SEWER DRAIN PIPES are creating havoc for property owners. Sewers back up in homes over 750,000 times a year in North America due to aging lines, root intrusion, calcification and ground movement from seismic activity, costing homeowners millions of dollars in damage to their homes and landscaping, and millions more in increased taxes due to crumbling underground infrastructure of municipalities.

In addition to the expense and inconvenience, backed up sewage in the home creates health risks such as contamination from mold and harmful bacteria. Backups also cause sewers to overflow, spewing deadly waste into our streets, waterways and beaches. City governments pass on these ever-increasing water clean-up and treatment costs to you – the consumer.

Trenchless technology has created an alternative to sewer drain replacement commonly referred to as Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP). CIPP is where a pipe is created “within the existing pipe” with special epoxy resins creating the structural strength of new pipes without damage to structures, floors, hardscape, or landscaping. The process has been in use now for over 25 years. There are two primary types of applications, the ‘pull-in-place’ (PIP) method and the ’inversion’ method. Nu Flow specializes, in the ‘pull-in-place’ (PIP) method, where the liner is pulled into position where need, filled with epoxy, cured into place and then the job is complete. The greatest advantage to this method, versus inversion, is that Nu Flow can structurally epoxy line multiple angles and provides the option of only lining the area in need of repair. Nu Flow does NOT have to line entire length of the pipe from the point of entry to the point or needed repair which means significant cost savings and flexibility. The other most common method of CIP lining is Inversion, which is an alternate, less innovative technique, where the liner itself rolls out from the point of entry as it is filled with water, air or steam and once cured-in-place, the end is trimmer to allow for flow. (top)

The Nu Flow process consists of three steps. First the lines are evaluated with sewer cameras to determine what’s needed to resolve the problem. Next lines are cleaned and then the liner is pulled into place. The end result is the creation of a smooth and seamless ‘pipe within a pipe.’ However, the newer pipe is better. Roots cannot penetrate the new “jointless” pipe. Calcification can no longer occur because the deposits will not adhere to the inner walls of the new epoxy barrier-lined pipe. Best of all, the whole process is done above ground, which means landscape, hardscape, and floors remain undisturbed.

Millions of linear feet of drain lines have been saved using the pull-in-place process. Nu Flow installers have the experience and advanced technical knowledge to meet your specific needs, regardless of the depth of the pipe or corrosive nature of the environment. (top)

The Problems

Aging Sewer Lines
Most homes built prior to the early 1970’s had residential sewer and drain lines composed of either cast iron or clay. Traditionally you will find cast iron from property drop to beneath the house (generally near the sidewalk). The primary problem seen is cracking and the bottom of the pipe rusting out. Clay pipes were traditionally used from the property drop to the city sewer main. In most areas residents are responsible for the maintenance of their lines from house to the city saddle which is located within 18 inches of the city main. The primary and extremely common problems seen in clay pipes are root intrusion at the joints and cracks. (top)

Root Intrusion
Root intrusion into sewer pipe systems is reported to cause 50% of all sewer blockages. Interference between trees and sewer systems is likely to occur in older systems and in cracked pipes. Factors that contribute to damage include older pipes with joints, shallow pipes, small-dimension pipes, and fast-growing tree species. Cost associated with caring for root intrusion in the past has been expensive and laborious and, unfortunately, is rarely a permanent fix.

Nu Flow trenchless technology creates a seamless pipe which prevents infiltration and exfiltration, restores the structural integrity of the original pipe, and eliminates the joints which weaken and allow root intrusion. (top)

Calcification in Sewer Lines
Over time, calcium deposits from water form a crusted coating called ‘calcification’ which clogs up household pipes and drain lines, especially when hard water is in use. Once pipes are lined with epoxy, calcification can no longer occur because the deposits cannot adhere to the interior walls of the new epoxy barrier pipe. (top)

Ground Movement Affects Sewer Line Integrity
Major seismic activity can cause breaks in sewer and drain lines, but more frequently, minor seismic activity causes cracking and structural damage at the joints. The seamless, “jointless” nature of the PIP method means not only is the existing problem solved, but the new, seamless pipe will avert future problems as well. (top)

The Process

Identify the Problem by Sewer Camera
When you call to have us evaluate your sewer and drain lines the first thing we will do is schedule a camera. When we come to your home we will run a camera through your sewer main lines and/or kitchen/laundry lateral lines. The camera footage is recorded on DVD format and you are provided a copy of the DVD as well as a plot plan of how the sewer lines run through your property. From here the technician will be able to evaluate your needs and recommend the best solution for your specific problem. (top)

Clean the pipes
Once the problem and solution are identified, the Nu Flow process can begin. The first step is to clean out all roots and descale any calcite, etc. in order to return the pipe back to its original functioning diameter. To do this we either jet the lines or use pneumatic tools such as the scorpion cutter shown in the video above. Cast pipe may require additional preparation if the pipe is badly corroded or there is a void in the pipe. (top)

Install the liner
After the cleaning process is complete, the lining can begin. Based upon the solution you and your technician have decided upon, the length of liner needed is cut, a custom two part epoxy is mixed and poured in to permeate the felt liner. The saturated liner is then pulled in place, the bladder is inflated and the curing begins. Once the epoxy lining has cured, the bladder is extracted, leaving a complete structural pipe within a pipe. To insure that the job has been performed perfectly, a camera is done to inspect the work and you receive a copy of this as well. (top)

The Benefits

Prevents Root Intrusion and Stops Leaks
Cured-in-place epoxy lining molds to the diameter of the host pipe or creates a pipe where there are gaps, literally creating a seamless pipe within a pipe. This eliminates the possibility of future root intrusion. In most cases when there are cracks, separation or root intrusion, sewage is seeping out below your home or into the yard. The lining process eliminates this problem today and for the foreseeable future. (top)

Increases Flow
Cured-in-place pipe actually increases flow capacity because the Nu Flow pipe is smoother than old clay, cast iron, or concrete pipe. Calcification deposits will not adhere to the epoxy-lined walls; thus, flow is unimpeded, and future blockage from normal pipe use is prevented. (top)

No digging or destruction
All of Nu Flow's lateral rehabilitation techniques can be launched through cleanouts. Above ground there are no piles of excavated dirt, no busted hardscape to repair, no traffic tie-ups, and no haggling with subcontractors over repair of the damage. You can tear up your floors, lawn and more, but why would you if you didn’t have to? (top)

Offers the Structural Strength of New Pipes
The finished product withstands every corrosive environment, as well as the test of time, thus eliminating any future need for excavation. Resin formulas are custom-specified to meet customers’ special requirements. Nu Flow liner enhances the structural strength of host pipe and acts as a stand-alone pipe within a pipe, meeting or exceeding ASTM D790 Standards. The life expectancy of Nu Flow’s liner is over 50 years. (top)

Cost Effective Alternative to Sewer Drain Replacement
Replacing underground sewer drain pipe means costly excavation of slab foundations, flooring, sidewalks, streets, driveways and landscaping, only to have the same problems arise when roots grow back and calcification deposits build up again. Nu Flow’s proven trenchless technology process has been used since 1998 to restore drain lines to better-than-new condition, without destruction of floors, walls, foundations, landscaping, driveways - or anywhere drain lines are located. (top)