Descaling of Sewer or Drain Lines

Pipe scaling refers to the build up of rust and minerals in the inner walls of your drain or sewer lines. Some of the most common minerals that accumulate naturally over time are calcium carbonate and magnesium, which create a scaly residue that occupies the majority of your pipe’s drain flow real estate. Once your pipes are lined with a thick, jagged layer of buildup, they begin to capture and amass additional waste that flows down through your drains. This in turn eventually leads to blockage which prevents draining all together.

Cast iron pipes are more susceptible to severe scaling because their inner walls become coated with not only calcium and magnesium salts but also iron oxide. While some slight scaling can actually be considered beneficial because a coat of harmless minerals such as calcium and magnesium acts as a barrier against corrosion, iron oxide is essentially rust that does the exact opposite and leads to pipe deterioration.

Descaling is a pipe rehabilitating procedure which restores old cast-iron pipes to promote effective drainage and a working condition. Here’s how it’s done! 

The pipe descaling process

Descaling is a non-invasive method of removing the dense, rusty scales that have accumulated inside cast-iron pipes over time, through the use of professional descaling equipment. The tool used specifically for this purpose consists of a metal rod with a chain link attachment. This attachment sends the chain link head spinning, using centrifugal force to keep it centered inside the pipe to thoroughly clear the inside of your drain or sewer line of any buildup, without compromising the pipe’s integrity. It’s also designed to provide extra protection for descaling cracked or damaged lines.

Paired with a hydro-jetting rod that sends high-pressure water blasting, keeping the chain link attachment lubricated, this process scrapes off mineral buildup and flushes it out at the same time, leaving your pipe looking and working like new. This equipment includes attachments for all types of pipes making this fully adaptable and suitable for any descaling job. 

Pipe descaling is often performed as a means to prepare your pipe for a epoxy brush coat. Epoxy is a chemical compound which we use to coat and infuse the inner walls of your pipes. This in turn provides waterproofing, strength and durability. Once cured, the epoxy coat is three times as strong as concrete and can withstand up to 10,000 PSI meaning that high pressure water will not disturb its integrity. While the descaling process is a lengthy process, epoxy brush coating is performed much faster and can usually be done in one day, depending on the state of your pipes.

Cast-iron pipes usually began to show signs of severe mineral buildup after being used regularly anywhere from 35-50 years. After we implement a thorough pipe-rehabilitating descaling and epoxy brush coating process to an old cast-iron drain or sewer pipe it can gain another 35-50 years of use! This extends the life of your drain and sewer lines which helps home and business owners alike, avoid costly drain replacements. 

Descaling can be a very tedious process of filing away mineral buildup, hydro-jetting away any loose particles, video inspecting to ensure quality of work and applying a fresh coat of epoxy lining. The results, however, are well worth it as the combination of hydro-jetting, descaling and epoxy brush coating is a non-invasive, trenchless method that vastly improves the condition and efficiency of your drain and sewer lines for a very long time! 

This process does take patience, skill and knowledge of a trained and experienced professional. Call us today to make an appointment or for a free estimate and remember that for plumbing emergencies, we are at your service 24/7. 

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•• A Message to Our Customers About COVID-19

Your family’s comfort and safety are our team’s most important focus. In our area and around the country, public health and safety is on everyone’s mind. We would like to do our part to ease any concerns you may have.
Here are some precautions that we are taking at VIP Sewer and Drain Services in order to continue to provide you with the best service:
Our employees are like family. We allow everyone ample time off work to care for themselves and their families in a time of illness. So, rest assured that we would NEVER send an ill technician to your home.

As part of our normal routine, all of our technicians wear shoe covers to keep your home clean and prevent any outside contaminants from entering your home. We are now making sure our technicians are wearing mask, and gloves before entering your home.
Our plumbers will also respect your space and keep a safe distance while working at your home or business.

When you call in, our office staff will be asking if anyone in the home has a fever, been diagnosed or had exposure to the virus. We need to know so that we can be proactive with our team’s response and level of protection.
We are giving our team members facts about COVID-19 and reminding them to follow simple, but effective steps to keep them safe such as frequent hand washing.

We will take credit card payments or can send you the invoice to your email with a link to pay online.
( Checks and Cash still accepted )