Epoxy Pipe Lining Pros And Cons: Cost and Pipe Requirements

By |Published On: March 4th, 2021|Categories: Residential Plumbing, Sewer Systems|

What is epoxy pipe lining?

Epoxy pipe lining, also called structural pipe lining, cured-in-place lining (CIPP), or simply pipe lining is a trenchless sewer repair form. This form of sewer repair involves no trenches and very minimal digging. If you have a damaged sewer pipe, epoxy pipe lining creates a brand new pipe directly inside your old one. The process is easy, clean, and fast.

  1. First, your pipe is inspected using a CCTV sewer camera inspection. This gives plumbers and contractors an excellent visual of what’s going on with your lines.      Read also – Benefits of a CCTV sewer camera inspection
  2. Second, your pipe is cleaned with hydro-jetting. It’s a non-invasive, safe cleaning solution meant to clear out any clogs, restoring your pipe’s original diameter.
  3. Third, the lining process can now begin. A unique epoxy-impregnated liner is inserted into your old pipe. A bladder on the inside of the liner is inflated. This pushes the liner up against the walls of the pipe, taking its shape. After the epoxy cures, the bladder is removed, and you now have a brand new pipe within your old one.
  4. Lastly, the plumbers reinstate any branches that were covered over and check that everything works smoothly the way it’s supposed to.

Epoxy pipe lining can be considered replacement or repair, depending on whether the whole pipe length will be lined or just a section. If only a section of pipe (a spot repair) is lined, it is considered a repair. If you line the whole pipe from start to finish, it is basically like getting a brand new pipe installed (aka replacement).

Epoxy Pipe Lining

The pros of epoxy pipe lining

Here are the pros of epoxy pipe lining and why it’s one of the best sewer repair options.

  • Cost-effective – Epoxy pipe lining can save homeowners 30 to 40% compared to traditional dig-up and replacement costs. Fewer hours are needed to complete the project, which means the cost of labor also goes down.

  • Non-invasive – Epoxy pipe lining involves no trenches. Contractors can make most repairs without creating holes or pits in your floors, walls, or ceilings. Repairs can also be done using existing access points.

  • Eco-friendly – The epoxy pipe lining process does not create any waste that needs to be recycled or dumped. When the epoxy is manufactured, it does not generate any carbon emissions, and that’s good for the environment.
Epoxy Pipe Lining
  • Fast – Sewer repair contractors can finish pipe lining in 2-3 days. One day for cleaning, one day for lining, and a day for reinstatement (if applicable). Conventional methods may take weeks and will put your family out of the house. You might have to find a hotel to stay in while the work is being done.
  • Long-lasting – Epoxy pipe lining is designed to last up to 50 years. The brand new pipe is durable and corrosion-resistant. It’s an excellent long-term solution when done by a properly trained and certified pipe lining contractor.

The cons of epoxy pipe lining

The cons of epoxy pipe lining usually involve pipe requirements, which we go over in detail below.

  • Pipe requirements – If you have a collapsed or back-pitched pipe (meaning the installation of the pipe was not angled incorrectly), then epoxy pipe lining won’t work.
  • Downtime – The epoxy in the CIPP can take up to one day to cure. But this is still faster than conventional methods.
  • Pipes that do not work – Pipe lining does not work with Orangeburg (tarpaper) pipes or pipes that are incredibly fragile. Fragile pipes will get damaged when cleaned with hydro-jetting, a process taken before lining any pipe. Epoxy pipe lining does not work very well on pipes 2 inches or less in diameter.
  • Permanent – Epoxy is permanent. After the repair is done, it’s challenging to make changes.
Epoxy Pipe Lining
  • Advanced work – Epoxy pipe lining is very technical and can be done improperly. For example, using the pull in place method in vertical stacks can be done wrong and lead to liners slipping. UV curing can cause shrinkage of the liner, creating an annular space that allows for movement of the liner or hydrostatic pressure to build up, potentially causing issues.

How much does epoxy pipe lining cost?

On average, pipe lining costs $80 to $250 per linear foot. The price depends on various factors, such as the pipe condition, ease of navigation, the amount of cleaning needed before the lining, and the accessibility of the pipe. The total prices depend on how much pipe is replaced; for example, 30ft of pipe at the median cost of $165 will be $4,950.

Who should you call for epoxy pipe lining?

If you’re looking for a reliable, professional company that can help you with epoxy pipe lining. Call New Flow Plumbing if you need cast iron drain pipe repair. We serve Santa Clarita, Glendale, and the greater Los Angeles area. We will assess the situation using a CCTV sewer camera inspection and give you the best solution. Contact us today and receive a quote.

About the Author: New Flow Plumbing Inc.

Get In Touch

Interested in discussing your plumbing fixture needs with our specialists? Call: 310-299-9284