How To Test A Relined Pipe’s Integrity

Introduction to Pipe Relining

Pipe relining, a trenchless repair technique, fixes damaged pipes by installing an epoxy resin liner inside the existing pipe, thus avoiding excavation. This process involves installing an epoxy resin liner inside the existing pipe to seal cracks, restore function, and prevent further deterioration.

Heritage properties in Newtown, Sydney, commonly encounter drainage issues due to ageing systems susceptible to tree root encroachment and fractured joints. Pipe relining is a long-term fix that avoids the significant disruption usually caused by traditional pipe replacement.

In this article, we’ll discuss recommended methods to test the integrity of a relined pipe and ensure it was properly installed. Our Newtown-based plumbing service, with over 15 years of experience, specialises in pipe relining and restoration using state-of-the-art CIPP technology.

Common Methods for Testing Relined Pipes

There are a few standard methods used to test the integrity and effectiveness of a newly relined pipe:

Visual Inspection

The most basic test is a visual inspection with a CCTV drainage camera. This allows our technicians to traverse the full length of the pipe and visually assess the quality of the pipe lining for any defects, as well as checking for proper seals at all joints.

Water Pressure Testing

Hydrostatic testing involves sealing off the pipe and filling it with water to a specified pressure level. The pipe is then monitored for any leaks or pressure drops, which would indicate flaws in the pipe liner. This test verifies both the strength of the liner material and the seals at pipe connections.

Air Pressure Testing

Similar to hydrostatic testing, air pressure testing uses compressed air rather than water to pressurise the pipe to test for leaks. Pressure loss during a set time period may reveal perforations or gaps in the liner.

Smoke Testing

Smoke testing pumps non-toxic smoke into the drain system while technicians monitor the exterior vent stacks. Escaping smoke indicates leaks at joints or fractures in the liner.

By using a combination of these pipe integrity tests, we can validate the quality of any sewer pipes repairs and ensure long-term functionality.

Visual Inspections with Cameras

• Liner thickness and consistency
• Seam quality at pipe joints
• Signs of cracking or perforations
• Deformations or irregularities
• Connection seals at branching pipes

We also check for obstructions, sediment buildup, improper slope, and any other issues affecting functionality. The resulting CCTV footage produces a permanent visual record that we analyse to determine if further tests are required or the relining project is satisfactory.

Post-installation CCTV inspections confirm correct adherence of the pipe lining, giving a clear indication of successful relining. The final report stands as a certification of the structural renovation and the restoration of your plumbing infrastructure.

Hydrostatic Testing

Hydrostatic testing is an important technique for validating the integrity of a relined pipe. It involves sealing off the newly lined pipe, then filling it completely with water and pressurising it for a sustained period per plumbing regulations and standards.

Our technicians utilise gauges to closely monitor drain pipe pressure during hydrostatic testing. If pressure drops are detected, it may indicate perforations, cracks, faulty seals or other defects allowing water leakage from the pressurised system.

Drain pipes in Newtown vary in size, shape, and material, necessitating specific test parameters. Our tests exceed normal operational pressures to comply with regulatory codes, with durations from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the pipe’s characteristics.

A hydrostatic test that confirms liner seals provides certification of the pipe’s endurance under maximum pressure. This assurance attests to the structural performances of our relining services, offering peace of mind about your plumbing integrity.

High Pressure Water Jetting

Before relining, high-pressure water jetting is used to remove debris, grease, tree roots, and other obstructions, ensuring the new liner adheres correctly to the pipe’s full diameter.

Our powerful jet nozzles release pressurised water to uncover leaks in repaired pipes, often detected during hydrostatic pressure tests complemented by concurrent camera inspections.

Jet washing removes internal blockages and confirms liner integrity, ensuring restored drainage capacity and functionality for your plumbing system over the long term.

Technology and Materials Used in Relining

The pipe relining process can rely on advanced polymeric materials and installation methods that restore structural integrity, eliminate leaks, and prevent future deterioration.

We deploy robust epoxy resin blends paired with sturdy textile tubing. The CIPP liners we apply create a seamless and joint-free inner pipe post injection and curing.

Modern relining methods enable older pipes to exceed the flow rates and pressure tolerance of traditional piping. Relined pipes are often equal to, or better than, completely new pipes in performance.

The epoxy liners we use chemically bond to pipe interiors, sealing cracks and leaks while retaining flexibility and durability for potentially decades of use with appropriate maintenance.

Relining avoids invasive demolition while upgrading your existing underground plumbing lines equipped to serve Newtown’s households and businesses into the future.

