Repairing a Failed Drain Reline

Welcome to this troubleshooting guide on repairing failed pipe relining repairs. However, sometimes relining repairs can fail over time.

Relining, also known as CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe), is a popular trenchless method of restoring old pipes without having to dig them up. This article will cover the common defects, repair methods, and how to choose the right company to ensure long-term success.

We’ll be exploring the types of issues that can occur after a pipe relining, like detaching from the old pipe, cracks, or blockages. Understanding why these problems happen is key to fixing them properly. We’ll also discuss the repair techniques, ranging from spot repairs to full replacement, and when each one is appropriate.

Most importantly, we’ll provide tips on selecting an experienced relining company that uses quality materials and offers a strong warranty. Asking the right questions upfront prevents headaches later. With the right troubleshooting and repair, your relined pipes can deliver years of clog-free performance.

Common Defects with CIPP Liners

CIPP liners are susceptible to defects since they are cured in place rather than a factory setting. Some common issues include:

• Detachment - The liner peels away from the old pipe walls due to poor resin saturation or curing.
• Cracks - Cracks form along the liner, allowing water ingress and root intrusion.
• Blockages - Materials used during installation get left behind, obstructing flow.
• Improper Fit - Gaps at joints or connections enable leaks.
• Punctures - Protrusions in the old pipe or objects during installation pierce the liner.

Understanding why these CIPP defects occur is crucial for proper diagnosis and repair. The next sections will examine each of these common problems in more detail.

Lifts

A 'lift’ refers to areas where the CIPP liner has detached or lifted away from the original pipe wall. This creates a gap between the liner and the pipe. Lifts often occur due to inadequate resin saturation during the installation process.

Some signs of potential lifts in a newly installed CIPP liner include:

• Soft spots when tapping on the relined pipe exterior
• Low levels or pooling of resin on the liner surface
• Gurgling noises or bubbles as water flows through gaps
• Liner sagging or drooping in places
• Reduced water flow due to flow between liner and pipe

Liner lifts need to be repaired quickly.

The gaps provide an entry point for roots and deposits to get behind the liner. This can lead to liner collapse, detachment, blockages, and infiltration. This can lead to liner collapse, detachment, blockages, and infiltration.

Sags

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Cracks

Cracks are one of the most common defects in CIPP liners. Cracks are one of the most common defects in CIPP liners. Cracks provide an entry point for roots and deposits behind the liner. They also enable water infiltration into the surrounding soil.

Cracks usually form due to:

• Defects in the original pipe wall that transfer through to the liner
• Poor resin saturation leading to weak spots
• Overly fast curing causing the liner to crack under pressure
• Ground shifts or pipe movements putting stress on the rigid liner
• Impact damage during installation or from objects passing through the pipe

Signs of cracks include:

• Water leaking through the liner into the pipe or surrounding ground
• Root hairs or deposits visible through the crack
• An audible drips or running water coming from liner cracks
• Video inspection revealing long splits in the pipe wall
• Reduced liner thickness around cracked areas

Like lifts, cracks require prompt repair. We will explore good crack repair techniques in the following sections.

Splits

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Repairing a Failed CIPP Liner

When CIPP liners fail, they require repair to prevent further deterioration and damage. There are a few methods for fixing common liner defects, depending on the specifics of the problem.

Spot Repairs

Small, localised issues like cracks, punctures, or lifted areas can often be addressed with spot repairs. Small, localised issues like cracks, punctures, or lifted areas can often be addressed with spot repairs. The patch is sized appropriately then saturation and curing techniques similar to the original install are utilised.

Epoxy resins are frequently used for spot patching due to their strength and adhesion properties.

Full Re-lining

For larger areas of detachment, extensive cracking, or complete liner failure, full re-lining may be necessary. This entails installing a new CIPP liner either within the old liner or after removing it. This comprehensively restores integrity and performance.

Slip Lining

Slip lining involves inserting a new liner pipe inside the damaged CIPP liner. Slip lining restores function while leaving the original liner in place.

This smaller pipe fits tightly, covering cracks and gaps. Epoxy or grout is often injected into the annular space.

No matter the repair technique, it is critical that repairs are done properly by a qualified, experienced contractor.

Poor workmanship can lead to more issues down the road. Ask about their specific repair experience and quality controls. With the right approach, failed CIPP liners can be restored successfully.

For fully degraded or collapsed liners, complete pipe replacement may be the only option. This involves removing the old liner and re-piping the entire run. While more invasive than localised repairs, full re-lining provides a long-lasting solution.

