Stage one: survey and locate
Before any liner is mixed, the engineer runs a camera to the defect and measures its distance from the access point. If you already have recent survey footage, this is a quick confirmation. If not, it is a full inspection of the section to be sure the pipe is suitable for lining and that there is nothing else nearby that should be dealt with at the same time.
Stage two: clean the pipe
A liner will only bond to a clean, sound pipe wall. High pressure water jetting removes scale, grease and debris, and roots are cut back where they have pushed through a joint. On a lightly fouled pipe this is quick. On a line full of hardened fat or heavy root growth it is the longest part of the job.
Stage three: fit and cure the liner
The patch is cut to length, impregnated with resin and wrapped around an inflatable packer. The packer is pushed to the measured position, checked on camera and inflated so the patch presses against the pipe. It stays in place while the resin cures and hardens.
Curing time depends on the resin system and the temperature in the pipe. Cold conditions slow it down, which is one reason the same job can take a little longer in winter than in summer.
Stage four: check and hand back
Once the packer is deflated and removed, a final camera run confirms the patch is sitting where it should, fully bonded, with no wrinkles or lifted edges. You can normally use the drain again once the engineer has confirmed the repair.
What can make it take longer
- Several defects along the same run that each need a patch.
- Heavy scale, grease or roots that need extended cleaning.
- Access points that are buried, sealed or a long way from the defect.
- A blockage that has to be cleared before the survey can be done.
- Commercial drains that must stay in use, which may mean planning work around trading hours.
Living with the work
Because nothing is dug up, the disruption is mostly limited to not using the affected drain while the liner cures. We will tell you which toilets, sinks or appliances to avoid and for how long. For restaurants, pubs and shops we can discuss timing so the work happens when the drain is least needed.
Curran Drainage fits no-dig patch liners across West Lothian, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Fife and Lanarkshire, with no call-out charge. Call 07427 195142 or send a quote request with any survey footage you already have.
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Ask us about your drain
Questions we get asked
Can I use my toilet during a no-dig repair?
Not the ones that drain into the section being lined, until the resin has cured and the repair has been checked. We will tell you which fixtures are affected.
Does cold weather affect patch lining?
Low temperatures slow resin curing, so the liner may need longer in place. It does not stop the work.
Will you check the repair afterwards?
Yes. A camera run after the packer is removed confirms the patch is in the right place and properly bonded.
Can several patches be fitted in one visit?
Often, yes, depending on how far apart the defects are and how much cleaning each needs.