cured to form a new pipe within the old pipe. With Streamline Pipes, you can expect 60 years of service life out of your relined pipes!

If The Pipe Has Collapsed Can It Be Relined?

If your pipe has collapsed partially, we can reline it. If the sewer or stormwater pipe is fully collapsed then this will require, digging and a pipe replacement, to fix it correctly and costs more in labour. The pipe is impregnated with an epoxy Liner. Once cured, this creates a ‘new pipe, within the old pipe’. Very similar to a medical ‘stent’.

The benefits of using pipe relining for a cracked or partially collapsed pipe include:

  • No digging required
  • Permanent solution
  • Cost-effective
  • Less disruption – you can use your pipes within hours not days.
  • Landscaping, flooring, and driveways are not damaged.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take?

It depends on many factors, including the size of the pipe and the access to this pipe. In most cases, your pipe can be relined in a few hours.

If you need the work done as a matter of urgency then StreamlinePipes can be there the next day after the quote is provided.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Last?

Pipe relining is a long-term solution. The pipe lining can last just the same if not longer than replacing in with a new PVC Pipe. Once it is in place you don’t have to worry about repairing or replacing it for years.

Relined pipes are more cost-effective than replacement of the entire pipe, which can be very expensive. Relining leaves your property intact, so there’s no need to dig up your yard or pathways or remove any landscaping features. You won’t even notice when our qualified plumbers are onsite!

StreamlinePipe relining saves money in the long run because:

  • It doesn’t require digging up yards and pathways in order to replace pipes that may be causing water damage under concrete slabs or driveways
  • We guarantee our work for 60 years – an industry first

How Does CIPP Relining Work?

Cured-In-Place-Piping (CIPP) relining is a method of repairing pipes that involves injecting a high-density polyurethane material into the pipe. The material hardens and forms a new pipe within the old pipe. This method of pipe repair was pioneered by Streamline Pipes and Drains over 31 years ago.

How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Blocked Or Broken?

If you are unsure whether your pipes need to be relined or repaired, contact us for a free, no-obligation inspection. We can help you to evaluate the condition of the pipes and advise you on all available options, contact us for help.

Does Pipe Relining Need To Be Done By A Specialist?

Absolutely.  Pipe relining requires specific equipment and training. The no-dig pipe repair solution is not taught at Tafe. Relining training is learnt ‘on the job’ and can take decades to perfect. It is worth thinking ‘will the plumbing company be around for 2o years to fix any possible problems”?

There are many companies out there claiming to be able to do this work effectively, but no one can match the quality and expertise of Streamline Pipes and Drains as they are only just beginning and Streamline has be Relining for over 31 years.

Is pipe relining approved by Australian standards?

Yes, pipe relining is approved by Australian standards. In fact, AS3600 (2016) and its subsequent revisions include requirements for the use of pipe relining as a method of remediation in both stormwater and sewer systems.

AS3600 is a set of standards for stormwater and wastewater systems that have been developed under the auspices of Standards Australia New Zealand (Standards NZ). The following standards apply:

  • AS3600 – general requirements for design, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of water supply schemes including wastewater treatment works
  • AS3600.1 -2018 – quality management system standard for health sector facilities; quality management system standard for medical devices; other technical regulations made under Food Act 2014; classifications under Industrial Chemicals (Notification & Assessment) Act 1989; classification under Ozone Protection & Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989; environmental performance standards under several statutes including Hazardous Substances (Emergency Response Management) Regulations 2007; risk assessment framework under Hazardous Substances (Emergency Response Management) Regulations 2007

Can Root Intrusion Be Fixed With Pipe Relining?

Root intrusion is the result of tree roots growing into the pipes. Pipe relining is a perfect preventative solution when roots have invaded your sewer pipes, as the use of a High-Pressure Water Jet and inspection camera, is the precursor work required in order to clean and clear the blockage. Once this is done, then the StreamlinePipes relining system is able to install the pipe liner and get your pipes working again, with tree roots permanently removed from that part of the drain system.

Contact us now for a free quote

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