How To Choose The Right CIPP Liner Gun For Your Job
A cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is a trenchless rehabilitation method for repairing deteriorating underground pipes. The process creates an interior lining inside the sewer or other drainage pipe, which provides a new durable path for fluids to flow.
When it comes to your CIPP lining project, there are tools and equipment that’ll make your job easier and provide an efficient installation. One of those pieces is a CIPP pipe liner gun. They push or pull a flexible, watertight lining into place in an existing pipe and then activate the curing process to set it into its final form.
While there are many different pipe liner guns on the market, not all are suitable for your specific job. So, what is the right CIPP gun for your project? Here are some of the most vital things to consider before making a purchase.
1. The Surface of Your Pipe
When choosing a CIPP gun, the first factor to consider is the surface of your pipe. Is it shiny or rough? If your sewer pipe has an abrasive coating that’ll scrape off during installation, then you’ll need a sanding head on your liner hose or gun. On the other hand, if you’re using multiple liners to complete the project, each liner has to be the same thickness. Any liner gun will work for a smooth pipe.
This element is essential, as the CIPP head should travel along the inside of the pipe without gouging. Otherwise, an unsuitable CIPP gun could scratch the interior of a smooth pipeline and cause it to fail prematurely by exposing its reinforcing wire mesh.
2. Consider The Method You Will Use
Like plumbing pipes application, the method you use for your CIPP installation will determine the kind of gun you need. For example, dry set guns use a centrifugal or vane pump to push the liner into place. It’s considered a direct push because the liners are pushed directly into place one after another in a continuous operation.
There are also wet set guns that use either a direct push or vacuum method. A direct push uses water to create more flexibility in the liner during installation. On the other hand, a vacuum-assisted way uses atmospheric pressure to draw the liner through water displacement. With that said, you need a liner gun to suit the method you’re using for your CIPP lining to be successful.
3. Size And Weight
The size and weight of the pipe liner gun will determine how efficient your installation process is. Generally speaking, a heavier gun requires more workforce to pull it through the pipeline. A massive liner gun also makes it harder to change liners out during your job.
Due to these factors, choose a lightweight gun that multiple workers can easily handle. It should also have a narrow size and long length to fit into tight spaces and go wherever the job takes you. That means it’s all about portability.
Moreover, having the right size and weight gun will make your job run smoother and faster. With that said, go for a pipe liner gun with a long hose and large diameter to accommodate the size of your sewer pipeline.
4. Price and Value
Cost and value are one of the most important factors to consider. Generally, a larger CIPP gun may have more features and capabilities. Such characteristics as an expandable hose, easily adjustable swivel body, and many more may have a higher price. If the price seems too good to be true, chances are the liner gun may not provide the best value for your investment.
It’d be best to find a balance between price, quality, features, functionality, and value. For instance, warranty terms and conditions may be a good indicator of the strength and durability of the equipment. This way will ensure that you select the right liner gun for your project without breaking the bank.
In addition, when determining the value of your liner gun, consider the maintenance and upkeep it’ll need. It should require little or no cleaning after submersion in water, even with cement residue. What matters most is purchasing a product that’ll get your job done quickly and easily with minimal issues.
Takeaway
With all of these things in mind, it’s essential to consider the unique features each gun offers before making a purchase decision. These factors matter and help determine the best product for your plumbing job. A CIPP liner gun is a critical tool that’ll help complete your sewer lining task. So, choose one with care and focus on finding the best one for your project.
