How does drain lining work?

Signs of damage to our drains and pipes are not always obvious. Bad odours and stagnant water may be signs of a blockage, however possible damage to the insides of drain walls is difficult to see but could result in major issues further down the line.  

The advantages of the drainage liner

The easiest way to ensure that your drains are in the best shape possible is to reline the drains. This technique has many advantages and is a non-destructive way of securing your pipes, as no digging or extraction is necessary – which is particularly beneficial on commercial properties, where no downtime is imposed and where activities can continue normally.

Initial inspection

In a nutshell, lining provides a protective aspect inside the drains, creating a tough covering that offers protection against splitting and similar damage. The procedure should begin with a thorough inspection of the drains, preferably using CCTV monitoring technology, to determine the location and extent of any damage, before the pipes are completely emptied using a high-power water jet. This step is important because it is essential that the inner wall of the drains has a clean and uniform surface on which the liner attaches. It is also a good idea to continue to monitor the drains with CCTV throughout the reline process to make sure everything is working as it should. If you think you would benefit from the Drain Lining process, visit https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/

Installation

Fitting the lining can now start with the lining being threaded into the pipes. This is done using an inflatable airbag and the lining is made from a type of soft resin. The lining is moulded to the internal walls, or by means of winches or both methods at the same time, often helped by using water pressure (inversion method). The next step is to cure the resin (let it harden) by using hot water or UV light to create a pipe that sits inside the outer pipe. The liner is able to keep the pipe protected and repairs any issues while it also facilitates the flow of water with a low friction surface.

The non-destructive nature of the drain lining process means that the process is quick and easy, but also extremely cost effective. The liner is rugged enough to last for years without more attention and can be adapted to pipes of all sizes, from as small as 50mm to more than one metre in diameter. Depending on the environmental requirements or accessibility of the drains, reloading can be done using a long liner or several small overlapping sheets throughout the piping.

Patch reloading is also available, which is an even less expensive method of repairing a specific area of ​​a pipe that has been damaged.