How to fix a cracked water pipe

Cracked or leaking water pipes - it’s something that we see time and time again all over Sydney. Traditionally, the labour and material cost to repair cracked underground pipes would be horrendous, let alone the disruption to your landscaping, driveways or patios by having to dig them up to locate the issue. But, with today’s specialist pipe relining technology, we can fix a cracked or leaking water or sewer pipe fast and more cost effectively, saving you time and money.

What is pipe relining and how can it fix cracked pipes?

In a nutshell, pipe relining is creating an entirely new pipe within the old, damaged pipe using a patch and specialist resin to form a new lining that seals the crack or leaking.

How does pipe relining work to fix a cracked water pipe?

Check out our handy video below guiding you through the Pipe Relining process step by step.

Step 1:

First we will use our CCTV camera and insert it into your problem pipe and have a look at what’s happening. Usually at this time we will either see a crack or perhaps a blockage caused by tree roots or other matter.

Step 2:

Once we have identified where the issue is located, we will use our High Pressure Water Jetter to clean out the pipe and remove any blockages. This process is completely safe and is highly effective for removing tree roots and blockages from all types of pipes including sewer. 

Step 3:

Once we have removed the blockage we will take another look with the CCTV camera to inspect the damage and assess if the pipe can be repaired using the pipe relining process. We’ll then add a little mark to the camera line so we know exactly where the repair is located, minimising any ‘stuff ups’.

Step 4:

Next we’ll wrap our ‘packer’ with pallet wrapping (some plumbers will use plastic sleeves but we find this works better) to protect it and then we’ll pump it all the way up to stretch the plastic a little.

Step 5:

We now apply a slow reacting resin to the patch that will be inserted into the pipe and tie the patch off with wire. The wire will snap when pressure is applied and it is used to help keep the patch in place when inserting into the pipe as it can sometimes move, especially when going up hill. Genius, hey?

Step 6:

We insert the packer into the pipe and pump it up so the patch is pushed hard up against the cracked pipe. We then let it work it’s magic for about an hour or so to let the resin completely dry.

Step 7:

We pull out the packer and take another look using the CCTV camera to check out our handy work and then test to ensure the patch is working!

Step 8:

Celebrate! And if it’s Friday and close to knock off we’ll crack a cold one with you!

What type of pipes can be repaired using Pipe Relining technology?

There isn’t a pipe too big or too small, too vertical or too horizontal or too far underground that we can’t fix. And, it’s not just water pipes, it’s sewer pipes and stormwater drainage as well! So… any type of pipe! You name it, we can usually repair it and repair it fast!

Whether it be pvc, terracotta or concrete piping our specialist Pipe Relining process ensures all cracks and leaks are repaired with long lasting results, we guarantee it for the life of the pipe*. 

*Note: For warranty purposes, bi-yearly inspections using the CCTV camera are required to ensure the integrity of the pipe. These inspections are charged as an extra cost to the client but don’t worry, we have a VIP program to ensure this is as easy and cost effective as possible for you.

What types of repairs can be performed?

Pipe relining can repair cracked, broken and leaking pipes and can also work for pipes that have tree root blockages. 

Please note that some pipes that are completely broken will require a full replacement. We’ll discuss this with you when we visit you onsite.

How long does it take to fix a cracked pipe?

Usually within a day allowing time for the resin to cure. More complex jobs can take 2 - 3 days.

How do you know if pipe relining will work for your cracked pipe?

With over 8 years experience in providing pipe relining to all suburbs of Sydney, we’ve repaired a wide range of cracked, broken and leaking pipes. By using our CCTV camera and High Pressure Water Jetter to clean the pipe we’ll inspect your cracked pipe prior to attempting the pipe relining to 100% ensure it is suitable for your situation.

Due to the flexibility of the resin and the packer we are able to get hard to reach places including pipes inside walls, under concrete slabs and driveways without having to dig it all up. Please note we may need to dig a small hole to reach the pipe we are inspecting or performing the pipe relining to as we need a point of access. We will however discuss this with you during your free onsite inspection.

Do we undertake a comprehensive site inspection and provide a quote before commencing any work?

Of course! If you’re located in Greater Sydney we provide an obligation free onsite inspection and quotation for your approval, before commencing any pipe relining work. If you’re located outside of Sydney then just give us a call on 0448 004 183.

Over to you…

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Do you need help with a broken or cracked pipe at your home?

Give us a call on 0448 004 183 or click here to send us a message.