If your Denver, CO, home has a problem with its sewer line, it’s not something you can afford to ignore. Sewer line repairs have a reputation for being costly and disruptive. As an alternative to traditional sewer line repairs, companies such as ours offer pipe lining services. If you’ve never heard of this process, it’s an innovative restorative process that can eliminate the need for pipe replacement. Here is an overview of the process, its pros and cons, and some advice on when it’s appropriate.
What is Pipe Lining?
Pipe lining, as its name implies, involves inserting a new lining into a damaged pipe to seal cracks and damaged sections. It’s sometimes called epoxy pipe lining, pipe relining, or cured-in-place pipe lining. The pipe lining process offers an in-place repair that’s just as effective as a pipe replacement, but often more affordable and efficient.
How Is Pipe Lining Performed?
The pipe lining process typically begins with a camera inspection of your home’s sewer line. This is done to determine the extent of any damage to your sewer line and to look for blockages. At that point, if your sewer line is a good candidate for pipe lining, the next step is hydro jetting. This process involves the use of a high-pressure water stream to clear blockages and clean the inside of your existing pipe. If there’s excessive scale buildup in your sewer line, a mechanical cleaning device might also be used.
Next, our pipe lining team will soak a felt liner in an epoxy solution. That liner, along with an inflatable rubber bladder, gets inserted into the sewer line through a convenient opening. Next, the liner will get pushed or pulled through the damaged section of the pipe. Once in place, a compressor will inflate the rubber bladder to push the liner against the interior of the pipe. After a short while, the bladder gets deflated and removed. Depending on the type of epoxy, additional heat or a special UV light might be needed to complete the curing process. The result is a restored sewer line that’s functionally equivalent to, or better than, a whole new one.
The Pros of Pipe Lining
As you might expect, there are a variety of advantages that come with pipe lining. That’s especially true when compared to conventional sewer line repair methods. Here are some of the notable advantages:
Lower Cost
Pipe lining almost always costs less than a sewer line replacement. On average, you can expect about 50% cost savings. This is because the process is less labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Less Destructive
One of the biggest drawbacks of conventional sewer line repairs is the need to dig up your existing sewer pipe. To do that, a plumber must use a backhoe that can do significant damage to your property in the process. With pipe lining, it’s often possible to complete the work with no digging if your sewer line is easily accessible. At worst, pipe lining would only require a single small hole dug to reach your sewer line. That leaves less property damage in the wake of your repair and minimizes restoration costs.
Long Lasting Repair
Pipe lining also results in a long-lasting repair that rivals the longevity of a brand-new pipe. On average, you can expect a lined pipe to give you about 50 years of reliable service. It will also be just as durable as a new pipe and can stand up to the elements just as well.
Improved Efficiency
Pipe lining will also improve the efficiency of your sewer line. This is because the process results in a new pipe that’s extremely smooth and resists any debris sticking to it. That helps the pipe move fluids more efficiently and avoid clogs and blockages.
Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly
Although the pipe lining process results in a solid, plastic-like new sewer pipe, you need not worry about its toxicity. Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer that looks and functions like plastic, but it isn’t toxic or environmentally harmful. It won’t release any chemicals into your soil or harm the local water table.
The Cons of Pipe Lining
The good news is that there aren’t many downsides to the pipe lining process. Here are a few of its minor, potential disadvantages:
Can’t Restore Collapsed or Bellying Pipe
Pipe lining relies on a pressure fit against your existing pipe, so it doesn’t work on collapsed pipes. In those cases, there’s nothing to shape the epoxy liner, and that will prevent a proper repair. Pipe lining cannot repair a bellying sewer pipe, either. Bellying refers to sewer pipe damage that results in a U-shaped curve in your existing pipe. In that situation, the liner would conform to that shape and fail to solve your problem.
Pipe Diameter Restrictions
Pipe lining is often only an option to restore pipes of at least two inches in diameter. Smaller pipes lack the internal space to support a liner and bladder. Plus, the result would be an even narrower pipe that may not serve its purpose. Our team can help you determine if your plumbing system is a candidate for pipe lining.
Requires Specialized Equipment and Knowledge
Another potential downside to pipe lining is that it requires some specialized equipment and knowledge to perform. That makes choosing the right plumber for the job essential. There’s virtually no way to recover from a botched pipe lining procedure. That means you’ll only get one chance to get the job done right. Otherwise, you’ll end up needing a pipe replacement in the end anyway.
Choosing the Right Pipe Repair Solution
If your home has a sewer line problem, the first step is to have a video inspection performed. That’s the only way to know for sure what the damage looks like. That information is essential as you decide how to proceed. If your sewer line only has some cracks or has tree root penetration, pipe lining is likely your best solution. It will provide the perfect mix of cost, longevity, and minimal disruption to your property.
However, if there’s substantial damage, like collapsed sections or structural damage, a replacement is likely warranted. There are some kinds of damage that only a replacement can fix, like a ground shift undermining your sewer line. In those cases, there’s little choice but to dig down to the problem area to fix the underlying issue.
Your Trusted Pipe Lining Experts
If you think a pipe lining is the solution to your home’s sewer problems in Denver, Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical can help. We’ve served local homeowners for almost 25 years and are one of the area’s leading service companies. We offer complete plumbing services, including pipe lining and sewer line replacements. Plus, we offer HVAC installation, repair, maintenance, and air quality services. We can even take care of your home’s electrical needs. If you need emergency service, we’re available 24/7 to help. We’re even a Better Business Bureau-accredited business with an A+ rating. If you’re interested in pipe services in Denver or a plumbing inspection, call the experts at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical today!