Importance of Post-Relining Inspections

Comprehensive inspections post-relining are essential to verify a pipe’s structural integrity and functionality. These checks ensure the epoxy liner is smooth, sealed, and free of leaks or weaknesses along the pipe.

• No cracks, holes or defects in liner material
• Durable seals at all pipe joints
• Resistant to future root intrusions
• Optimal slope and flow capacity
• Fully restored structural integrity

Rigorous post-relining verification provides our clients with confidence in the resolution of drainage issues and robust protection against pipe failures or backups. Documented inspection reports become permanent records of the upgrades bringing your plumbing up to modern building code compliance.

Our post-relining assessments confirm your property now boasts leak-free pipes prepared to safely handle wastewater volumes for decades of dependable ongoing service. Reach out to us at Newtown Plumbing for comprehensive insight into your pipe relining requirements and our meticulous inspection protocols.

Advantages of Relining Over Replacement

Pipe relining provides numerous advantages over traditional pipe replacement:

• Minimally invasive – Trenchless relining from within the pipe eliminates the need for excavation or surface destruction.
• Faster installation – Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners can be installed in hours rather than days.
• Lower cost – Up to 60% more affordable than pipe replacement requiring extensive excavation.
• Minimal disruption – The swift relining process keeps households and businesses functioning without interruption.
• Longer lifespan – Advanced epoxy resins provide 50+ years of durable service.
• Superior flow – Relined pipes are smooth and jointless for optimal drainage capacity.
• Added resilience – Relined pipes are structurally reinforced to withstand root intrusions.
• Sustainable – Pipe relining conserves resources by preserving existing infrastructure.

Get in touch with Newtown Plumbing for specialised maintenance of sewer lines, our certified relining solutions, or targeted section pipe repairs in Newtown, Sydney. Book an appointment with our friendly team today.

Preventative Maintenance for Pipes

Preventative maintenance is key to preserving the integrity and extending the longevity of relined pipes. Homeowners and businesses should follow these best practices:

Regular Drain Inspections

A yearly CCTV drain inspection can detect emerging root intrusions, fissures, or leaks, facilitating the prompt rectification of small issues to prevent major blockages or comprehensive system failures.

Hydro-Jetting Service

Avoid Harsh Chemical Drain Cleaners

Caustic drain cleaner products can damage pipe materials and linings over time. We advise using enzyme-based, eco-friendly drain cleaners as a primary preventive maintenance step.

Update Old Plumbing Fixtures

Upgrading from old, leak-prone faucets, showerheads, and toilets decreases the stress on drainage pipes from excessive water flow. Installation of new low-flow bathroom and kitchen fixtures improves systemwide efficiency.

Reach out to our licensed Newtown plumbers for guidance on an effective maintenance plan that ensures peak performance of your entire plumbing system, including relined sections, for years ahead.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

There are certain plumbing situations when it’s crucial to call in a professional rather than attempting a DIY fix. At Newtown Plumbing, our licensed technicians have the expertise to properly assess issues and implement the right solutions to restore functionality and prevent escalating damage caused by blocked pipes.

Signs You Need a Pro

Call us right away if you experience a blocked drain or any of the following:

• A major sewer pipe clog or full drain backup not resolved through drain cleaning products
• Leaking pipes, persistent dripping faucets, or signs of water damage
• Major pressure fluctuations or decrease in water flow at multiple fixtures
• Strange gurgling noises from plumbing lines or sewer gas odours indoors
• A complete loss of hot water or issues with water heater function
• Any gas leaks suspected at appliances or supply lines
• Flooding from pipe ruptures, overflowing fixtures, or stormwater sewer system problems
• Frequent plumbing blockages or need to continually plunge drains

The Perils of DIY & Delayed Repairs

While handy homeowners may be tempted to tackle minor drain clearing jobs themselves, your pipes and complex plumbing systems often require professional equipment and know-how.

Neglecting timely pipe repairs can lead to more severe damage to your plumbing. Gas leaks pose explosion hazards.

Slow leaks can cause structural damage or mould over time. A damaged drain may lead to sewage backups and contaminated water flows.

Our experienced Newtown plumbers are equipped with specialised cameras, jetting tools, and drain repair technologies to thoroughly diagnose sewer system problems. We recommend comprehensive solutions that prevent repeat breakdowns and preserve infrastructure integrity.

For 24/7 emergency plumbing services or when you need pipe repairs or appointments, all your Newtown households and businesses can rely on our friendly, local professionals to restore and protect property investments.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns about your plumbing system!