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Pipe restoration is needed for water and drainage pipes that have age-related problems like breakage or wear. The goal of pipe restoration is to repair leaks, remove corrosion, and seal loose joints.
For both kinds of piping systems, the benefits of restoration are numerous. To begin with, pipe restoration prevents corroded metals from entering the water supply, which improves the quality of drinking water. By sealing leaks in water and drainage pipes, the restoration also prevents water damage. Restored pipes also allow for good drainage and good water pressure.
Plumbing specialists use several methods to restore pipes, and the most popular techniques are listed here.
Popular pipe restoration methods
Epoxy restoration
This restoration technique is mostly used on metal water pipes. It works by coating the pipes with a layer of epoxy coating. The materials used to create the coating are approved by state and federal regulators.
A plumber does epoxy restoration with the following steps:
- The plumber turns off the water mains and inspects the pipes with a video scope. They identify any cracks, pinhole leaks, and loose joints
- The plumber removes any water left in the pipes and fixes the faults they found during the inspection
- The plumber then dries the pipe by blowing hot air into it
- Next, they use hot air to blow an abrading agent through the pipe. The abrasive material scrubs the inner surfaces of the pipe to remove rust and mineral buildup
- They blow air into the pipe to remove the debris created by the scrubbing
- The plumber heats the pipe to prepare it for the epoxy coating
- They blow hot air that contains the epoxy into the pipe. The hot air distributes the epoxy coating evenly over the surface of the pipe
- Finally, the plumber cures the epoxy coating with a blast of air
Sewer lining
This technique is a non-invasive way to restore drainage pipes as well as the pipes that make up a sewer line. A plumber starts by making a small hole at the center of the pipe and inserting a scope into the hole.
Using the video scope, the plumber inspects the pipe to find the faults that need to be removed. Next, they insert a sleeve into the pipe. The sleeve serves to cover up the faults in the drainage or sewerage pipe.
Once the sleeve is in place, the plumber inflates it so that it takes the form of a pipe. The lining becomes the new inner surface of the pipe.
Chemical restoration
This technique is usually employed to restore water pipes and is used by water companies to maintain the pipes that supply towns and cities. Chemical restoration can also be used on the pipes that carry water from the mains and into a building.
This is how it works: A plumbing company installs a gadget that adds a small amount of corrosion inhibitor into the water inflow. The negatively charged substance is attracted to the metal pipes, so it combines with the metal in the pipe to form a coating that seals small leaks.
The benefits of pipe restoration
Traditional pipe repair involves digging up pipes and smashing walls. Thankfully, modern pipe restoration methods are not very invasive — which means reduced costs, quick repairs, and minimal messiness.
Pipes begin to wear down from the moment they are installed. That is why you need to monitor your pipes with annual inspections that are geared toward detecting leaks and other types of damage.
If a plumber finds faults in the water or drainage pipes, they will recommend pipe restoration to get the pipes back to mint condition.
Ready to get started?
Are the pipes on your property in need of repair? If they are, visit our office and get advice from one of our plumbing specialists today.