If you’ve been getting quotes for pipe relining, you’ve probably come across claims of a 50, 75 or even 100-year design life.
While these might sound impressive, don’t be caught out: design life is NOT the same as a warranty.
What Is a Design Life?
A design life is an engineering estimate of how long a product, structure or asset is expected to last under specified conditions; it’s “service life” if you will.
While the term “design life” is sometimes used in pipe relining, you may also hear of it in connection with:
- Bridges – eg designed for a 100-year design life.
- Concrete infrastructure – may have a design life of 50 to 100 years.
- Batteries – often designed for a certain number of years or charging cycles.
- Building materials – also often rated with an estimated design life.
The design or service life is based on assumptions about various factors such as installation, operating conditions, maintenance, and product performance.
Importantly, a design life is not necessarily a warranty period. Just because a product has been designed to last 100 years, doesn’t mean that it is guaranteed for 100 years.
What About Warranties?
A warranty is a formal commitment outlining what is covered if a product or installation fails within a certain timeframe. Depending on the industry, a warranty may cover:
- Manufacturing faults and product defects
- Installation workmanship
- Specific components
In pipe relining, there can be multiple types of warranty that apply to a project, including:
Manufacturer’s Product Warranty
This relates to the relining materials themselves, such as the liner and resin system.
Installation or Workmanship Warranty
This relates to the quality of the installation performed by the contractor.
Specific Warranty Conditions
In some cases, warranties may apply only to certain parts. or under specific conditions – so it’s important to understand exactly what is being covered and for how long.
Comparing Pipe Relining Quotes
Unless you understand the terminology of design life vs warranty, comparing pipe relining quotes is like comparing apples and oranges – two very different types of fruit – rather than two varieties of the same fruit.
For example, one pipe relining company might assure their customers that their product has a 100-year design life.
Another company offers a 50-year manufacturer’s product warranty and a documented installation warranty.
At first glance, you might think the first option is superior; until you remember that:
- A design life is a projection.
- A warranty is a commitment.
When getting quotes, asking the company a few questions can help you make a proper comparison and in turn, the best decision:
- Is the advertised lifespan a design life – or is it a warranty?
- Who provides the warranty?
- What specifically is covered?
- What happens if problems arise?
Not All Pipe Relining Systems Are the Same
Another important consideration is that not all pipe relining systems are the same. While several companies now offer an inversion or CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) liner to rehabilitate the main pipe, quality varies widely. Here’s what you need to know:
Junction Reinstatement
Once the liner has cured, any connections between the pipe and the main sewer line are reopened using specialised cutting equipment. This process is commonly known as junction reinstatement.
The problem is that the junction itself may not have been structurally rehabilitated, particularly if it’s the older earthenware sewer pipes found in many established Brisbane suburbs like Annerley and Camp Hill. The junction will still be vulnerable, so ideally you need to know how these connections are being treated. The question to ask is: Will you be rehabilitating the junctions, or simply reopening them?
Materials Matter
The long-term performance of a relining system depends on more than just the installation method, the materials matter too. For example:
- The liner system used
- The resin system used
- The suitability of those materials for sewer applications
- Independent testing and certification
- Compatibility with the conditions inside the pipeline
Not all epoxy systems are the same. Different products are designed for different applications, operating environments, and service conditions.
What Are You Actually Paying For?
A quality pipe relining project involves much more than installing a liner. While some quotes may appear cheaper upfront, it’s false economy when you consider the long-term – as you can read in our article on pipe relining costs versus benefits.
At Nuflow Brisbane South, our comprehensive relining process ensures that pipes are fixed right the first time, every time. We include:
- CCTV inspection and assessment
- Pipeline preparation and cleaning
- Appropriate liner selection
- High-quality resin systems
- Correct installation methods
- Junction rehabilitation where required
- Post-installation CCTV verification
- Documentation and quality assurance
- Clear warranty information
Need Advice on Pipe Relining in Brisbane South?
When considering pipe relining, what really counts is what is actually being covered in the warranty, rather than how long a product is theoretically designed to last.
Nuflow Brisbane South provides tailored pipe relining solutions using high-quality liner systems, Australian-manufactured epoxy resins and comprehensive CCTV inspection technology, with:
- Up to a 10 year installation warranty on our workmanship
- Up to a 50 year manufacturer’s product warranty
- Clear warranty documentation outlining exactly what is covered.
As the pipe relining pioneers on Brisbane’s southside, our team can explain how your pipes will be rehabilitated, as well as exactly what is covered in our warranty. Contact us today on (07) 3277 8401.
