Dealing with a damaged sewer pipe is not fun. Besides being incredibly expensive and disruptive, there’s also the chance of a foul stench permeating every inch of your yard or even home. But what if there was a way to fix the problem without tearing up your yard or driveway while promptly containing the smell?
That’s where sewer pipe relining comes in. This is a new, innovative, trenchless technology that restores damaged pipes from the inside.
What is Pipe Relining Technology?
Pipe relining is a trenchless method for repairing pipes. Unlike traditional pipe repair methods, there’s no digging up of your driveway or yard. Instead, we insert a flexible, resin-coated liner into the damaged or leaking pipes. Once in place, the liner hardens, a bit like a plaster cast does, to create a durable new pipe within the existing one.
Benefits of pipe relining
The benefits of no-dig pipe relining include reduced costs, minimal disruptions, enhanced environmental sustainability and significantly quicker job completion.
Unlike traditional pipe replacement, which requires excavation, relining preserves your landscaping, driveways, and any structures while saving you time and money and extending the lifespan of your pipes.
How Pipe Relining Works
Pipe relining is a surprisingly straightforward, yet highly effective process that requires pipe relining specialists. The non-invasive method typically involves a five-step process as outlined below.
The Pipe Relining Process:
- Inspection – A CCTV camera is used to assess the pipe’s condition and locate damage.
- Drain Clearing – High-pressure water jetting removes debris, blockages, and buildup of the blocked drain.
- Liner Insertion – A flexible, resin-coated liner is inserted into the pipe for sewer relining.
- Curing – The liner is inflated and cured using heat or UV light, creating a solid new pipe.
- Final Inspection – Another CCTV check ensures the relined pipe is properly sealed and functional.
This process strengthens the pipe structure, prevents leaks, and improves flow efficiency—all without the need for disruptive excavation and timely delays.
What is a Sewer Pipe?
A sewer pipe is responsible for carrying wastewater from homes and buildings to the main sewer line or septic system. These sewer drains are typically buried underground and connect to your sinks, drains and, most notably, toilets.
Common Issues with Sewer Pipes:
- Cracks and leaks – Caused by age, shifting soil, or tree root intrusion.
- Blockages – Build-up of grease, debris, or foreign objects can restrict flow.
- Corrosion and deterioration – Older pipes, especially clay or metal ones, can weaken over time.
Broken pipes can lead to slow drainage, foul odours or, frighteningly, even sewage backups. As a result, the need to fix pipes promptly is essential.
Pipe Relining for Sewer Pipes
Just like the relining of normal pipes, pipe relining also restores damaged or leaking sewer pipes without the hassle of digging up your yard. This means that, instead of replacing the entire pipe, you can have a durable, resin-coated liner inserted and hardened, creating a new, seamless interior.
Materials and Equipment Used
Pipe relining relies on professionals using durable materials and advanced technology to restore sewer pipes effectively.
- Epoxy resin liners – Create a strong, seamless new pipe inside the existing one—a pipe within a pipe.
- Flexible polyethylene or PVC liners – Used for added durability and adaptability.
- CCTV drain cameras – Identify damage and assess pipe conditions and areas to fix.
- Hydraulic pumps and inversion drums – These are used to insert and position the liner.
- Curing systems (hot water, steam, or UV light) – This hardens the resin to form a solid, long-lasting repair.
Types of Pipe Relining
There are various types and methods of pipe relining depending on the project.
Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP)
Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) is one of the more popular and effective methods. As we’ve discussed, the process involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe and curing it in place, creating a new, durable pipe within the old one.
This method is favoured when dealing with pipes that have multiple joints and bends. This is because CIPP can conform to these features.
Moreover, the process is super quick, and it minimises disruption to the surrounding area, making it ideal for urban projects. However, as a result of this, CIPP can be more expensive compared to other pipe relining methods.
Pull-in-Place Lining
This method is best suited for larger-diameter pipes. Instead of inserting, pull-in-place involves pulling a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe and then curing it in place. Like CIPP, it is a no-dig solution. The technique is mostly used for repairing pipes with a relatively straightforward layout—fewer bends or joints. Despite this, the process may be more complex than other methods.
Pipe Bursting
Pipe bursting is like a last resort method for replacing severely damaged or collapsed pipes. Some pipes are just too far gone, and that’s when pipe bursting is called for, especially when upgrading to a larger diameter pipe is necessary.
In this method, a bursting head is inserted into the old pipe, which breaks it apart while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place. As a result, it destroys the old while inserting the new pipe. The process is still without extensive digging and disruption to the property and its surroundings. However, it’s fair to say that it can be more disruptive than other methods due to the need for excavation at the starting and finishing points.
Sliplining
Sliplining is one of the oldest and simplest pipe relining methods. It involves inserting a smaller pipe inside the existing damaged pipe to restore its structural integrity. This method is effective when pipes are located in hard-to-access areas, and it minimises the need for excavation.
It’s important to note that sliplining reduces the internal diameter of the pipe, which may (or may not) affect flow capacity. As such, it is also not recommended for pipes that have extensive internal damage or corrosion.
