If you’re looking to repair or replace your pipes, you want a solution that will stand the test of time.

After all, repairing your pipes can be an extensive undertaking. Once the job is done, you don’t want to worry about leaks, structural damage, or major repairs for as long as possible. Whether you’re running a business, managing an industrial space, or looking to reline pipes at home, you need a service that’s going to deliver robust, durable results.

So here’s the good news – Pipe Relining is a long-lasting solution. Generally, relined pipes carry a life expectancy between 20 and 50 years.

However, that doesn’t mean you can pick the first pipe relining team you find on Google or on the side of a van rolling through Melbourne’s CBD.

To help you extend the life of your relined pipes, without overextending your budget, read on for all the factors you’ll need to consider.

Why consider pipe relining? 

First thing’s first: what is pipe relining and why should you consider it over pipe replacement for your home or business?

For one, pipe replacement is quite difficult and extensive. It requires that a team of plumbers:

• Assess the site to understand where the gas and sewer lines are
• Precisely locate the area where they must dig
• Install safety measures around the site (depending on how extensively they must dig)
• Excavate and replace the pipe

And that’s just scratching the surface. In short, it requires a ton of work, a ton of manpower, and a ton of time.

Pipe relining, on the other hand, is a process by which a tube is inserted into an existing pipe rather than replacing the pipe altogether. Once the tube is inserted, it’s expertly inflated and stuck to the pipe using epoxy resin. In other words, it’s the creation of a new pipe within the pipe. While this won’t work for major pipe bursts or ruptures, it can be an extremely effective solution if you’re facing cracks, small breaks, blockages, and flow concerns. When compared to pipe replacement, pipe relining is:

• More efficient than traditional replacement methods
• Less time consuming
• Less damaging to surrounding gardens or landscaping
• Less costly
• Less labor-intensive

Pipe relining can also be used as a preventive measure, while pipe replacement requires that you wait for a disaster to happen.

Looking for more reasons to reline your pipes? Click here for 7 massive advantages that could be yours

How do I know if I need pipe relining? 

Not sure if you’ll need to reline your pipes?

Well, you’ll know that your pipes need to be repaired or replaced if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Bad smells or odours
• Slow or clogged draining
• Mould and mildew in your space
• An increased number of pests
• Puddles around your property
• Discoloured water
• A decrease in water pressure

You may also need your pipes relined if you live in an old building, as old copper pipes typically only last 40-50 years.

What are my pipe relining options? 

Pipe relining isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are many nuanced types of pipe relining to consider. The type of relining you choose will affect your pipe’s longevity. We’ve rounded up some of the primary options to help you understand what’s happening inside your damaged or degraded pipes.

Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) 

Cured in place pipe lining, or CIPP, is a trenchless pipe rehabilitation method whereby a resin-saturated felt pipe is inserted into an existing, damaged pipe. The new pipe is then inflated until it fits perfectly within the existing pipe. The resin is then left to dry and harden. This option is appropriate for sewer, water, gas, and chemical pipelines. That said, it’s only an appropriate choice for fairly straight pipes — not pipes with many curves and connections.

Slip Lining Pipe

Slip lining is one of the oldest trenchless pipe rehabilitation methods. Using the slip lining technique, a new, smaller carrier pipe is inserted into the older host pipe. It is then grouted and sealed at the ends. While the end result is quite sturdy, slip lining pipes are usually quite thick, and they reduce the overall diameter of the host pipe. This makes this technique most appropriate in commercial spaces, where the pipes are much larger in diameter.

Fold-and-Form Lining 

Using this strategy, premanufactured folded pipes are inserted into host pipes and then reinflated using heat or pressure. While this is similar to CIPP, the fold-and-form strategy generally uses heat, rather than chemicals, to inflate the new pipe. The folding of the new pipe itself — generally into an H or a C shape — is also unique to this strategy.

Spiral Wound Lining 

The spiral wound lining method is unique because, unlike the other methods, the new pipe is not inserted straight into the host pipe. Instead, a strip of PVC pipe is inserted like a corkscrew using a winding machine. The resulting circling pipe is then sealed, creating an impermeable new pipe.

What factors affect the longevity of pipe relining? 

With all of your options in mind, there are several factors that will affect the overall longevity of your pipe relining installation.

Read on to learn a little more about the influences that can impact the lifespan of a relined pipe.

Relining technique 

As we mentioned, each technique is most appropriate for a certain type of pipe or concern. Spiral wound lining, for example, is quick and easy — but it only works for straight, circular pipes. It’s important you choose the most appropriate option for your particular pipes if you want your pipe relining to last.

Expertise of your install team 

Pipe relining may seem straightforward enough, but it requires significant skill and experience to execute correctly. What’s more, incorrectly adhered epoxy lining can slip and fall out of place over time, leading to structural instability.

If you want your pipes to last,then, it’s essential that you choose a provider that:

• Has the licenses, accreditations, and training needed to complete the job.
• Utilises the latest technology, including remote CCTV scans — to map out the area, spot breakage or obstructions — and in-pipe robotic cutting equipment to remove any obstructions or foreign objects that could keep the job from getting done.
• Has a clear and defined relining process.

Your maintenance plan 

Once your pipe relining is installed, you should regularly maintain your pipes with drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, regular repairs and replacements of joints, leaks and damage, and hydro jetting.

You should also have your pipes regularly inspected to make sure that there is no infiltration from tree roots. Conducting this kind of regular maintenance in accordance with your area or industry’s recommendation will help extend the life of your pipe relining.

Environment 

There are many external factors — like weather and acts of nature — that can significantly affect the longevity of your install. If you live in an area that is prone to any severe weather conditions, for example, this could negatively impact how long your relining lasts. This is important to keep in mind.

The final numbers: How long does pipe relining last 

With proper installation process, reliner choice, and maintenance, you can expect your pipe relining to last between 20-50 years, if not longer. And, of course, pipe relining comes without the hassle, landscaping concerns, and additional costs associated with straightforward pipe repair.

With lasting peace of mind, pipe relining offers unbeatable value for your Melbourne home, business or industrial setting. So the next time you’re looking to upgrade or repair your pipes, think of the bigger picture, and think about contacting Mr. Pipe Relining today.

Ready to get started or learn more about the pipe relining process? Contact one of our experts for a fast, free quote today.