What Exactly Does Drain Relining Involve?

Damaged drain pipes are some of the most challenging and difficult drainage related problems. As well as being very difficult to detect at the very outset, damaged and leaky drain pipes also damage the environment by polluting the soil at the same time.

Many years ago, the only way to fix damaged pipes such as these was to undertake the very expensive and long process of excavation and replacement. More often than not, the damaged pipes were buried metres under the ground, making it very difficult to reach them; some were even buried under driveways, retaining walls or roads.

Thanks to modern technology, drainage pipes can now be fixed by the cheaper and relatively easier method of drain relining.

But what exactly is drain relining and what does it involve?

Put simply, drain relining is a method of repairing damaged or leaky drain pipes by fixing a new pipe, called a lining, into an existing damaged pipe. This is done without having to resort to the traditional method of excavation. We also utilise a form of no-dig repair technology that includes a form of drain sleeve, similar to glass reinforced plastic.

Drain relining is primarily used to fix open or leaking joints and radial or circumferential cracks that are caused by blockages. In addition, it's very effective in combating root intrusion hat old clay drainage pipes are often susceptible to. 

The process of drain relining

Initial inspection

The first stage of any drain relining project is the inspection of the drainage pipes. Unlike the old method of drain replacement, which includes the excavation of pipes, our drain relining process makes use of highly effective CCTV drain survey technology. 

This comprehensive inspection determines the location and extent of any damage to the pipes.

Full clearing of debris

Following your initial inspection, your drainpipes will be cleaned to prevent any obstructions during the drain relining process. Tree roots and other intrusions are removed using a robotic cutter, which is able to cut through even the strongest concrete and steel. In addition, a specialist high-pressure water jetting system will be used to clear the pipe of any debris, ensuring a good bond on the pipe wall.

A second inspection

Before the new drain liner is applied, the pipes will once again be inspection to ensure that all possible intrusions have been removed.

Lining preparation

At this stage of the process, it's important to determine the type and exact amount of pipe lining required and the most suitable method. As there are many different types of drain liners that can be used in different situations, it's important to get this stage right. For instance, some liners are more flexible than others and can be used in cases where the pipes are curved and require manoeuvrability. 

The installation itself

The drain lining installation can be done in one of two ways. Firstly, you can utilise a process called inversion. Here, a resin is poured into the drain liner and then repeatedly rolled to ensure that it is evenly distributed on its body. This is then inserted into the damaged pipe by using water pressure or inflated airbags to shape the lining to the pipe walls.

Drain lining can also be installed via GFRP UV pipelining, which involves the pulling of the lining into the damaged or leaking pipe by winches and cables. Whichever method you choose, the lining will be perfectly fitted to the surface of the pipe and guarantees effective drainage.

Expert curing

Following the installation, we'll undertake a curing process. This essentially involves the hardening of the resin to ensure that the lining stays in place. When using the inversion installation method, it can be left to cure by itself or sped up by simply running hot water through the pipe.

One final inspection

Once the damaged section of the drain has been fixed, a final inspection will be carried out to ensure that the pipe is as good as new. We'll utilise visual inspections with full CCTV drain surveys, as well as checking for leaks with leak detection equipment. 

Based out of offices across Kent, JLH Drains specialise in cost effective, reliable and fast drain relining solutions for homeowners and commercial clients throughout the South East and London. In fact, we’ve re-lined drains for customers throughout Gillingham, Chatham, Rochester, Strood, Maidstone, Sidcup, Dartford, Gravesend, Sittingbourne, West Malling, Orpington, Sheerness, Northfleet, Crayford, Sheppey, Whitstable, Margate, Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Faversham, Medway and London.

So now you know what's involved in drain relining, if you think you've got damaged or leaking pipes, speak to the drain relining experts at JLH Drains today. Contact us to discuss your requirements and arrange your free property survey and no obligation quotation at your convenience.