Commonly used pipe relining materials

Introduction to Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is an innovative trenchless method for repairing damaged pipes without having to dig them up. This process involves inserting a resin-coated liner into the existing pipe and curing it in place to essentially create a new pipe within the old one.

Pipe relining can usually be completed in just one to two days, while pipe replacement can take weeks. Pipe relining also costs a fraction of full pipe replacement, making it an extremely cost-effective solution.

This means very little downtime for homeowners and businesses. Pipe relining provides numerous benefits compared to traditional pipe replacement. Since no excavation is required, it is far less invasive and disruptive.

Further advantages of pipe relining include longevity of the repair, preservation of surrounding infrastructure, lack of demolition waste, and minimal impact on the environment. The cured liner forms a jointless, seamless new pipe that is durable for decades. And because the surrounding area is not dug up, landscaping and structures are left undisturbed.

With its speed, affordability and effectiveness, pipe relining is fast becoming the go-to option amongst plumbers for restoring old and damaged pipes. It offers a reliable long-term fix without the hassle and costs of traditional pipe replacement methods.

Common Pipe Relining Materials

There are several different materials commonly used for pipe relining, each with their own advantages and best applications.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is one of the most popular and versatile pipe relining materials. PVC liner has high tensile strength, chemical and corrosion resistance. PVC is one of the most popular and versatile pipe relining materials.

It is a thermoplastic polymer that can be manufactured into a variety of densities and configurations.

PVC liners are relatively inexpensive, lightweight and easy to install. They provide excellent abrasion resistance. PVC is suitable for potable water, sewer, drain and vent piping systems.

Polyethylene (PE)

PE is a light, flexible and chemically resistant plastic polymer. It also has low friction loss.

It is commonly used for non-pressurised gravity flow drainage and sewer lining applications. PE offers similar properties to PVC but at a lower cost.

PE liners are seamless and jointless. Overall, it provides good value and performance.

They are good for pipe sizes up to 1200mm diameter. PE is suitable for corrosive environments and high temperature waste water.

Epoxy Resins

Epoxy is made up of resins and hardeners that form a protective thermoset plastic polymer when mixed and cured. Epoxies provide excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, durability and temperature tolerance.

Epoxy liners are either sprayed or brushed on. They are suitable for small diameter pipes, repairs and connections. Epoxies can withstand harsh conditions and provide excellent protection against corrosion.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass liners consist of glass reinforcement fibres bound in a polyester or epoxy resin. They have very high strength and are suited for pressurised applications.

Fibreglass liners are lightweight, corrosion resistant and have good flow characteristics. They can withstand temperatures up to 120°C. Fibreglass is an excellent liner choice for hot water, high pressure and oil and gas pipelines.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

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Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is another popular thermoplastic polymer material used for pipe relining applications. PE offers a range of benefits that make it well-suited for many relining projects:

• Cost-effective - PE is generally more affordable than materials like PVC.
• Durable - PE liners are seamless and jointless, providing long-term durability.
• Flexibility - The flexibility of PE allows it to navigate bends and fittings in existing pipes.
• Lightweight - Easy to transport and install due to its lightweight nature.
• Chemical resistance - PE offers good chemical resistance, especially for corrosive waste water.
• Temperature tolerance - It can withstand constant temperatures up to 60°C.

While not as rigid or pressure resistant as PVC, PE provides sufficient strength for most non-pressurised gravity drainage applications. Its flexibility also makes it easier to install compared to rigid PVC liners.

Overall, PE is an economical choice for sewer, stormwater and large diameter drainage pipelines. Its blend of strength, chemical resistance, and low cost make it one of the most widely used pipe lining materials among plumbers and municipalities.

Epoxy Resins

Epoxy resins are an important material used in certain pipe relining applications. They consist of epoxy polymers that cure when mixed with a hardening agent to form a strong, protective plastic coating.

Here are some key advantages of epoxy resins for pipe relining:

• Excellent adhesion - Epoxies bond strongly to the interior pipe surface.
• Corrosion resistance - Provides a waterproof barrier to prevent rust and corrosion.
• High strength - Cured epoxy liners are rigid and robust.
• Temperature resistance - Can withstand temperatures up to 150°C depending on type.
• Chemical resistance - Effective barrier against acids, caustics and salts.

Epoxy coatings are suitable for refurbishing small pipes and repairing damaged sections or joints in larger pipes. They can be applied via brushing or spraying techniques. Epoxy liners cure rapidly so pipes can be back in service quickly.

While epoxies have superior bonding and protective abilities, they lack the flexibility of other resins. This means they are not used for whole-length relining of pipes with bends and elbows. Their rigidity also makes epoxy liners more suited to small diameter pipework.

Overall, epoxies are an important niche resin in pipe relining. Their fast repair capabilities and protective properties make them a top choice for small repairs and coatings.

Fiberglass

Fibreglass is a popular and effective lining material for pressurised pipe relining applications. It consists of glass fibre reinforcement embedded in a thermoset resin like polyester or epoxy.

