So, your plumber has run the drain inspection camera through – and the footage isn’t pretty. Cracks, a tangle of roots, and a joint that has slipped out of line. Now comes the big question: Pipe relining vs replacement?
In other words, can the pipe be salvaged and even strengthened … or do you need to have the yard dug up?
Pipe relining vs replacement is a choice many homeowners face once a CCTV inspection finds damage. So what’s the answer? It depends entirely on the pipe itself.
In our guide, we’ll explain both of the options in front of you, and then walk you through the 5 steps that should lead to an easy decision.
The two options explained
Let’s start at the obvious place: What exactly does each repair involve?:
No-dig pipe relining: A flexible liner soaked in epoxy resin is fed into the damaged pipe through an existing access point, pressed against the pipe walls and left to cure. It hardens into a smooth, seamless new pipe inside the old one, with no trenches and no joints for roots to enter.
‘No-dig’ simply means the work is done from the inside, so that your lawn, your slab and your driveway can all stay just as they are. The liner reduces the internal diameter very slightly, and the smooth surface keeps the water flowing superbly well.
Pipe replacement: The old pipe is exposed by digging a trench, removed and replaced with new pipe – and then the trench is backfilled and the surface restored.
It gives you a completely new pipe … along with the digging and restoration that come with it.
5 Steps to choose the right repair
If you’re grappling with the pipe relining vs pipe replacement decision, it’s a whole lot easier if you just work through these 5 steps in order:
1. Start with a CCTV inspection
Everything depends on the condition of the pipe – and the only reliable way to see it is a CCTV camera inspection.
It shows everything in HD, including:
- Cracks
- Tree roots
- Leaking joints
- Any pipe collapse.
Once we can perfectly see everything, the decision then rests purely on real evidence instead of any guesswork.
Remember: Any plumber who quotes a repair without looking inside the pipe first is simply guessing.
2. Match the damage to the repair
Pipe relining suits certain pipes:
- Ones that are cracked
- Ones that are leaking at the joints
- Ones that are invaded by roots but still continuous.
On the other hand, replacement is needed when:
- A pipe has collapsed
- A pipe has sections missing
- A pipe that is badly misaligned.
It’s important to understand that, for relining, the liner needs a sound host pipe to cure against. A pipe with a severe sag, known as a belly, usually needs replacing too, since a liner follows the existing line.
The inspection footage makes this all easy to see.
3. Look at where the pipe runs
Sewer pipe relining vs replacement matters most when the plumbing line sits under a slab or a driveway, and we’ve also known of cases when entire patios or mature gardens need to be completely dug up. Relining, on the other hand, repairs the damage without breaking anything up at all.
A shallow pipe running through open lawn is the easier to dig out, which can make replacement more practical in cases like that. Tree roots, pools and neighbouring structures are also important factors, because digging near any of them adds complexity.
4. Compare the cost
The pipe relining vs replacement cost depends on several factors:
- The pipe length
- The depth
- How much surface restoration is needed.
Digging through concrete or pavers, or smashing up established gardens, adds obvious costs to your bottom line as well. Easily accessed pipes, though, can cost very little to replace.
If it’s a 50-50 call, make sure to ask for both quotes on the same basis, so you’re comparing like with like. And remember that the cheapest line on a quote isn’t always the cheapest outcome once the garden has been replanted.
5. Weigh up time & lifespan
Relining is often completed in a day, while replacement can take several days once digging and restoration are included.
The good news is that both methods are long-term repairs. A properly installed liner is designed to last for decades and in some cases can actually add strength to an original pipe. And a correctly laid new pipe can last longer still.
Relining sewer pipe vs replacement at a glance
Need a quick summary of the situations in which each repair tends to suit?
Relining usually suits:
- Cracked or leaking pipes
- Root intrusion
- Pipes under slabs, driveways or gardens
- Properties where disruption matters.
And replacement usually suits:
- Collapsed pipes
- Missing or badly misaligned sections
- Pipes with a severe belly
- Shallow, easily accessed pipes.
Just remember, neither repair is better in every case. The right one is the one that fits the condition of your pipe, your exact property, and your budget.
Frequently asked questions
These are the questions we hear most often when homeowners are weighing up the two repair methods:
Q: How long does pipe relining last?
A properly installed liner is designed to last for decades, and manufacturers commonly quote a design life of around 50 years.
Q: Can every pipe be relined?
No. A pipe that has fully collapsed, has missing sections or sags badly cannot be relined, because the liner needs a sound pipe to press against. A camera inspection confirms whether yours qualifies.
Q: Is relining always the cheaper option?
Not always. Relining usually saves money where the pipe is deep, hard to reach or buried under hard surfaces, while an easily accessed pipe can cost less to replace. The inspection and a like-for-like quote settle it.
Not Sure Which Repair You Need?
A CCTV camera inspection answers the question – and it’s also the quickest way to find out why a drain keeps blocking. Static Plumbing’s licensed plumbers use sophisticated CCTV drain cameras to assess the pipe, then explain whether relining or replacement suits your property the best – with the price confirmed before any work begins.
We service Brisbane Northside and the Sunshine Coast, and our no-dig pipe relining is backed by our service guarantee. Need to talk to the team to find out more, or ready to book? Get in touch with the friendly team at Static Plumbing today.
