FAQ

What is pipe renovation?

Pipe renovation is also called lining, pipe lining, riser renovation, flexible liner and pipe-in-pipe, "a cherished child has many names".

Old pipes turn into new ones (internally)
Pipe renovation is a collective term for renewing old and worn pipes. Traditionally, piping systems are renovated by replacing pipes and conduits with new ones. With pipe relining old pipes can be renewed without needing to tear out the existing pipes. This entails significantly lower costs, with the minimal of waste and disturbance to residents as well as a substantially faster work process.

Renovation using polyester plastic, to which our own Proline method belongs. Proline Group was the first to use this method. Usually the new pipe is moulded in several layers with a period of hardening time between each layer.

Flexible liner (sometimes also called the sock technique) where a epoxy-impregnated polyester liner is twisted into or pulled into the old pipe and allowed to harden. This includes our Prosoc method.

Theoretical lifespan of pipe

The lifespan of course depends on many different factors and how the drainpipe or sewage pipe is used. For example, the lifespan depends on the quality of your specific product or what type of property it is placed in.

Sealed surfaces: 20-30 years Toilets, washbasins and baths: 30-35 years
Water conduits made of copper: 50-60 years
Sewage and drainage pipes made of cast iron: 30-60 years
Sewage and drainage pipes made of PVC plastic from the 60s and 70s: 20-30 years
Sewage and drainage pipes made of plastic from recent times: 50 years and more
Water conduits made of galvanised steel: 30-40 years

Source: Relining Report 2011, KIMAB, Swerea.

Is the functioning of the existing pipes affected by relining?

Usually, sewage and drainage pipes renovated by the Proline method are considerably quieter because the inner pipe functions as a muffler. Despite the fact that the pipe dimension is somewhat reduced, the drainage capacity is increased somewhat compared to an old cast iron system because there are fewer deposits. Sewage and drainage pipes are also made over-sized when they are manufactured.

What security can Proline Group offer me?

We are a stable, long-term company because of our size and our strong owner, the industrial group Lifco. We are confident in our technique and the competence of our employees. Read more here ».

Can Proline Group's methods be used in combination with other renovations in the building?

Yes, absolutely! Relining using our methods can be done independent of renovation measures in the property. This can take place before, at the same time or after other renovations. This gives the property owner the ability to decide him/herself which projects will be done and when, without having to consider the fact that the drainage pipes are bad. A pipe relined using the Proline method can be linked to connectors and nipples found on the market in those cases where additional connections to the sewage and drainage system are to be done.

Can you clean after relining with Proline's methods?

Yes. The pipe withstands both high-pressure flushing and mechanical cleaning in the same way as PVC sewage and drainage pipes.

Can I see for myself what condition my pipes are in?

Yes, look at the visible piping, for example in the cellar. If there are brown spots on the pipes they are probably rusty all the way through. Due to the greasy dirt on the inside of the pipe the drain water doesn't run through the holes. If you press on the inside of the pipe with a knife, you will soon see how bad the pipes are. Unfortunately, it is also possible that although the pipe seems fine in the visible parts, it may be rusted through elsewhere. Bends are particularly vulnerable parts. In case of previous leakage you should also try to find out the reason why it occurred. If you are planning to clean the pipes, you have to bear in mind that the deposits in the pipe may be all that is keeping the pipes from leaking.

How long do the pipes last? How long can I put off the maintenance?

These are the most common questions we are asked by real estate owners. Unfortunately, the most common answer in many cases is that it is worse than you think. The lifespan varies considerably. In many buildings constructed as late as the 1980s you can find acute corrosive damage and split plastic pipes. At the same time, it is very difficult to determine the lifespan because the wear on existing pipes depends on their age, the composition of the material used and of course how often the pipe is used and what is flushed down inside. In general, however, you can say that a cast iron pipe corrodes about 1mm every 10 years. Even though only a professional should confirm the extent of the damage, you can prevent most of it yourself if you know what to react to.

Are Proline Group's methods only used in apartments?

No, our methods an be used in all types of buildings and premises. We have done work for example in hospitals, retirement homes, stores, industries and property protected by historic status.

What pipe dimensions can be relined using the Proline Group's methods?

Normally from 2” (approx. 50 mm) to 8” (approx. 225 mm). However, we reline smaller and larger dimensions. Everything depends on the conditions.

In my tenant-owners' association, many tenants have already renovated their bathrooms and kitchens but we haven't done anything with our pipes and plumbing. Do we have to tear these out in order to repair the sewage and drainage system?

No, with our method there is no demolition necessary. We reline the pipe by going in through connections at the toilet, washbasin, floor drain and washing sink. Once we have finished you will hardly notice that we have been there.