No matter what type of building you live in in Sydney, it’s likely plumbing issues will arise at some point in time. After all, Sydney is home to established homes with old clay pipes, as well as newer apartments with shared pipe systems. Both are prone to pipe corrosion over time, and may need repair or replacement.
Pipe relining services in Sydney have become a popular solution for fixing failing pipes, as they offer a no-dig, long-lasting repair with minimal disruption.
Let’s look at what pipe relining is, its benefits, and at some of the common sewer pipe problems that might be solved with pipe relining.
Pipe Relining Sydney: What is it?
Pipe relining repairs a pipe from within, rather than replacing it altogether. The process goes like this:
- The pipe is examined using a CCTV drain camera to identify the location and cause of the pipe blockage or of any damage. The CCTV pipe inspection also confirms whether or not pipe relining is the right solution (some pipes can’t be repaired with pipe relining).
- The pipe is washed out using a high-pressure jet. If there are obstacles that can’t be removed with water, such as tree roots or industrial materials, robotic cutting tools may be used to clear the pipe (if possible).
- An epoxy resin liner is inserted into the pipe through an access point. The liner is inflated so that it expands to the approximate size of the existing pipe, then is left to cure over a period of hours.
- Once cured, the inflation device is removed, leaving the new pipe in place.
- The pipe is inspected to ensure the liner cured correctly and the pipe functions.
What Are the Benefits of Sewer Pipe Relining in Sydney?
The Process
Pipe relining requires no excavation, so infrastructure like decks, driveways, retaining walls and gardens aren’t damaged. There’s less mess, and no need to hire digging equipment. Add to that, it’s quiet, so residents don’t need to leave the property while work is carried out. Finally, it requires fewer workers to complete the job, so it generally ends up being a cheaper solution than pipe replacement.
The Final Product
Pipe relining isn’t just a short term remedy. In fact it offers a strong and durable pipe which can last for decades. The new pipe has a smooth internal surface with no seams, which means it won’t trap debris easily, and won’t allow tree roots to enter into the seams. It’s also a versatile method, and can replace a range of pipe materials, including clay, cast iron, PVC and concrete.
Common Signs You Need Pipe Relining in Sydney
Here are some common reasons why drains become blocked or damaged in Sydney, and why pipe relining may be a good match when it comes to addressing the issue.
Recurring Blocked Drains in Older Homes
Some homes in older suburbs may have their original clay or cast iron drainage pipes. These pipes may become damaged due to earth movements, tree roots and corrosion over time. Debris can then easily catch in the pipe and block it. Whilst the pipe may be temporarily cleared with hydro jet drain cleaning, the poor condition of the pipe may result in repeat blockages.
For pipes that haven’t entirely collapsed, pipe relining offers a good solution. The resin liner restores the structural integrity of the pipe.
Tree Root Invasion
Have a recurring drain problem? Look at the trees around your property. Some of Sydney’s favourite trees (jacarandas, figs and eucalypts) can cause significant plumbing problems. The roots will enter any crack they can find in underground pipes in order to access water.
A CCTV drain inspection will identify if tree roots are causing your sewer pipe problems. Whilst robotic cutting can often remove the tree root, in some cases, the pipe will benefit from a new liner, as it creates a seal-free pipe that roots cannot enter.
Damp Areas, Unpleasant Odours and Slow Drains
Noticed areas of your lawn that are much greener than others? Or do you have soggy ground or dampness around your property? You might have a leaky pipe.
Add to that, you may be noticing bad smells emanating from drains, or slow-draining showers, sinks and toilets. Any of these issues can suggest a crack, joint failure, or section of corrosion in a pipe.
If viable, pipe relining can offer an effective solution to a damaged pipe, without digging.
Your Home Has Expensive Landscaping or Limited Access
No property owner wants their land damaged, especially those who’ve invested in expensive infrastructure like swimming pools, retaining walls, fancy paving, decks and landscaped gardens. So excavating in order to replace a pipe is something to be avoided if possible.
Many damaged sewer lines can be fixed with pipe relining, which cancels out the need to dig. It also eliminates the remedial costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged gardens and infrastructure.
The Pipe Issues Are in an Apartment or Strata Building
Sydney has many older strata and apartment buildings that may have ageing cast iron drainage systems. With time, these vertical sewer stacks and shared drainage pipes can corrode and leak, causing potential water damage within walls. When drainage infrastructure is shared, these blockages may impact multiple apartments or units.
Replacing pipe systems in their entirety using traditional pipe repair methods is complicated and expensive, particularly when walls need to be opened or multiple apartments accessed. It’s also very disruptive to residents.
Instead, vertical pipe relining offers a much less disruptive solution.
Choosing the Right Pipe Repair Method
Pipe relining provides an effective and efficient method for pipe repair, however it’s not the solution in all situations. Oftentimes, a simple water blast with a hydro jet can sort out a pipe issue, with no relining required. In situations where pipes are collapsed or deformed, pipe replacement via excavation might be the only viable option. Whatever the scenario, Sydney Pipe Relining can identify the cause, advise you which is the best solution in your circumstance, and perform the blocked drain repair.
Have a drain issue? Get in touch for a CCTV pipe inspection.
