Trenchless plumbing
Repair damaged sewer and drain pipes with Repiper’s trenchless plumbing method. This no-dig solution creates a new, durable lining inside the existing pipe, reducing the need to open floors, walls or surrounding surfaces.
OVERVIEW
What is trenchless plumbing?
Trenchless plumbing is a no-dig method for repairing and restoring main, lateral and vertical sewer and drain pipes. Instead of removing the existing pipe system, a tight-fitting liner saturated with epoxy is installed inside the damaged pipe.
Once cured, the liner forms a smooth, jointless and corrosion-resistant new pipe inside the original one. The existing pipe route remains in place, helping reduce excavation, demolition and restoration work.
Trenchless plumbing may also be referred to as trenchless pipe relining, pipe lining, CIPP sewer lining or epoxy pipe lining. Although the terminology varies, these methods repair pipes internally rather than replacing the entire pipe system.
COMPARISON
Trenchless plumbing vs. pipe replacement
Traditional repiping requires the damaged pipes to be accessed, removed and replaced. Depending on their location, this may involve opening walls and floors or excavating outdoor surfaces. The affected areas must then be rebuilt or restored.
Trenchless plumbing keeps the existing pipe route in place and creates a new internal pipe within it. This can make the repair less disruptive, faster and more cost-effective when the existing pipe is suitable for relining.
Building occupants may experience less noise, dust and interruption because extensive demolition and heavy excavation equipment are generally reduced. Project time depends on the size, condition and accessibility of the pipe system.
HOW IT WORKS
How do no-dig solutions for pipe repair work?
The trenchless plumbing and plumbing relining process consists of four main steps:
- Step 1 – Cleaning and inspection: The existing pipes are inspected, cleaned and descaled to expose leaks, cracks and other damage. Cleaning removes deposits, corrosion and loose material while helping restore the pipe as closely as possible to its original internal diameter. Proper preparation is essential because remaining scale or debris can affect the position and quality of the new liner. The inspection also helps determine whether the pipe is suitable for plumbing pipe relining.
- Step 2 – Saturating the liner: A flexible felt liner is measured according to the length and diameter of the pipe being repaired. It is then carefully saturated with two-part epoxy. The correct liner dimensions and amount of epoxy help create a consistent lining throughout the repaired pipe section.
- Step 3 – Installing the liner: The epoxy-saturated liner is inserted into the existing pipe using either the pull-in-place or inversion method. The pull-in-place method may be used for sectional repairs, remote installations, tees, wyes and straight liners. The inversion method is generally suitable for longer installations. Air pressure expands the liner against the internal walls of the original pipe. Where liners overlap, they should be positioned according to the direction of water flow to reduce the risk of wastewater passing behind the new lining.
- Step 4 – Curing the liner: Once positioned, the liner is cured either passively at ambient temperature or actively using hot water or steam. During curing, the epoxy hardens to create a seamless, smooth and corrosion-resistant new pipe. A final camera inspection can then confirm that the plumbing relining installation is correctly positioned and ready for use.
METHOD
The Repiper StepbyStep method
The Repiper StepByStep method ensures superior pipe and sewer repair with a no-dig solution. Neither floors nor walls have to be removed – regardless if it’s a residential, industrial, or commercial sewer repair – which minimizes disturbance for the building owners. The entire restoration only takes a few hours up to a few days, depending on the size of the project, and is carried out at a fraction of the price compared to traditional repiping methods. Read more about the Repiper method.
ADVANTAGES
What advantages does the Repiper trenchless plumbing method offer?
The Repiper trenchless plumbing method provides several benefits compared with traditional excavation and repiping.
- No-dig solution. The new lining is installed within the existing pipe, reducing the need to excavate or remove large sections of floors and walls. This is particularly valuable in occupied buildings, commercial properties and structures where surrounding surfaces should remain intact.
- Less disruption. Reducing demolition and excavation helps limit noise, dust and interruption to everyday activities. Businesses may also be able to continue operating with fewer disruptions during suitable projects.
- Faster installation. Traditional pipe replacement can involve demolition, removal, installation and reconstruction. Plumbing pipe relining can often be completed faster because much of this additional work is avoided.
- Cost-effective repair. Reduced requirements for heavy machinery, excavation and surface restoration can make plumbing relining a cost-effective option for suitable pipe systems.
- Scalable method. The Repiper method does not require the same level of heavy excavation equipment as conventional pipe replacement. Relining businesses can therefore adopt and scale the method according to their project requirements.
- Reduced waste. Because the original pipe and much of the surrounding structure remain in place, less material needs to be removed, transported and discarded.
- Smooth, corrosion-resistant lining. The cured epoxy liner creates a smooth and jointless internal pipe surface. It resists corrosion and helps reduce areas where calcification and deposits may accumulate.
- Long-lasting repair. Correct inspection, cleaning, installation and curing create a durable new lining within the existing pipe, helping extend the useful life of the system.
OUR OFFERINGS
What we offer?
Through innovative trenchless commercial drain repair solutions, increased dissemination of knowledge, and with long experience within the industry, Repiper contributes to the sustainable pipe renovations of the future. Contact us for more information.
Products
Explore a wide offering of Swedish-developed relining technologies adopted for the US market – everything you need to ensure a high-quality relining repair. A complete product catalog of relining products as well as our own patented tools.
Education
We offer on-site training and education about our StepByStep method, products, and tools with our experienced staff. You will also get access to educational “how to” videos and other material available on our website.
Consulting
Receive support from one of our experienced staff members to plan and ensure the success of your relining projects. We guide and instruct you on how to use our products, tools, and StepByStep method.
FAQ
How does trenchless plumbing work?
Trenchless plumbing repairs a damaged pipe by installing an epoxy-saturated liner inside the existing system. The liner is expanded against the pipe walls and cured to create a smooth, continuous new internal pipe.
What is the difference between plumbing relining and pipe replacement?
Plumbing relining creates a new surface inside the existing pipe while retaining its original route. Pipe replacement involves accessing, removing and replacing the old pipe, which generally requires more excavation, demolition and restoration.
Can plumbing pipe relining be completed without excavation?
In many cases, plumbing pipe relining can be carried out without excavating the entire pipe route. The liner is installed through existing or local access points, although limited access work may still be required.
What pipes can be repaired using trenchless plumbing?
Trenchless plumbing can be suitable for main, lateral and vertical sewer and drain pipes with cracks, leaking joints, corrosion or deteriorated internal surfaces. The pipe must retain sufficient stability to support the new liner.
How is a pipe prepared for plumbing relining?
The pipe is inspected and thoroughly cleaned to remove scale, deposits, corrosion and loose material. Correct preparation helps ensure that the liner can be properly positioned and cured.
How long does plumbing relining take?
The installation time depends on the pipe length, diameter, condition, accessibility and curing method. Plumbing relining can often be completed faster than replacement because extensive demolition and reconstruction are reduced.
Is trenchless plumbing suitable for every damaged pipe?
No. Pipes that have completely collapsed, are severely deformed or cannot be properly cleaned may require replacement. A camera inspection is needed to determine whether relining is technically suitable.