Post By Admin
July 30, 2025Did you know there’s a non-invasive way to deal with slow drains, smelly yards, or you’ve been told your sewer pipes are cracked and need to be dug up? Yes, there’s a far less messy, way more modern fix called a pipe relining service!
Instead of ripping up your lawn, your floors, or even your driveway, this method lets you repair the inside of your existing pipes without major excavation.
So, if you’re dealing with aging pipes, root intrusion, or repeated blockages, relining could be the game-changer you’ve been hoping for! Keep reading to find out which one fits your situation best.
What is Sewer Pipe Relining?
In simple terms, pipe relining is a non-invasive repair method that restores damaged sewer lines from the inside. Instead, plumbers will put a flexible liner inside the pipes that are already there.
This liner has a special resin on it that hardens and makes a new pipe inside the old one.
So it’s great for fixing cracks, leaks, and damage from tree roots without having to replace the whole system.
No digging up the front yard, no days of messy demolition, and no major headaches yet still results in a smooth, strong, long-lasting pipe that often works better than the original!
If your home has older clay or cast iron pipes, or you’ve had repeated issues with backups or slow drains, sewer lining might be exactly what your plumbing system needs.
4 Types of Sewer Pipe Relining
Now, let’s explore the different types available for pipe relining.
1. Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining
This is the most common method used in residential settings.
A flexible liner soaked in resin is inserted into the damaged pipe and inflated until it sticks to the interior walls.
Once the resin cures either naturally or with heat/UV, you’re left with a new pipe within the old one.
2. Pull-in-Place (PIP) Lining
This method is ideal for pipes with bends or multiple junctions because it allows more control over placement.
For example, trenchless sewer repair jobs when there’s only a specific part of a pipe that needs relining.
3. Spiral Wound Lining
This means putting a plastic strip into the pipe and shaping it into a new liner shape right there.
People often use it for big pipes, like the ones in stormwater or commercial drainage systems. It’s not as common for homes, but it’s still a great choice for drain lining when traditional liners don’t work.
4. Pipe Bursting with Lining
This hybrid method is a mix of replacement and relining.
A new pipe is pulled through the old one while breaking the damaged pipe apart. A liner can also be added afterward for additional sealing.
Sewer Pipe Relining Process
Core benefits of pipe relining is that it’s clean, fast, and surprisingly straightforward! Here’s what you can look forward to.
1. Initial Inspection and Diagnosing
The first thing we’ll do is look at your pipes with a CCTV drain camera. This helps find cracks, rust, a clogged sewer pipe, or a blocked stormwater drain.
After that, we’ll decide if pipe relining is the best way to fix the problem or if it needs more serious repairs.
2. Cleaning the Pipes
Before relining can start, the pipe that is already there must be cleaned very well.
People often use high-pressure water jets to get rid of tree roots, grease buildup, and other debris. This makes sure that the surface is smooth so that the liner can stick to it.
3. Getting The Liner Ready
It’s time to get the fibreglass or felt liner ready now. It is full of epoxy resin, which will harden and make the new pipe.
After that, the liner is rolled up and ready to go into the damaged area.
4. Insertion and Inflation
Using special tools, the liner is put into the pipe by either inverting it (flipping it inside out with air pressure) or pulling it into place.
After it is in the right place, the liner is blown up until it fits perfectly against the old pipe’s inner walls.
5. Curing the Liner
Depending on the kind of resin used, the process of curing can take a few hours. You can speed it up with hot water, steam, or UV light.
The resin hardens and makes a new, smooth pipe inside the old one when it is fully cured.
6. Final Inspection
After curing, the inflatable bladder is removed and another camera inspection is done.
This ensures everything’s sealed tight and flowing perfectly. Say no more to leak and blockage issues!
Sewer Pipe Relining Cost Estimate
Such service in Australia typically ranges from $400 to $1,000 per metre. That means relining a standard 10-metre section could cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000.
While the price might seem steep initially, it typically ends up being the more economical option when compared to the cost of restoring driveways, landscaping, or floors afterward.
The length and diameter of the pipe being relined, the ease of access to the area, the state of the existing pipe, and the type of resin or liner used are some of the factors that can affect where your final cost falls within that range.
For instance, if the pipe is severely damaged or blocked by tree roots, additional cleaning or prep work may be needed before relining can begin.
Also, if your property is in a metropolitan area, labour costs might be slightly higher than in regional areas.
FAQ About Sewer Pipe Relining
These FAQs aim to clear the air and help you feel more confident in your decision-making.
And if your question isn’t answered here, you can always contact us for personalised advice and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help!
1. Is sewer pipe relining worth it?
Yes, it keeps you from having to dig up driveways, floors, or gardens, and it usually makes your pipes last for decades longer.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to have a professional look at your current system first to make sure it’s a good candidate for relining.
2. What is the life expectancy of a sewer liner?
Depending on the quality of the materials used and the state of your pipe system, a professionally installed liner can last up to 50 years.
Relining strengthens the existing structure and makes it less likely to get damaged in the future, like by cracks or roots.
3.How long does it take to reline a sewer pipe?
Most drain lining jobs can be done in one day, and sometimes even in a few hours, depending on how long and complicated the job is.
Conclusion
With modern methods like drain lining and trenchless repairs, you can restore your pipes without tearing up your property.
Ready to move forward with professional pipe relining service? Or you simply want to ask a few more questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Neighbourhood Plumbing.
We’ve helped countless homeowners make smart, cost-effective plumbing decisions, and we’d love to do the same for you!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
