Pipe Relining vs. Pipe Replacement: What You Need to Know

December 9, 2022by Alex

Sewer pipes play an important role in the proper functioning of a home or business’s plumbing system. However, like all pipes, they can break, crack, or become clogged, leading to a range of issues, including sewer backups and flooding. When this happens, property owners are faced with a difficult decision: whether to opt for traditional pipe replacement or the newer pipe relining technique.

Pipe Relining: A No-Dig Solution

Pipe relining is a no-dig solution for fixing damaged sewer pipes. It involves inserting an epoxy liner into the damaged pipe, which is then inflated and cured in place. The result is a new, seamless pipe within the existing damaged pipe. This method is quick, cost-effective, and minimally invasive compared to traditional pipe replacement.

Pipe Replacement: A Time-Consuming and Costly Solution

Pipe replacement, on the other hand, involves the excavation and removal of the old, damaged pipe and the installation of a new one. This process can be time-consuming and costly, as it requires digging up the affected area, which can be disruptive to landscaping and other structures. Additionally, pipe replacement may not be a viable option in certain situations, such as if the damaged pipe is located in a hard-to-reach area or if there are other pipes or utilities in the way.

The Benefits of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining has many benefits over traditional pipe replacement, including:

Cost-Effective

Pipe relining is often a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional pipe replacement, as it requires less labor and excavation. This makes it a great option for property owners who want to repair their sewer pipes without breaking the bank.

Minimally Invasive

Pipe relining is a minimally invasive solution, as it requires little to no excavation. This means that property owners don’t have to worry about extensive landscaping or property damage, making it a great option for residential and commercial properties alike.

Quick Turnaround Time

Pipe relining is a quick solution that can be completed in just a few hours or days, depending on the extent of the damage. This means that property owners can have their sewer pipes repaired and back to working order in no time.

Long-Lasting

Pipe relining is a long-lasting solution that can extend the life of damaged sewer pipes for up to 50 years. This means that property owners can enjoy the benefits of their repaired sewer pipes for many years to come.

When to Choose Pipe Replacement

While pipe relining is a great option for many property owners, there are certain situations where pipe replacement may be the better choice. These situations include:

Extensive Damage

If the damage to the sewer pipe is extensive, pipe replacement may be the only viable option. In cases where the pipe has collapsed or is severely damaged, pipe relining may not be able to provide the necessary repairs.

Multiple Pipe Issues

If there are multiple issues with the sewer pipes, such as tree root intrusion or damage from corrosion, pipe replacement may be the better choice. This is because pipe relining only addresses the specific area of damage, whereas pipe replacement allows for a complete overhaul of the entire sewer pipe system.

Future Renovations

If property owners are planning on renovating or expanding their property in the future, pipe replacement may be the better choice. This is because pipe relining can limit the access points to the sewer pipes, making it difficult to connect new pipes or reroute the sewer system.

Conclusion

In summary, when considering whether to opt for pipe relining or pipe replacement, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each method. Pipe relining is a more cost-effective, faster and less invasive option, as it does not require excavation and replacement of the old pipe. It can also be used on pipes that are difficult to access, such as those buried deep underground or under a building.

On the other hand, pipe replacement may be necessary if the damage is too extensive for relining to be effective or if the pipe is too old and deteriorated. It may also be a better option if the pipes have been repeatedly patched up over the years, as this can lead to weakened joints and an increased risk of future problems.

Ultimately, the decision on which method to choose will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. Consulting with a licensed and experienced plumbing professional, such as Streamline Pipes, is the best way to determine the most suitable course of action.

If you’re dealing with blocked drains or suspect that your sewer pipes are in need of repair, contact Streamline Pipes for expert advice and a comprehensive range of plumbing services. Their experienced team can assess the situation, diagnose the problem and provide tailored solutions to suit your needs and budget.

Internal links:

  • Learn more about pipe relining cost here.
  • If you’re dealing with blocked drains, check out our blocked drains services.
  • Find out more about our full range of plumbing services.
  • If you’re in Sydney and experiencing a blocked drain, visit our blocked drain Sydney page.
  • For a detailed overview of the plumbing steps involved in fixing broken sewer pipes, click here.
  • If you suspect a blockage in your sewer pipes, our pipe camera inspection service can help diagnose the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining is a trenchless pipe repair method that uses a resin lining to fix pipes. The existing pipe is cleaned and inspected, then lined with a resin material that’s cured to form a new pipe within the old pipe. With Streamline Pipes, you can expect 60 years of service life out of your relined pipes!