The process begins by using pipe bursting or other trenchless methods to break up the failed liner and pull out the pieces. The pipe is then resized and a new liner inserted. This comprehensively restores pipe function and integrity.

Full re-lining has advantages over spot repairs or slip lining. Hydraulic capacity is also maximised with fresh, uniform walls. And unlike slip lining, annular space is eliminated.

As the entire pipe length is renewed, there are no weak or questionable areas that could fail later.

While more disruptive than local fixes, full re-lining is still far less than digging trenches outdoors. It can usually be completed in a day or two, minimising downtime. The long-term peace of mind is worth the short inconvenience.

When selecting a contractor, check they have expertise specifically in full re-lining and pipe replacements. This ensures a smooth process. With quality full re-lining, your pipes will function like new.

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Choosing the Right Company

When it comes to repairing a failed pipe liner, choosing the right relining company is critical. There are a few key factors to consider during your selection process.

Experience and Expertise

Look for an established company with ample expertise specifically in pipe liner repair. They should have an extensive track record successfully fixing common issues like cracks, lifts, and detachments. Opt for a contractor who uses state-of-the-art technologies and techniques for restoration.

Reviews and Testimonials

Spend time reading through online reviews and testimonials from past clients. This helps gauge real-world feedback on a company’s repair work. This helps gauge real-world feedback on a company’s repair work.

Be sure to check reviews on multiple platforms to get a balanced perspective.

Certifications

Choose a repair company that employs technicians certified in the latest CIPP restoration methods. Things like NASSCO’s Pipeline Assessment and Certification Programme (PACP) validate proper training. Proper licencing and insurance coverage are also must-haves.

Taking the time to select the right relining firm ensures your repair is handled properly the first time. With their experience and expertise, you can trust your liner issues will be solved for the long haul.

Reviews and testimonials from past clients offer crucial insight when selecting a pipe relining company. Take time to read through feedback on multiple platforms to get a balanced perspective.

Look for relining companies with consistently glowing reviews praising their expertise, quality of work, and professionalism. Comments validating they solved complex CIPP issues effectively are ideal. Customers reporting “good as new” pipes show the repairs last.

Here are key positives to look for in reviews:

• Knowledgeable, skilled technicians
• Strong communication and transparency
• Minimal disruption to homes or businesses
• Prompt project completion as promised
• Cured liner defects properly the first time
• Reasonable, consistent pricing
• Delivered expected lifespan and performance

While no company is perfect, any concerning negative feedback warrants caution. Isolated negatives amidst overwhelmingly positives may be acceptable.

By taking time to research and read relining company reviews, you can better evaluate expertise. Numerous satisfied customers reflect a trustworthy firm equipped to repair your liner successfully.

When selecting a plumbing company for pipe relining repairs, it’s important that their technicians carry the proper certifications. This validates they have the required training and qualifications to perform restoration work safely and correctly.

Here are some key certifications to look for:

• NASSCO PACP - The National Association of Sewer Service Companies Pipeline Assessment Certification Programme trains technicians in assessing pipeline conditions and defects.
• NASSCO MACP - The Manhole Assessment Certification Programme focuses on manhole inspections.
• WRc - The Water Research Centre of the UK provides certifications related to sewerage system construction and maintenance.
• CPWC - The Certified Pipe Welding Certifications cover fusions welds on thermoplastic piping.

Verifying all plumbers hold legitimate, up-to-date credentials ensures you’re getting repairs by qualified experts. Proper licencing and insurance coverage are also essential.

Certifications reflect the investment a relining company makes in ongoing training. This brings value to customers through skilled technicians and quality workmanship.

Conclusion

In closing, pipe relining is an effective long-term solution for restoring your plumbing and drainage systems without the mess and expense of full replacement. When issues do rarely occur post-installation, there are repair techniques available to comprehensively restore liner integrity and performance.

Small, localised defects can often be addressed through spot repairs and patches. For more extensive failures, options like full re-lining or slip lining will ensure a durable fix. The key is choosing an experienced, specialised company you trust to properly execute repairs and deliver lasting results.

Take time to research and evaluate potential contractors. Look for depth of expertise in pipe repairs, consistently positive reviews, proper credentials, and use of high-quality materials. Investing in the right restoration work will pay dividends for years through reliably functioning pipes.

In cases of complete liner failure, full system replacement may be required. But for most defects, the right repairs will have your relined pipes flowing like new again. This allows you to continue enjoying the long-term benefits of trenchless pipe renewal versus costly digging and replacements.

We hope this guide has provided useful troubleshooting advice on addressing any liner issues. Reach out with any questions about your system or to request an experienced contractor for repairs. Here’s to many more years of service from your relined plumbing.