Case Studies: Pipeline and Lateral Rehabilitation

UV patch repair solves cast iron failure without breaking concrete

Problem: Professional Plumbing & HVAC, run solely by Patrick Hansell, was called to repair a failing 4-inch cast iron pipe in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where the clean-out fitting had a large hole in the back side. Heating pipes surrounded the area, making traditional dig-and-replace methods nearly impossible without major disruption. As a one-person company, Hansell needed a noninvasive solution that allowed flexible working time and avoided the challenges of fast-curing resin systems.

Solution: Hansell turned to the Gator Drain Tools UV Lining System. He cut out the accessible section of the cast iron stack, descaled the pipe and jetted the line to prepare it for repair. He installed a 3-foot UV patch that covered the damaged clean-out and extended into the underground slab area — without breaking concrete or disturbing the surrounding heating lines. The UV curing process was a key advantage, giving Hansell unlimited working time to position the liner precisely. This flexibility made the system ideal for his one-person operation. “The UV patching system is a nice addition to my sewer jetting/cleaning business,” he says. “Having no time limit on the installation process was the reason I chose this system.”

Result: Hansell completed the repair quickly, cleanly and with zero demolition. The homeowner avoided costly excavation and Hansell expanded his service capabilities with a tool designed for field efficiency. 866-428-6721; www.gatordraintools.com

Spot repair system helps company tackle lateral rehab

Problem: Hometown Septic Services of Royersford, Pennsylvania, has spent nearly two decades supporting residential and small-community wastewater systems, but owner Ryan Leister knew there was still a critical gap in what he could offer: trenchless lateral rehabilitation. “My first exposure to lining was watching a crew line from one manhole to the next in minutes,” he recalls. “I was hooked.”

Solution: After years of research and on-site experience, Leister adopted the LightRay LR3 spot repair system from Waterline Renewal Technologies to bring CIPP lining in-house. What surprised him most was the efficiency from day one. “Our very first job was a simple 20-foot repair from inside the house to the trap. We cleaned up, closed up and left in a few hours,” he says. “The profitability margin was around 45%-50%. That was the moment I realized this investment would pay off.” The LightRay system also changed how jobs were approached. Many laterals in Leister’s region run under slabs, porches or decks, areas where traditional excavation is difficult or invasive. “Now I can tell a homeowner, ‘All I need is clean-out access, and a few hours later we can rehabilitate this without tearing anything apart,’ ” he says.

Result: The system’s plug-and-play setup helped shorten the learning curve. “When I opened the control module, everything was there, down to a digital timer. It was truly turnkey,” he says. 847-457-1810; www.waterlinerenewal.com