Pipe Lining FAQ

Pipe Lining
- What is Pipe Lining?
  
  Pipe Lining is the latest and most preferred method for all building owners to replace their drain line system. There is no other method of replacing a drain line inside of a building or home without breaking up all the concrete to expose the pipe. With lining, we can access the line through the main stack or the toilet. This will allow American Rooter’s team of plumbers to line inside sewer laterals with little to no construction. However, if we want to line the exterior building sewer, we will need an access point (usually outside) because these liners can stretch from 3-4” or 4-6” but not 3-6.” Once our access point has been made, we can invert the new liner through the host pipe, providing you with a less disruptive, more efficient, and cost-effective solution.
- What Is the difference between CIPP and PIPP lining?
  
  The main difference between the two lining systems is that the CIPP process only needs one access point. The PIPP process needs two access points, similar to pipe bursting. CIPP stands for Cured in Placed Pipe, and PIPP means Pulled in Place Pipe.
- What curing methods are there?
  
  There are four different curing methods on the market: ambient temperature curing, steam curing, hot water curing, and UV LED light curing.
- What curing method does American Rooter Plumbing use?
  
  Our plumbers at American Rooter Plumbing prefer the UV LED curing process over others. Every curing method has pros and cons, but we feel that less risk is involved with the UV LED curing method.
- What is a “reinstatement” and how does it work?
  
  A reinstatement happens when we line a host pipe with a branch line that ties into it, such as a kitchen drain, a floor drain, or maybe another bathroom. When we line the host, it will close off the connection, which means we will need to “reinstate” that branch line. The most effective way to reinstate a branch line is with our specialized robotic cutter with a camera head attached. This allows for accurate cutting.
  Once the hole has been reinstated, we have a few options for proceeding. We can continue to use the robotic cutter, or we can use our picote rejuvenation machine. Our picote rejuvenation machine has different attachments, allowing us to provide a smooth and precise opening.
- What is a host pipe?
  
  A host pipe is the original pipe that the new liner will adhere to.
- What steps do you take when prepping the host pipe to be lined?
  When pipe lining is an option, we need to ensure that the host pipe is clear of any tree root intrusion or any major build-up in the drain line.
  A drain line can be “cleaned” in a few ways:
  - Cabling,
  - Hydro jetting, and
  - Picoting.
  Because cabling a drain line is not the most effective way to clean a drain line, we will either jett or picote, and sometimes both, to prepare the host pipe for the new liner.
- Are all drain lines lineable?
  
  No. Not all drains are lineable. If your drain line has what plumbers call a “belly” or a low spot in your drain line, the only way to fix that is by digging at that spot. Sometimes, you can do a small spot repair, and then line or pipe burst the rest, but if you have a “belly” in the line, that has to be dug up and replaced.
  Another instance where a drain line would not be lineable is if there is an offset in a drain line that is raised up. At times, we can attempt to modify that offset, but it is not guaranteed. We never want to cut corners or provide bad service to our customers, so we would discuss the best options and best practices based on that particular circumstance.
- Since you are putting in a new pipe inside my old one, won’t it make the new pipe smaller or make it so that it cannot handle as
  
  So this is a very common question and very logical. While the pipe is being shrunk, the liner is only 3mm thick. And yes, while it does shrink the pipe minimally, it actually helps with the velocity of the flow because the new liner is so smooth and slick.
- Why does the City of Omaha not want to allow residential or commercial properties to line their sanitary sewer, especially when
  
  Here is a fun fact: the City of Omaha Sewer Department has been lining the city mains for nearly 30 years in Omaha. And while having to explain to a customer that they cannot line their drain line in Omaha because of code is not one of our favorite things to do, it is valid.
  We are working with the City of Omaha to get approval on this. However, based on their feedback, this is not something they plan to approve overnight. The last modification to the plumbing code was in 2015, and it did not get added to the code book until 2018, so this will be a slow process. The city of Omaha is open to the idea of pipe lining and approving extenuating circumstances case by case. If you are in Omaha and you think lining would be a good fit for you and your home, give us a call to visit with our plumbers.
  Our SWEET Plumbers are proudly and effectively lining drain lines in Sarpy County, Iowa, and other areas just outside of Omaha. We would love to help you resolve your drain problem as well.