Here are some of the defining benefits of fibreglass for pipe relining:

• High strength - Fibreglass liners have extremely high tensile and compressive strength to withstand pressure.
• Lightweight - Easy to install compared to other rigid liners.
• Corrosion resistance - Provides excellent protection against rust and chemical attack.
• Temperature tolerance - Withstands constant temperatures up to 120°C.
• Flow characteristics - Smooth interior helps maintain flow capacity.

Fibreglass liners are best suited for hot water, gas and high pressure pipelines. The high pressure rating and temperature resistance make fibreglass an ideal choice for hot water plumbing and heating systems.

Limitations include difficulty navigating tight bends and lack of flexibility compared to other liners. Proper resin selection and cure times are also critical for strength and performance.

Overall, for pressurised applications where temperature resistance and strength are vital, fibreglass is often the top-choice pipe lining material among plumbers and relining professionals.

Considerations When Selecting Pipe Lining Materials

There are several key factors to consider when selecting the best pipe lining material for a relining project:

• Pipe size - Smaller pipes may suit epoxy, while larger diameters can utilise PVC, PE or fibreglass.
• Operating pressure - High pressure pipelines require rigid, robust liners like PVC or fibreglass.
• Flow direction - Gravity drainage systems are ideal for PE, while pressurised lines need PVC or stronger materials.
• Chemical exposure - PVC and PE offer good chemical resistance in corrosive environments.
• Temperature - Epoxy and fibreglass liners can withstand hot water and steam conditions.
• Access and location - Tight bends and remote access may limit rigid liner options.
• Cost - PE is the most economical, while fibreglass is generally the most expensive option.

An experienced plumber will assess all these factors including pipe condition, environment and budget to recommend the optimal pipe lining material for any given project.

Pipe Size and Pressure

Pipe size and operating pressure are important factors when selecting a pipe lining material. Smaller diameter pipes generally require more flexibility, while larger pipes need materials that offer greater rigidity and pressure handling capability.

Epoxy liners are well-suited for small diameter pipes up to around 300mm, as they can be brushed on and provide excellent adhesion. For larger gravity pipes, polyethylene (PE) is commonly used as it is flexible, robust and economical.

For pressurised water and gas pipes, stronger PVC and fibreglass liners are preferred. PVC can handle pressures up to 25 metres head, while fibreglass liners have very high pressure ratings making them suitable for high pressure applications in mining, oil and gas pipelines.

It’s critical to match the liner material to both the pipe size and operating pressure. An incorrectly specified liner risks failure and leakage. Consulting a professional plumber is recommended to ensure the material selected will restore and extend the service life of the piping system.

Environment and Location

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Longevity

The longevity and service life of a relined pipe can vary significantly depending on the material used.

Epoxy liners generally have a shorter lifespan of 10-25 years. While excellent for small repairs, epoxies are not suitable for whole-length pipe relining.

Polyethylene (PE) also has a relatively short lifespan of around 25-50 years. This is offset by PE being an affordable and easy to install option.

In contrast, PVC and fibreglass liners can both last 50 years or longer. PVC is suitable for the majority of potable and sewer pipelines, while fibreglass is reserved for high pressure applications.

The longest lasting option is cement mortar liners, which can extend a pipe’s lifespan indefinitely. However cement liners require specialised installation and are more suitable to larger sewer pipes.

In summary, PVC and fibreglass liners offer the greatest longevity, while PE and epoxy provide shorter-term but cost-effective solutions.

Cost

The cost of pipe relining can vary significantly depending on the material used. When selecting a relining material, it is important to consider both the upfront costs as well as long term maintenance and repair expenses.

Polyethylene (PE) is generally the most affordable pipe relining option in terms of material and installation costs. PE liners can be over 50% cheaper than materials like PVC and fibreglass. This makes PE an attractive choice when working within a tight budget.

PVC liners are moderately priced, making them a good compromise between cost and performance. The overall cost of PVC relining may be 20-30% higher than PE depending on the size and scope of the project.

Epoxy resins are one of the more expensive options, but provide superior protection and longevity for small diameter pipes. Similarly, fibre reinforced liners are at the high end for cost due their high strength and suitability for pressurised systems.

Aside from upfront expenses, the expected lifespan and durability of the material will impact long term costs. While relining with PE may be cheapest initially, the pipe may require re-lining more frequently compared to PVC or fibreglass liners which provide longer lasting solutions.

Consulting with an experienced plumber is the best way to weigh up cost considerations against factors like pipe usage, load conditions and expected lifespan. This will ensure the most suitable pipe lining material is selected.

Conclusion

In summary, pipe relining provides a trenchless, cost-effective method for restoring damaged plumbing systems. Polyethylene is the most affordable option suitable for low pressure drainage applications. PVC offers good value for potable water and sewer pipes. And fibreglass is ideal for high pressure conditions requiring temperature resistance. We offer relining services utilising quality materials that will extend the life of your pipes for decades.

When choosing a pipe lining material, key factors to consider are pipe size and pressure, operating conditions, location, longevity and budget. When choosing a pipe lining material, key factors to consider are pipe size and pressure, operating conditions, location, longevity and budget. Please contact Miranda Plumbing to schedule a pipe inspection or gain expert advice on choosing the right relining system for your needs.