How To Know If Relined Pipes Are Working

What is Pipe Relining and How Does it Work?

Pipe relining, a trenchless method for repairing pipes in sewer lines, drains, or water systems, involves inserting an epoxy resin liner into the existing pipeline. The liner is cured in place using heat or UV light, creating a robust, seamless new pipe within the existing infrastructure of your home’s sewer system.

The key steps in the pipe relining process are:

• Inspect your pipes with a drain camera to locate any damage and measure the pipes.
• Thoroughly clean the pipes to prepare them for relining.
• Insert a durable epoxy resin liner, which is as strong as new cast iron pipes.
• Cure the liner using methods such as steam, UV light or ambient curing to ensure it hardens properly.
• The liner, once cured, forms a seamless, corrosion-resistant new pipe interior.

Drain pipe relining offers an efficient 'no-dig’ solution for sewer line repairs, renewing pipes without the need for excavation and replacement. This method minimises disruption to your home’s interior and landscape, simplifying pipe repairs. With epoxy liners lasting over 50 years, the value of pipe relining is clear, as these relined pipes typically outlive replaced pipes.

Benefits of Choosing Pipe Relining Over Replacement

When comparing pipe relining with replacement, relining offers significant benefits to customers:

• Cost savings - Pipe relining is more cost-effective than replacement, saving about 30-50% by avoiding excavation and associated clean-up or refurbishment costs.
• Minimal disruption - The no-dig nature of relining prevents extensive demolition and excavation of yards, driveways, and landscaping.
• Speed - Pipe relining typically completes in one day, resolving issues promptly without delays for materials or excavation equipment. Homes regain use of their plumbing system, and normal activity can resume fully by the next day.
• Prevents future tree roots damage - The seamless epoxy liner installed is more durable than standard piping, offering robust protection against tree root intrusion that often compromises replaced pipes.
• Longevity - Epoxy liners last for decades, significantly outlasting various pipe materials and reducing the need for future repairs.

Considering these advantages, pipe relining stands out as a superior solution for addressing pipe deterioration and leaks within homes.

Common Signs Relined Pipes are Functioning Properly

To confirm the optimal function of your newly relined sewer pipes, consider the following pointers:

• Smooth water flow - Properly functioning pipes prevent a blocked drain, allowing water to flow freely without any backups, gurgling noises or blockages.
• No recurring clogs - Verify that clogs and slow drainage issues are resolved as their persistence may signal complications with the relining or pre-existing pipe damage.
• No leaks - Check under sinks, near walls and the exterior for any moisture or dripping that would reveal leaks.
• Lower utility bills - A successfully relined pipe system often leads to less water wastage and consequently lower water bills over time.
• Professional inspection - Have a licenced plumber thoroughly inspect the relined pipes using pipe cameras and pressure gauges to confirm no defects.

If you detect reduced water flow, backups or leaks, engage with the plumbing company that undertook the relining, akin to the time when I called them to address these concerns, to remedy any existing problems.

Water Flow and Pressure Testing

Homeowners can conduct basic water flow and pressure tests on recently relined pipes as soon as they came out to check if they are working properly. This involves:

• Turn on all faucets within the plumbing system, including showers and outdoor taps, and observe the water flow from each.
• Observing if any pipes how have low flow or pressure compared to what was expected or compared to others. Check if this matches issues present before relining.
• Testing a few faucets at a time and comparing your water system flow. Check if new reductions emerge over time as more faucets are opened.
• Letting faucets run for 5-10 minutes and checking if flow or pressure drops noticeably over time.
• Compare previous and current water bills for any increases, which could indicate leakage.

Significant, new reductions in flow or pressure after pipe relining may reveal issues, in line with what he uncovered during inspections. Professionals use precise gauges to measure flow and pressure, identifying any related issues with accuracy and expertise.

