If you have older cast iron pipes, you may notice more clogs, leaks, and other plumbing issues become more frequent in your home. While cast iron pipes are strong, they will eventually be exposed to wear and tear over time. Typically, they last between 50 to 100 years. As they age, they may rust and develop buildup, reducing their efficiency. Pipelining can be a solution to extend the lifespan of your plumbing system. Lining these pipes is a less intrusive and more cost-effective solution than a full repiping project. Here is what a general timeline would look like if you want to line your cast iron pipes.
How Does Pipelining Help?
Pipelining, also known as cured-in-place pipelining, is a trenchless repair solution that involves inserting a coated liner into your existing pipe. This liner is then cured, forming a new inner pipe within your cast iron pipe. While the lining process itself does not take a long time, the results can last for decades, strengthening your plumbing from the inside out. Here’s a deeper look into our process.
Inspection
Before starting a lining project, we’ll inspect your cast iron pipes. During this inspection, we will insert a camera through the pipes to determine their current condition. We want to ensure the pipes can be lined. Additionally, we want to see if there are any obstacles we should be aware of. Depending on the size of the project, inspection can take a day to a few days.
Cleaning Your Pipes
Once we inspect your pipes and approve them for lining, we will thoroughly clean them. Cleaning removes anything inside the pipes that could negatively impact the lining process. It will take approximately a day or two days to fully clean your pipes. Any remaining debris left in the pipe could damage the new liner and lead to challenges in the future.
Installing the Liner
After we clean the pipes, we can start the lining process. We’ll first put the liner in an epoxy resin. After it’s placed in the resin, we insert the liner into the pipe using a specialized machine. As the liner inflates, it will coat the inner walls of the pipe. Within a day or two, the liner is fully cured.
Curing Process
Curing the liner will harden and transform it into a dependable, new pipe within your original cast iron pipe. There are multiple ways to cure a liner, including steam and hot water. Depending on the type of curing we decide to use, the new pipe can be ready within hours. However, sometimes it may take up to a day for the curing process to be completed. We will determine which curing method is best suited for your case during our inspections.
Review of Our Work
Once the liner is cured, we will examine your pipes again. We want to ensure the lining is properly placed and that there are no issues such as leaks. If we notice anything abnormal, we will address the issue and make any necessary changes. It will take a day or less to complete final inspections.
Finishing the Job
After the final examination is complete, we will close any temporary areas we created to access the pipes. We will additionally remove any materials we use and clean up the site. This can take a day to two days.
The Benefits of Pipelining
Pipelining, in comparison to repiping, has multiple key benefits. With pipelining, you can invest in your plumbing system’s future, without a complicated, expensive project. Beyond its cost-efficiency, some of its advantages include:
- Minimally invasive
- Less disruptive
- More eco-friendly
Lining Your Cast Iron Pipes With Apex Plumbing
If you have compromised cast iron pipes, it may be time to consider your options. Depending on their condition, you may be able to line your pipes rather than replace them. At Apex Plumbing, we offer lining services and can help you keep your pipes in working order for years to come. Our team of experienced professionals will provide thorough care and ensure you have reliable new pipes. To learn more about pipelining and how we can assist you, please contact a member of our team today.
