Many homes, especially older properties, face sewer and drain piping issues as the pipes age and deteriorate. Typical problems include corrosion, joint misalignment, cracks, and tree root intrusions, which damage sewer and drain pipes from the sides or at the joints. If the pipes have any pre-existing gaps or cracks, these problems can widen them and increase the risk of a pipe collapse.
In the past, fixing sewer pipes typically involved a lengthy and disruptive excavation process to dig up and replace the damaged sections. Today, the preferred method is trenchless pipe lining. This cost-effective solution does not require digging, can be completed quickly, and restores your pipes’ strength.
Learn how this sewer pipe repair method works and discover its benefits to homeowners.
What Is Trenchless Pipe Lining?
Trenchless pipe lining, also known as cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP lining), is a relatively modern trenchless pipe repair method. It was introduced in the UK in 1971 and was patented in the United States in 1977. Today, this repair technique is a piping industry standard used to repair more than 50% of water piping systems nationwide.
This repair method inserts a resin liner into a damaged pipe. As it cures, it forms a new, durable, seamless pipe, sealing cracks or gaps.
In most situations, this is a zero-dig pipe or drain repair method. Trenchless pipe lining requires no digging, making it less disruptive than traditional pipe excavation and replacement methods.
How Does Trenchless Sewer Repair Work?
Trenchless pipe lining is one of the three main trenchless pipe repair techniques, alongside directional drilling and pipe bursting. It is the least invasive and the quickest of the three, only requiring small entry holes.
Unlike the other two, which are better suited for trenchless sewer line replacement or major repairs, trenchless pipe lining is intended for lightly or moderately damaged pipes.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how trenchless pipe lining works:
- Video inspection. Sewer line repair specialists begin the sewer line repair process by inserting a camera inside the affected pipes and inspecting the lines from the inside. Video inspections are used to locate and identify problem areas, assess the damage, and determine whether trenchless pipe lining is a suitable repair method.
- Line cleaning. If the sewer technicians have determined that trenchless pipe lining is adequate, they will move on to the next step. The affected pipe is thoroughly cleaned with hydro-jetting tools to clear blockages and debris, such as sludge grease, sediment, or tree roots. The cleaning continues until the pipe’s interior is as clean as possible, providing a smooth surface for the resin liner.
- Sewer line measurements. After cleaning, piping technicians measure the line’s interior diameter. They use sewer inspection cameras and specialized tools, such as laser profilers, to measure the interior pipe diameter and determine the right sewer pipe lining sizes.
- Resin preparation. Once the pipe’s interior diameter has been measured, the repair technicians mix the resin liner ingredients, preparing it for pouring and insertion. Most resin mixes are made primarily of epoxy or polyester and are mixed with hardeners and additives to enhance the liner’s strength.
- Resin pouring. When the resin has been mixed and prepared, technicians begin the sewer lining process. The liner has two layers: a flexible felt or fiberglass tube and a resin layer. Specialists prepare the flexible tube, then pour the resin mix in until it is saturated.
- Liner insertion. Once the resin-saturated tube is ready, it is attached to a calibration tube and an inverter and then inserted into the sewer pipe. The inverter generates air pressure to turn the liner inside out and push the tube in, whereas the calibration tube holds the liner in place while it cures.
- Final check. After the liner has cured into place, specialists will conduct a final video inspection to verify it was installed correctly, with no gaps or cracks. Afterward, the pipe is ready to use, with a new, durable interior surface.
How Much Does Trenchless Pipe Lining Cost?
On average, a trenchless pipe lining project for a household costs about $80 to $250 per foot. The costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, the amount of excavation needed to access the piping, and the age and depths of the sewer lines.
Smaller-scale trenchless pipe lining projects with shallow lines tend to be on the cheaper end of the scale, averaging $3,000 to $4,000. The costs may increase to $6,000-$12,000 if your sewer and drain lines are more heavily damaged, buried deep underground, or require extended amounts of resin.
In comparison, a traditional sewer repair project involves pipe location, excavation, repairs, and re-landscaping. These tasks take longer and cost much more, often exceeding $25,000.
How Long Does Pipe Lining Last?
A properly installed and cured liner lasts for about 50 to 60 years. Piping technicians can extend the liner’s lifespan even longer with periodic maintenance. As the liner ages over the decades, additional layers of resin can refresh and reinforce it.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Trenchless Pipe Lining?
Trenchless pipe lining is a widespread repair method preferred by many piping technicians. However, it is not suitable for all sewer line repair projects. Here’s a breakdown of this method’s benefits and drawbacks to help you determine if this solution is right for you:
Pros
- Cost-effective. The costs of a trenchless pipe lining project may vary depending on the length of affected piping and the extent of the damage. However, even the most extensive projects typically cost much less and require less labor than other, more traditional pipe repair methods.
- Minimal disruptions. The biggest benefit of trenchless pipe lining is its low footprint. It requires little to no digging and no re-landscaping, making it ideal for homes and properties in urban or suburban areas. The plumbing downtime is also short, ranging from an afternoon to two days. This is much shorter than traditional methods, which can take several days or even weeks.
- Durable and long-lasting. The new resin-based liner inside your pipes is highly durable and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion. It is also seamless, leaving no natural gaps or cracks and reducing the risk of leaks or cracks.
Cons
- Not suitable for all sewer line repairs. Although it is a common choice for worn or damaged sewer lines, trenchless pipe lining is only intended to address moderately damaged piping. Contractors may recommend pipe bursting or directional drilling if your sewer lines are severely collapsed or need entirely new piping sections.
- Specialized technique. Trenchless pipe lining is a specialized technique that requires unique skills and access to the right equipment. Not all sewer repair contractors in your area may be equipped to offer this method.
- Not suitable for fragile pipes. Trenchless pipe lining requires a clean and smooth interior surface, typically achieved with hydro-jet cleaning. Fragile sewer lines, such as old or heavily deteriorated pipes, may crack or break during the cleaning process.Pipes made of naturally fragile materials may be ineligible. For example, Orangeburg (also called Bermico or no-corrode pipe), a material made of bituminized wood pulp, is too brittle to support hydro-jetting or the lining process.
Is Trenchless Pipe Lining the Right Choice for You?
Trenchless pipe lining is a modern, cost-efficient drain and sewer pipe repair method with over 50 years of proven effectiveness. It does not require extensive digging or re-landscaping, saving you time, money, and extended downtime periods.
If your home’s piping network needs light or moderate repairs, experienced sewer line technicians may recommend this method for your home. Schedule a consultation with a sewer specialist to determine if you need trenchless pipe lining.
