Pipe Lining FAQ: What Edmonton Homeowners Need to Know

When it comes to sewer infrastructure, most homeowners tend to consider it out of sight and out of mind—until disaster strikes and you're forced to deal with getting it repaired. If that thought has you recoiling in horror as you imagine a giant, muddy trench ripping through your landscaping achievements in order to access your pipes, don't panic!

While it's true that traditional sewer repair methods involve digging a costly, time-consuming trench, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton uses pipe lining, a trenchless method that, as the name suggests, eliminates the need for a trench to be dug.

But what is pipelining, and how does it work? More importantly, is it the best option for your home? We'll answer all those pressing questions below and show you how pipe lining can improve your quality of life by saving time and money, among other benefits.

What is Pipe Lining?

First things first—what is this revolutionary technique? Basically, pipe lining (or relining, as it's sometimes called) is the process of repairing a sewer pipe by fully lining it with epoxy and fiberglass to seal any cracks, gaps, or holes and to make your sewer line impenetrable for tree roots. Also referred to as cured-in-place pipe or CIPP, this effective repair method is durable and long-lasting, so it helps to keep water flowing smoothly for many years to come.

How Does Pipe Lining Work?

There are four main steps in the process that your Mr. Rooter plumber will use to get your sewer lines back in perfect working order.

Video Camera Plumbing Inspection

The first thing that needs to be done is to determine the cause of the problem and look for weak points or other signs of damage to ensure that sewer pipe lining is the best solution. In many cases it is, but if the damage is very extensive, it may be best to replace the sewer entirely (don't worry, that can likely still be accomplished with trenchless methods). Your plumber can use a small video camera attached to a flexible cable to navigate through the pipe and get a good look at the interior. This sewer camera inspection will help them fully diagnose your issue and come up with an optimal repair solution.

Clean and Measure Pipe

Next, the pipe will need to be thoroughly cleaned. This can be done with a combination of methods, including HydroScrub® jetting, a technique that uses high-powered jets of water to blast away mineral deposits, grease build-up, and other debris that is clogging your drain. Then the length of the tube needs to be calculated so your plumber knows how long the epoxy lining should be.

Insert and Cure Liner

Once it is confirmed that the entire pipe is ready to go, a flexible tube saturated in epoxy resin is inserted into it. A "bladder" is inflated inside, pushing the epoxy liner up against the walls of the tube. Then it needs to cure, which is the longest part of the process. Steam is used to cure the epoxy until it is completely hardened and ready for years of sewer service. Final Inspection

Lastly, the bladder is deflated and removed, and your plumber will perform another sewer camera inspection to ensure that the CIPP liner is properly situated and the drain lines are open for business.

How Long Does Pipe Lining Last?

This is difficult to answer because the technology is recent enough that we have not yet reached the end of the life span for CIPP liners. However, it is considered a permanent repair that greatly extends the life of your existing infrastructure. Most manufacturers estimate that they’ll last a minimum of 50 years before needing replacement, but only time will tell how far it could go beyond that with proper care and maintenance.

What Are the Benefits of Pipe Lining?

We've mentioned that CIPP liners are effective and long-lasting, but you may be wondering what the benefits are in comparison to old-fashioned, open-cut (trench) methods. Here are three key reasons why trenchless techniques are a superior way to repair your sewer lines.

Highly Effective

Not only does CIPP permanently seal off cracks and gaps, but it also eliminates pipe corrosion issues and repels tree roots. That might not sound like a big deal, but cracks from roots are a major cause of damage to sewer lines. Mr. Rooter’s CIPP material also has a lower surface friction coefficient and is seamless from end to end. That means it's easier for water to flow through, and harder for clog-causing substances like mineral deposits and grease to cling to the liner, making clogs less frequent and severe.

Minimal Disruption

Uprooted bushes, destroyed flowerbeds, injured trees, damaged patios and walkways... digging a big trench across your property causes a lot of damage to your landscaping that can take years to completely recover from. Trenchless lining obviously doesn't have the same issue, leaving your landscaping in great condition—or at least the same condition it was in before the repair started. It also limits the disruption in your life and schedule, because you likely won't need to vacate your home overnight or miss multiple days of work.

Saves Time and Money

Digging a trench is hard work and it takes a long time. Therefore, it costs a lot of money for labor. Trenchless techniques are more cost-effective for that reason, but CIPP also saves you money by keeping your sewer lines in good working order for much longer so you don't need to worry about expensive pipe replacements in the near future.

Mr. Rooter is Edmonton's Best Choice for Pipe Lining Services

Experiencing some drain issues or worried about a possible sewer system backup? The expert team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton can diagnose the problem and determine if CIPP lining is right for your home or commercial business. We have the skill and quality workmanship to provide complete customer satisfaction on every job!