Internal Pipe Coating
Internal pipe coating involves applying a protective coating to the inner surface of the pipe to prevent leaks, corrosion, and buildup. The epoxy coating is blown through the plumbing pipes using pressurised air and is suitable for a variety of pipe materials such as steel, cast iron, and PVC pipes.
Internal pipe coating is not ideal for pipes with severe damage, as it only addresses the internal surface and does not restore the pipe’s full strength. Additionally, it typically has a shorter lifespan than other relining methods like CIPP, which offers a permanent solution.
Pipe Patching
This is used to fix small, localised sections of damaged pipes. As the name suggests, unlike full pipe relining, pipe patching targets specific problem areas, such as cracks, leaks, or minor structural defects.
Advantages of Pipe Relining
Although we’ve touched on the benefits already, it’s worth taking a closer look at how pipe relining stands out as a superior solution.
Cost-Effective Solution
Pipe relining offers significant savings compared to traditional pipe replacement methods. In fact, pipe relining can cost up to 30% less than traditional pipe replacement. The main reason for this is that it avoids the need for excavation and large-scale restoration work, eliminating expensive labour costs.
Environmentally Friendly
Pipe relining significantly reduces the environmental impact of pipe repairs. By eliminating the need for excavation, the process reduces up to 75% of carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.
Furthermore, the relining process also minimises waste and the need for the disposal of old pipes, contributing to a greener approach.
Reduced Disruptions and Stress
One of the key benefits of pipe relining is its ability to minimize disruption to property owners. The process is significantly faster and less intrusive than traditional methods, often completing the entire job within a single day. It also means less mess, noise, and damage to your property. This not only saves time but also reduces the stress typically associated with prolonged methods.
Pipe Relining vs. Traditional Pipe Replacement
Pipe Relining Cost and Pricing
The cost of sewer relining can vary depending on several factors including the type of pipe and extent of the damage.
Factors Affecting Cost:
- Type of Pipe: The material and size of the pipe can impact the overall cost. Complex piping systems may require additional expertise and materials.
- Extent of Damage: The severity of the damage to the pipe affects the repair process. Minor issues may cost less to fix, while extensive damage and the need for pipe bursting will cost more.
- Desired Outcome: Sometimes the customer requests higher-quality materials, which increases the price.
- Location and Accessibility: Pipes that are difficult to access, such as in hard-to-reach areas and deep underground pipes can add to the cost due to the extra labour involved.
- Company and Expertise: Every relining company will offer varying prices based on their level of experience and reputation.
Fixed Pricing and Free Estimates
Unfortunately, there are a lot of unlicensed and inexperienced cowboys out there looking to take advantage of the customer. To ensure you receive a fair price for your pipe relining project, it’s important to work with a company that offers fixed pricing and free estimates.
As such, a detailed quote should be provided before any work begins, This should outline all aspects of the job, including labour, materials and any other associated costs.
What you’re looking for is full transparency and clarity. Don’t be afraid to ask about potential hidden costs or additional fees. Choosing a company that is upfront about pricing can provide priceless peace of mind. Contact The Relining Company today for a pipe relining quote based on your specific requirements.
Pipe Relining Warranty and Guarantee
When choosing a pipe relining service, ensure it comes with a strong warranty. More specifically, a lifetime warranty, and one that covers both materials and labour. Read the fine print for any conditions or limitations, such as specific maintenance requirements that may affect coverage. This provides long-term assurance that the relined pipe will remain durable and functional. In turn, you get peace of mind, ensuring that your investment is protected.
Pipe Relining Maintenance and Inspection
Routine maintenance helps extend the life of a relined pipe by preventing major issues and can detect early signs of wear, reducing the risk of costly repairs or replacements.
Pipe Relining for Residential and Commercial Properties
Pipe relining is suitable for both residential and commercial properties and has saved property owners and managers thousands of dollars in repair costs, as well as prevented costly disruptions and stress. Below are some common situations where pipe relining has been a success for drainpipe repair.
Maintaining Aging Strata Buildings
Pipe relining is a popular and cost-effective solution for maintaining aging strata buildings, such as drain relining apartment blocks or commercial properties. Business owners love pipe relining as it causes minimal fuss and often completes projects within a single day, allowing them to continue operating.
Solutions for Municipal and Government Projects
Municipal and government also engage pipe relining for their projects, mainly because it causes minimal disruption, with projects often within a single day. As a plus, it’s a more environmentally friendly solution than traditional methods which makes the government look good.
Pipe relining Sydney
If you’re looking for sewer relining in Sydney, make The Relining Company your choice. Our team of pipe relining experts offer solutions backed by quality workmanship and strong lifetime warranties. Contact our friendly and professional team today for a free consultation and discover how pipe relining can restore your plumbing system efficiently.
Pipe Relining FAQs
Is sewer pipe relining worth it?
Absolutely, not only are pipe relining solutions more affordable than traditional pipe repair methods, but there is less disruption to your property and it’s faster, often completed within a day.
What is the cost of pipe relining?
It depends on a range of factors, but you can get a better idea here.
Can you put a liner in a sewer line?
Yes, you can apply the pipe relining process to sewer broken pipes also.
Back to Top