If The Pipe Has Collapsed Can It Be Relined?

If your pipe has collapsed partially, we can reline it. If the sewer or stormwater pipe is fully collapsed then this will require, digging and a pipe replacement, to fix it correctly and costs more in labour. The pipe is impregnated with an epoxy Liner. Once cured, this creates a ‘new pipe, within the old pipe’. Very similar to a medical ‘stent’.

The benefits of using pipe relining for a cracked or partially collapsed pipe include:

  • No digging required
  • Permanent solution
  • Cost-effective
  • Less disruption – you can use your pipes within hours not days.
  • Landscaping, flooring, and driveways are not damaged.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Take?

It depends on many factors, including the size of the pipe and the access to this pipe. In most cases, your pipe can be relined in a few hours.

If you need the work done as a matter of urgency then StreamlinePipes can be there the next day after the quote is provided.

How Long Does Pipe Relining Last?

Pipe relining is a long-term solution. The pipe lining can last just the same if not longer than replacing in with a new PVC Pipe. Once it is in place you don’t have to worry about repairing or replacing it for years.

Relined pipes are more cost-effective than replacement of the entire pipe, which can be very expensive. Relining leaves your property intact, so there’s no need to dig up your yard or pathways or remove any landscaping features. You won’t even notice when our qualified plumbers are onsite!

StreamlinePipe relining saves money in the long run because:

  • It doesn’t require digging up yards and pathways in order to replace pipes that may be causing water damage under concrete slabs or driveways
  • We guarantee our work for 60 years – an industry first

How Does CIPP Relining Work?

Cured-In-Place-Piping (CIPP) relining is a method of repairing pipes that involves injecting a high-density polyurethane material into the pipe. The material hardens and forms a new pipe within the old pipe. This method of pipe repair was pioneered by Streamline Pipes and Drains over 31 years ago.

How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Blocked Or Broken?

If you are unsure whether your pipes need to be relined or repaired, contact us for a free, no-obligation inspection. We can help you to evaluate the condition of the pipes and advise you on all available options, contact us for help.

Does Pipe Relining Need To Be Done By A Specialist?

Absolutely.  Pipe relining requires specific equipment and training. The no-dig pipe repair solution is not taught at Tafe. Relining training is learnt ‘on the job’ and can take decades to perfect. It is worth thinking ‘will the plumbing company be around for 2o years to fix any possible problems”?

There are many companies out there claiming to be able to do this work effectively, but no one can match the quality and expertise of Streamline Pipes and Drains as they are only just beginning and Streamline has be Relining for over 31 years.

Is pipe relining approved by Australian standards?

Yes, pipe relining is approved by Australian standards. In fact, AS3600 (2016) and its subsequent revisions include requirements for the use of pipe relining as a method of remediation in both stormwater and sewer systems.

AS3600 is a set of standards for stormwater and wastewater systems that have been developed under the auspices of Standards Australia New Zealand (Standards NZ). The following standards apply:

  • AS3600 – general requirements for design, construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of water supply schemes including wastewater treatment works
  • AS3600.1 -2018 – quality management system standard for health sector facilities; quality management system standard for medical devices; other technical regulations made under Food Act 2014; classifications under Industrial Chemicals (Notification & Assessment) Act 1989; classification under Ozone Protection & Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989; environmental performance standards under several statutes including Hazardous Substances (Emergency Response Management) Regulations 2007; risk assessment framework under Hazardous Substances (Emergency Response Management) Regulations 2007

Can Root Intrusion Be Fixed With Pipe Relining?

Root intrusion is the result of tree roots growing into the pipes. Pipe relining is a perfect preventative solution when roots have invaded your sewer pipes, as the use of a High-Pressure Water Jet and inspection camera, is the precursor work required in order to clean and clear the blockage. Once this is done, then the StreamlinePipes relining system is able to install the pipe liner and get your pipes working again, with tree roots permanently removed from that part of the drain system.

Contact us now for a free quote

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