How lining is usually done
Inspect and measure
A camera records the line, its diameter, length, bends and any changes in material.
Clean the pipe
Roots, scale and debris are removed by jetting or mechanical cutting so the liner can bond to the host pipe.
Wet out the liner
A flexible felt or fiberglass tube is saturated with resin, measured to the length of the run.
Install
The liner is pulled or inverted into the pipe and inflated against the walls.
Cure
The resin hardens by ambient cure, hot water, steam or light, depending on the system.
Reopen and inspect
Ends are trimmed, connections reinstated if needed, and a final camera pass records the result.
Where lining fits and where it does not
Often a good candidate
- Root intrusion at many joints
- Hairline to moderate cracks
- Pipe that still holds its round shape
- Line under a driveway, slab or mature landscaping
Often not a candidate
- Collapsed sections
- Severe offsets the liner cannot bridge
- Long bellies that need the slope corrected
- Pipe too broken to clean and hold the liner
The parts people overlook
A liner slightly reduces the inside diameter of the pipe, which is rarely a problem in a residential lateral but is worth asking about. The ends of the liner matter as much as the middle: where it meets the house plumbing and where it meets the main are the places to ask how the transition will be sealed.
Lining also follows the old pipe exactly, including any dips and gentle bends. If the camera shows a significant sag, lining will preserve it. In that case, digging at the low spot or choosing a different method may be discussed.
Lining at a glance
- Access
- Cleanout or small pits rather than a full trench
- Prep work
- Thorough cleaning is required before the liner goes in
- Result
- A jointless pipe inside the old one along the lined length
- Permits
- May be required; check with the City of Whittier
Questions to ask before you agree to lining
- Which liner and resin system do you use, and how is it cured?
- How will you seal the ends at the house and at the main?
- Is any part of my line too damaged to line?
- What does the written warranty cover, and for how long?
- What happens if the liner wrinkles or does not cure properly?
Common questions
Does lining remove the old pipe?
No. The old pipe stays in the ground and acts as the outer form for the new liner.
Can a line with roots be lined?
Usually, once the roots are fully cleared. The liner then closes the joints the roots used.
Will I be without plumbing during lining?
Water use is limited while the line is open and the resin cures. Ask the contractor how long that will be for your job.
General information for Whittier, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.