Checking for Leaks

To check for leaks in recently relined pipes, conduct the following visual inspection:

1. Examine all water supply lines, drain pipe, joints, valves and fittings for signs of moisture or dripping. Pay close attention near walls, under sinks and around toilets.
2. Check the exterior of your home and yard for damp spots or pooling storm water, which may indicate an underground leak.
3. Open cabinets under sinks and check for water stains or a musty, mildew smell in the plumbing pipe area, which suggests past leaks.
4. Run water through different fixtures to test for blockages, as any backup or slow draining suggests an obstruction.
5. Flush your toilet and inspect the base for moisture or stains. Listen for running water in the bowl long after flushing.
6. Observe your water meter over 12-24 hours without using water. Any movement signifies a potential leak.
7. Arrange for annual visual inspections by a professional to detect and address leaks promptly.

Quickly detecting leaks is essential for preventing water damage and ensuring the longevity of your relined pipes. Even minor drips should be repaired right away before turning major. Catching issues now preserves your pipe investment for decades to come.

CCTV Inspections for Blockages

CCTV drain inspections are a vital step post-relining to identify blockages and assess liner integrity, a process which our technicians conduct with professionalism.

Our drain relining team performs thorough inspections of the relined pipes with specialised drain cameras. This enables the assessment of the sewer pipe’s integrity:

• Look for critical observations such as protruding connections, cracks, or leaks that may lead to future complications.
• Inspect for blockages caused by buildup that restrict water flow, ensuring there are no undetected obstructions.
• Verify that the epoxy liner has cured evenly and that all joins are properly sealed.
• Assess any sagging or misaligned sections putting stress on pipes

CCTV inspections are non-invasive and allow for a comprehensive observation of the full interior condition of your home’s sewer system. Any defects spotted, repairs can then be conducted immediately which can be conducted immediately before causing disruption. This pipe repair strategy plays a vital role in realising the decades-long lifespan of quality relining work.

It’s advisable to schedule a CCTV drain inspection every 2 to 3 years following relining, as this helps detect any early signs of issues.

Long-Term Performance of Relined Pipes

One of the biggest advantages of pipe relining is the exceptional durability and longevity of the epoxy liners used, ensuring the piping infrastructure in my house remains robust. Quality pipe lining is designed to last 50 years or more with minimal maintenance required.

Unlike conventional piping arrangements, relined pipes possess no joints or spaces where leaks or tree root intrusions might take place, preserving the integrity of the new hot water system installed in my house. The seamless epoxy barrier is highly resistant to corrosion and abrasion from water flow or pipe movements.

Over decades, relined pipes demonstrate how effective they are in maintaining smooth water delivery and drainage without recurrent clogs or leaks. The solid liners prevent buildup and debris accumulation, reducing the need for servicing.

Homeowners benefit greatly from professionally executed pipe relining and curing, ensuring that pipes maintain optimal function throughout the home’s lifespan. This longevity marks pipe relining as a definitive solution to pipe degradation.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

There are a few key times homeowners should reach out to professional plumbers after pipe relining:

• Should you spot persistent leaks, diminished water flow, repeated clogs, or signs of a broken sewer line, reach out to a plumber for diagnosis and repair.
• Should you follow the troubleshooting guide but issues like backups still persist, reach out to consult with them again for their expertise, as specialised drain repair augers, pressure testing, or pipe repairs may be necessary.
• For annual CCTV inspections to closely monitor the main sewer and relined pipes and catch small problems before they worsen.
• When selling the home, to obtain documentation from plumbers certifying proper installation and performance of relined pipes.

For significant or complex issues, or when DIY methods are inadequate, our expert plumbing services at Mortdale Plumbing are well-suited to evaluate and address relined piping systems. Please email us at jobs@mortdaleplumbingservices.com.au or call 1300 349 338 to schedule an appointment with our licenced technicians.

Engaging with our great service quickly for suspected issues in relined pipes prevents expensive water damage and protects your investment in trenchless pipe renewal.