Service lateral relining is a process in which the existing service lateral is relined with a resin impregnated liner, typically from property line to the main. The relining is used to repair cracked pipes, worn pipes, root infested pipes, infiltration and exfiltration, and is typically designed, like new pipe, to last 50 years. This no-dig method has a much lower carbon foot print than digging the pipe up and replacing it, plus typically the crew are in and out in a couple of hours with very little social impact on the neighbourhood.( Engineered designs signed and sealed by a profession al engineer can be provided upon request.)
We use 2 different systems for relining service laterals.
1. Mar-Tech Liner. The first system we started using was called Mar-Tech Liner. It was a liner that was wet out with an ambient cure polyester resin on site, placed on a bladder and pulled into place, inflated and then left to cure. (typically 1-1 ½ hours). With this system we had to have an open pit to insert the liner. We could do 100mm-150mm laterals up to 20 meters in length.
2. Formadrain. The second system we are presently using is from Formadrain. Here we use an epoxy resin, and the liner is either wet out on site or in the shop, placed on a bladder, pulled into the line through an Inspection chamber and then steam cured. (typically 1-1 ½ hours). With this system we can reline 100mm and 150mm laterals with lengths up to 50 meters long.
All these systems are a good alternative to digging and replacing your lateral.
Note: With all these systems it is important to know there are limitations. Things like crushed pipe, tight bends, or grade issues all have an impact on whether this is a suitable repair method.
