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The FAQs of Pipe Lining: What You Need to Know

1. What types and sizes of pipes does OPL line?

We can camera, clean, and re-line any horizontal or vertical storm or sanitary drain from 1.5 to 12 inches in diameter including vertical sanitary stacks, horizontal sewer lines, mains, and roof drain systems and more. 

Our clients include residential buildings (condos, apartments, houses), commercial and industrial (shopping malls, high rise offices, airports), health care facilities (hospitals, nursing homes), schools and universities, historical buildings, and municipalities

2. How can I tell when my pipe should be re-lined?

A visual inspection of the exterior of the pipes can show cracks, leaks, rust, mold, clogged or slow drains and backups are all signs of a damaged pipe. Alternatively, you can check your maintenance records (if they exist) to understand how many times the drain needs to be unclogged. A video assessment by an OPL technician will indicate the condition of your pipes and inform the repair process

3. Why should I re-line my pipes as opposed to replacing them?

First, it is important to understand why the pipe is failing in the first place: corrosion and erosion of the drain. CIPP drain re-lining will separate the flow from interacting with the ferrous metal pipe and stop the pipe from corroding. Additionally, as CIPP is a plastic derivative, its inert surface wont allow the pipe wall to thin by way of erosion.

Lastly, traditional pipe repairs when finished need to be removed in order to reach the pipe are time consuming, expensive, and disruptive to tenants as the finishes need to be replaced. 

CIPP lining provides a cost-effective, non-disruptive alternative and extends the useful life of the original pipe. It also saves waste and prevents old, unusable pipes from going to a landfill. It is particularly valuable in high-impact spaces where sanitation and safety is a priority (hospitals, high-rise towers, schools, etc.). 

We also offer maintenance services and routine condition assessments, to ensure your pipes continue to run smoothly over the years.

4. What kind of access is required to repair a pipe line?

Most often, additional access points do not need to be created to re-line a pipe. Our non-invasive approach allows technicians to use pre-existing access points instead of removing drywall and finishes or damaging the surrounding area. 

5. What is the lifespan of OPL’s liner?

Once the pipes have been re-lined, our epoxy-felt liner extends their lifespan by another 30 to 50 years.

6. Does the water need to be turned off in my building when the pipes are being repaired?

Yes, as once the bladder is inflated the drain is inoperable until the curing process has finished and the bladder is removed. Typically, we will restore the operation of the drain at the end of each day.

7. How can OPL help me create a preventative plan to avoid emergency pipe repairs?

We encourage our clients to take a proactive approach to pipe maintenance, to decrease the likelihood of emergency repairs, large-scale problems, and future piping issues. Contact us and tell us the issues you are facing or what drain is causing a major headache on an ongoing basis and we can walk the site and provide you a proposal for a condition assessment and consultation.