We have a crack in an underground sewer line. I understand a plumber can insert a "liner" to seal the crack and eliminate a big digging job. Does this sound correct, how is it done and what should we be asking for?

The liner is usually heated sprayed epoxy that sets up fast, not an inserted liner.

Sorry Brian, but that isn't correct in terms of my area, at least. In fact, in all cases I've worked on, they used an epoxy liner and pulled it into the broken drain pipe with a come-a-long and then pulled a balloon into the liner to open and push the liner against the wall of the pipe.

Queanie, plumbers do not usually do this... RELINING companies do. I would suggest that you get the drain line videotaped so you can tell exactly where and how many breaks there are in the drain line. Get a DVD of the video (should be provided on the spot by the tech.) and get 3 estimates by showing the video to at least two other companies so you can hear the opinions/options and costs/prices before proceeding.

Be clear that even relining a drain pipe requires at least two big holes to be dug up... to pull the liner in and to get the liner end cut smoothly on the other end.

Relining has its place if entire mains have to be replaced, but if only a small section of the drain needs to be replaced you are still better off digging up the floor and replacing the small section of pipe.

Good luck!

Mark

[QUOTE=massplumber2008;3514003]Sorry Brian, but that isn't correct in terms of my area, at least. In fact, in all cases I've worked on, they used an epoxy liner and pulled it into the broken drain pipe with a come-a-long and then pulled a balloon into the liner to open and push the liner against the wall of the pipe.

Queanie, plumbers do not usually do this... RELINING companies do. I would suggest that you get the drain line videotaped so you can tell exactly where and how many breaks there are in the drain line. Get a DVD of the video (should be provided on the spot by the tech.) and get 3 estimates by showing the video to at least two other companies so you can hear the opinions/options and costs/prices before proceeding.

Be clear that even relining a drain pipe requires at least two big holes to be dug up... to pull the liner in and to get the liner end cut smoothly on the other end



Relining has its place if entire mains have to be replaced, but if only a small section of the drain needs to be replaced you are still better off digging up the floor and replacing the small section of pipe.

Good luck!

Mark[/QUOTE
Mark, I just googled "pipe lining with spray epoxy" and have a friend who had this done.

Never heard of it, Brian! Technologies change so darn fast! Looks like an interesting, if not superior option, to the pulled liner system I've worked on!

Click on this link for more info. Queanie:

Nu Line - Epoxy Coating - Nu Flow (http://www.nuflowtech.com/Products/EPOXYLINING/NuLineEpoxyCoating.aspx)

Thanks Brian!

Well that certainly looks like a cheap alternative to digging up your average residential sewer. But really, that video amazed me. I could see a place for it in multi million/billion dollar commercial properties.