Sewerage repair without demolition: new generation technologies in Lithuania

 

When faced with sewer line issues, homeowners and businesses can explore trenchless sewer repair as a less disruptive and often more efficient alternative to traditional methods that involve extensive digging and demolition.

What is Trenchless Sewer Repair?

Trenchless sewer repair utilizes advanced technology to repair or replace damaged pipes with minimal or no digging. Instead of excavating a long trench to access the sewer line, small access points are created, often at existing manholes or cleanouts.

Common Trenchless Methods:

 

    Pipe Lining (CIPP - Cured-in-Place Pipe): This involves inserting a flexible, resin-soaked tube into the damaged pipe. The tube is then inflated and the resin cures, creating a seamless, durable "pipe within a pipe" that adheres to the inner walls of the original pipe. This method is suitable for pipes with minor to moderate damage.

    Pipe Bursting: This technique is used for more severely damaged or collapsed pipes. A bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, fracturing it and pushing the fragments into the surrounding soil, while simultaneously pulling a new, typically HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe, into place. 

 

Benefits of Trenchless Sewer Repair:

 

    Minimal Disruption: No need to extensively excavate your yard, driveway, or landscaping, preserving your property.

    Faster Completion: Most trenchless repairs can be completed in a day or two, compared to days or weeks for traditional methods.

    Cost-Effective: While upfront costs may vary, overall costs can be lower due to reduced labor and restoration expenses.

    Durability: The materials used, like cured epoxy resin, can create long-lasting solutions, with some pipes lasting 50 to 100 years.

    Environmental Benefits: Reduced excavation means less disruption to the environment and potentially less soil erosion.

 

In summary, trenchless sewer repair techniques provide a less invasive and often more efficient way to address sewer line problems, minimizing disruption to your property and offering a durable, long-term solution.

 

It is available in Lithuania too:

 

“Advertisement of the company "Centina"

Repair of sewage pipelines often becomes a headache not only for homeowners, but also for companies. However, modern technologies allow this to be solved without demolition and dismantling - the work can be done quickly, and the guarantee is provided for even several decades.

The company "Centina", located in Kaunas, provides these services throughout Lithuania. Their repair crews work around the clock and respond to requests from anywhere in the country. Such popularity is determined not only by efficiency, but also by the advanced "Cipp Liner" technology - a new, textile layer soaked in special resins is introduced into the old pipe, which becomes like a new pipe.

"We started our activities with unclogging pipelines, but we quickly realized that our customers also need repair solutions. The technology we use allows this to be done quickly, without excavation or demolition," says "Centina" engineer Mindaugas Vaivadas.

 

Everything in one day

The masters begin their work by inspecting the pipelines using special cameras. One of them can descend up to 60 meters, and the other - with a flexible head - allows you to reach elbows or branches. After analyzing the condition of the pipe, the deposits are cleaned with the help of air or water flow, and then another inspection is performed.

 

Finally, the so-called "sock" insert is installed in the pipe - a resin-impregnated textile, which is pressed against the old pipe wall with the help of air flow. It forms a new, solid structure. The whole process usually takes just one day.

 

Warranty - up to 50 years

"Centina" services are designed for both private homes and apartment buildings or companies. Pipes of various diameters are repaired - from 50 to 500 mm. A "sock" insert is used for pipelines of smaller diameters, which ensures tightness, odor resistance and sound insulation. Meanwhile, fiberglass patches are applied to larger pipes.

“For the work performed, stormwater pipes are given a 50-year warranty, and for sewers – 20 years,” emphasizes M. Vaivadas.

 

Why do pipes get clogged?

Specialists emphasize that the condition of pipelines is usually determined by the habits of their owners. The most common cause of blockages is grease that residents or catering establishments pour into the sewer. Therefore, it is advised to flush pipes prophylactically: in private homes or apartment buildings – at least every six months, and in cafes or restaurants – every month.

“Unmaintained pipes can cause a lot of damage – from floating debris to broken pipes, flooded premises. Especially if the owners are on vacation at the time,” says M. Vaivadas.

 

They also solve construction defects

“Centina” craftsmen often encounter construction defects – in new buildings, gaskets are often not installed, joints are leaky, and pipelines are routed under the floor. This may require pressure testing to determine the leak.

“In such situations, constant maintenance is very important, otherwise you may have to dismantle the floor or even dig up the ground,” the specialist explains.”