Trenchless sewer repair
Restore damaged sewer and drain pipes with Repiper’s trenchless sewer repair method. The system repairs suitable pipes from the inside, reducing the need for excavation, demolition and traditional pipe replacement.
OVERVIEW
What is trenchless sewer repair?
Trenchless sewer repair is a method of renovating damaged or deteriorated sewer and drain pipes from inside the existing pipe system. Instead of excavating and replacing the complete pipe route, a flexible liner saturated with epoxy resin is installed within the damaged pipe.
The liner is expanded against the internal pipe walls and allowed to cure. Once hardened, it creates a smooth, continuous and corrosion-resistant new pipe inside the original one.
The process may be suitable for pipes with cracks, leaking joints, corrosion or deteriorated internal surfaces, provided the existing pipe retains sufficient structural stability.
Trenchless sewer pipe lining can be used for suitable main, lateral and vertical sewer or drain pipes. Before installation, the pipe should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned to confirm that it is suitable for relining.
COMPARISON
Trenchless sewer line repair vs. Repiping
Trenchless sewer repair is the latest breakthrough in pipe restoration, significantly reducing the cost and time spent repairing pipes. Where floors and walls previously had to be opened to access and remove the pipe system, trenchless sewer repair instead accesses the pipes through vents or cleanouts. As such, the building owners won’t have to be evacuated or deal with the noise and dust from heavy machinery during an excavation. This is especially important for businesses to avoid any interruptions in their operations.
Trenchless sewer line repair costs are significantly lower than installing new pipes and the associated remediation (repairing and repainting walls, floors, and structures). While it ultimately depends on the extent of the job and the amount of demolition required, repiping also takes longer to perform, sometimes up to a few weeks. In contrast, relining takes a few hours up to a few days to complete.
HOW IT WORKS
Trenchless pipe repair for sewer and drain systems
Trenchless pipe repair for sewer and drain systems follows a controlled process that includes inspection, cleaning, liner preparation, installation, curing and final inspection.
- Step 1: Inspecting and cleaning the pipe – The existing sewer or drain pipe is inspected with a camera to identify cracks, leaking joints, corrosion, deposits and other damage. The pipe is then thoroughly cleaned and descaled. Proper preparation removes loose material and helps determine whether trenchless sewer repair is technically suitable.
- Step 2: Preparing the liner – A flexible liner is measured according to the diameter and length of the pipe section being repaired. The liner is then evenly saturated with the required amount of two-part epoxy resin. Correct measurements and consistent saturation help create a uniform lining throughout the repaired pipe section.
- Step 3: Installing the liner – The prepared liner is installed through a suitable access point using the selected installation method. Air pressure expands the liner against the internal walls of the existing sewer or drain pipe. This allows trenchless sewer pipe lining to renovate the damaged pipe without removing the complete system. Where individual liners overlap, they should be positioned according to the direction of wastewater flow.
- Step 4: Curing and final inspection – Once correctly positioned, the liner is allowed to cure. Depending on the project and selected epoxy, curing may take place at ambient temperature or be accelerated using heat. As the epoxy hardens, it creates a smooth, seamless and corrosion-resistant internal pipe. A final camera inspection confirms that the trenchless pipe repair has been completed correctly and that the pipe is ready to return to service.
METHOD
The Repiper StepbyStep method
The Repiper StepByStep method is our innovative process for trenchless pipe repair, which ensures a superior pipe and sewer repair. Neither floors nor walls have to be broken up – regardless if it’s a residential, industrial, or commercial sewer repair – which minimizes disturbance for the owner of the building. The entire process 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 StepbyStep method.
ADVANTAGES
Advantages of the Repiper trenchless sewer repair method
The Repiper StepbyStep trenchless sewer repair method restores suitable sewer and drain pipes from inside the existing system. This provides several practical advantages compared with excavation-based pipe replacement.
- No extensive digging: The liner is installed within the existing pipe, reducing the need to excavate the complete sewer route. Some local access work may still be required depending on project conditions.
- Less disruption: Reducing excavation and demolition helps limit noise, dust and interruption to buildings, outdoor areas and normal daily activities.
- Faster repair: Traditional replacement may involve excavation, pipe removal, installation and surface reconstruction. Trenchless pipe repair can often be completed faster because much of this additional work is avoided.
- Lower project costs: Reduced requirements for heavy machinery, demolition, labour and restoration can make trenchless sewer line repair a cost-effective option for suitable pipe systems.
- Corrosion-resistant pipe lining: The cured epoxy liner creates a smooth, jointless and corrosion-resistant internal surface. This protects the renovated pipe interior and reduces areas where deposits may accumulate.
- Long-lasting restoration: Correct inspection, cleaning, installation and curing create a strong and continuous new lining inside the original pipe, helping extend the useful life of the sewer or drain 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
A complete offering of relining products, including our patented tools and innovative products made of premium materials. The offering consists of Swedish-developed relining technologies adopted for the US market.
Education
Detailed on-site training to both new and existing relining companies using the trenchless relining method. We help you take your relining offering to the next level and teach how to use the Repiper products and StepbyStep method.
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 sewer repair work?
Trenchless sewer repair installs and cures a resin-saturated liner inside an existing sewer pipe. Once cured, the liner creates a smooth and continuous new internal pipe without requiring the complete pipe route to be excavated.
Can trenchless sewer line repair be completed without digging?
In many cases, trenchless sewer line repair can be completed without excavating the full pipe route. The liner is installed through existing or locally created access points, although limited access work may still be required.
What damage can trenchless pipe repair fix?
Trenchless pipe repair may be suitable for cracks, leaking joints, corrosion, small holes and deteriorated internal surfaces. The existing pipe must retain enough structural stability to support the new liner.
How long does trenchless sewer repair take?
The required time depends on the pipe length, diameter, condition, accessibility and curing method. It can often be completed faster than traditional replacement because extensive excavation and reconstruction are reduced.
Is trenchless sewer pipe lining corrosion-resistant?
Yes. Once cured, the epoxy liner creates a smooth, jointless and corrosion-resistant internal pipe surface. Correct preparation, installation and curing are essential for achieving a reliable result.
How is a completed trenchless sewer relining project inspected?
A camera inspection is normally carried out after the liner has cured. The inspection confirms that the lining is correctly positioned, fully open and free from visible installation defects.