The Perma-Patch system from Perma-Liner Industries Inc. can repair sewer laterals with small cracks, holes or joint separations without excavation.
Through an open cleanout, a technician inserts a push cable and a reusable, inflatable bladder used to affix an epoxy-coated fiberglass mat over the damaged area. Once inflated, the bladder remains in place for three hours.
When it is removed, the repaired area is a structurally sound new pipe, says Morgan Trouard, director of marketing for Perma-Liner. “This system is much quicker and cost effective than digging out a pipe and replacing it, and the patch has a minimum lifespan of 50 years,” Trouard says.
The patch, designed for 4- and 6-inch pipes, is affixed with 100 percent solids epoxy resins that work even on wet surfaces. The resins come pre-measured. Low odor makes them easy to use indoors. Once the resin is mixed, the technician has 20 minutes to apply it and install the patch.
“The resins are ambient cured, so the installer doesn’t need an external heat source,” Trouard notes. “One technician can install several patches in one day.”
The bladder can be inflated with a conventional air compressor, aided by a regulator valve that keeps the pressure at about 10 psi. The technician can then disconnect the compressor, attach a portable air tank to maintain the required pressure, and move on to another job while the patch cures.
A Perma-Patch kit includes a 4- or 6-inch fiberglass patch, the epoxy resins, a trowel used to impregnate the mat, a 4- or 6-inch bladder, and four pairs of disposable gloves. For more information: 866/336-2568; www. perma-liner.com.
