There are several issues that can occur with your Denver, CO, sewer lines and plumbing system. When damage is present in your pipes, this can compromise the safety of your plumbing and water. It’s imperative that you watch out for signs that something is amiss with your plumbing system and contact our team right away. This allows our team to promptly address any issues to protect your home and property. Pipe lining is just one method we can use to make pipe repairs in a minimally invasive way. Let’s take a look at whether or not pipe lining is worth the time and financial investment on your Denver property.
What Is Pipe Lining?
Pipe lining refers to the process of repairing sewer lines without having to dig up your entire yard. Rather, brand-new pipe can be inserted right into your existing pipes. The process first involves inspecting your sewer lines to determine the extent of the damage. It’s common for your lines to be cleaned using a hydrojetting process before a new liner can be installed. The pipe lining process is usually used for small leaks that aren’t catastrophic but are definitely causing a problem.
What Are the Benefits of Pipe Lining?
The most obvious benefit of using pipe lining as a repair method is that it is simple and noninvasive. When you have a more major issue, there is the need to dig up your damaged pipes. This can quickly become a very involved process that results in your entire lawn being destroyed. Pipe lining doesn’t leave a big mess behind.
Also, this is a very cost-effective solution. It’s expensive to bring a large crew out to dig a trench where repairs need to be made and major equipment is involved. Pipe lining removes this need. In many cases, pipe lining can cost as much as 50% less than traditional methods.
Very rarely is it convenient to have major plumbing and sewer repairs made at your residence. When digging is involved, it can take days for a repair to be completed. Not to mention, it can take you many more weeks or even months to regrow your grass and repair your landscaping.
Let’s not forget about our duty to protect the environment. When you schedule a pipe lining repair, there isn’t any material that needs to be discarded. Your old pipe won’t end up in a landfill somewhere.
A Long-Term Solution
While it’s a convenient process, pipe lining also provides a long-term solution to your plumbing issues. You’re essentially having a new pipe installed, even though you don’t have to remove the old pipe that’s already in place. If you hire a reputable and experienced professional to complete the job, you can experience decades of use from your newly lined pipe. Many pipe lining projects last as long as 50 years or more.
Consider the Cons
While pipe lining is a very beneficial process, it comes with its own set of cons to consider. The epoxy pipe lining process is considered to be very permanent. Once it is in place, you would likely need to have the entire area dug up for it to be removed or replaced. That’s why it’s so important that the job is done right the first time.
If you have an inexperienced professional do a pipe lining job on your property, there are risks involved. The liner can slip or shrink after the job is done, decreasing water flow and increasing your risk of leaks or pipes bursting.
The Cost of a Pipe Lining Project
We mentioned the affordability of pipe lining, but what does this process actually cost? On average, you’ll pay anywhere from $85 to $250 per linear foot. A pipe lining estimate is determined based on the size of the project, the area that needs to be cleaned, where the pipe is located, etc. We encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can assess the project and provide you with accurate information.
When Can Pipe Lining Be Performed?
While pipe lining can be very effective, it’s not ideal for every situation. The pipe in question must be greater than 2 inches in diameter. Also, the damaged pipe must be intact enough that it isn’t very fragile. It can’t be severely broken or collapsed. The joints cannot be compromised, either. Pipes should still be in alignment with their original placement. The alternative to pipe lining would be repiping the entire area.
You’ll need to take into consideration the flow that will be occurring through your pipe after the job is done. Pipe lining will inevitably reduce the diameter of your pipe’s interior. In many cases, this won’t be an issue. However, high-flow areas may need to be addressed in a different manner if flow restriction will lead to other problems.
If you have certain chemicals that are flowing through this pipe, they may compromise the integrity of the job. The lining is sensitive to certain chemicals. This can compromise durability.
The Curing Process
The epoxy solution that is used to line your pipes will typically cure in about four to 12 hours. There are some modern products that can be cured in a fast amount of time using blue-light technology. Abiding by this curing process is very important for the integrity of the final product. Once cured, your pipes can be used like normal again.
Signs of Pipe Lining Issues
Once your repair has been made, you’ll want to watch out for a few signs that something may be compromised on the inside of the pipe. This can include:
- Discolored water
- Signs of slow drainage
- Water pooling in your yard
- Luscious green spots on your yard despite not watering or fertilizing
- Backflow problems
Types of Pipe Lining Materials
There are a few options available for your pipe lining project, depending on the current state of your pipe. Cured-in-place pipe involves cleaning the pipe and inserting a flexible liner that is filled with resin. Once the material is cured, a new pipe surface is in place. This process can be used for clay, concrete, and PVC pipes.
The pull-in-place process involves inserting a liner with resin into the damaged pipe using a winch or hydraulic system. This process involves curing the resin as well. It’s ideal for minimally damaged pipes.
If you are interested in learning more about the process of pipe lining and pipe repair in the Denver area, contact our team here at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical. We have the knowledge and expertise to perform this task. We can also take on any residential or commercial HVAC projects, such as the installation, repair, and maintenance of heating and cooling equipment. Our plumbing services include working on water heaters, performing drain repair and drain cleanings, sewer repair and replacement, leak detection, and much more. We also offer professional electrical services. Contact Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical today to schedule an appointment in the Denver area.
