Is pipe relining better than replacement?

Introduction to Pipe Relining vs Replacement

When faced with damaged or deteriorating pipes, homeowners have two main repair options - pipe relining or full replacement. West Pennant Hills Plumbing, serving residential and commercial clients in West Pennant Hills, Sydney, explains key differences between these pipe repair methods.

Pipe relining involves inserting a resin-coated liner inside the existing pipe to seal cracks, repair damage, and restore function. The liner bonds to the inner walls of the pipe creating a smooth, seamless new "pipe within a pipe".

Pipe replacement requires excavating to access and remove the damaged section of pipe and installing a new pipe segment. The two pipe ends are then reconnected.

Factors like cost, longevity, invasiveness, and current pipe condition help determine whether relining or replacement is the better choice. Weighing these key factors ensures the right repair method is chosen for your unique situation.

Overview of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is a trenchless method to repair damaged pipes without the major disruption of full pipe replacement. An epoxy resin liner is inserted into the existing pipe and inflated to fit tightly against the interior pipe walls. The liner then cures to form a smooth, jointless 'pipe-within-a-pipe’.

There are two main types of pipe relining - Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) and epoxy pipe lining. CIPP relining involves soaking a felt liner in liquid epoxy resin then pulling it through the damaged pipe.

Once in place, the liner is inflated, sealing cracks and holes as it hardens. Once in place, the liner is inflated, sealing cracks and holes as it hardens.

Relining restores a pipe’s structural integrity and flow capacity without digging or replacing pipe segments. The liner stops leaks, resists corrosion and abrasion, and prevents root intrusion. Overall, relining can add 20-50 more years of life to ageing or damaged pipes.

Relining causes minimal surface disruption compared to pipe replacement. Access only requires openings at the pipe endpoints - no digging along the pipe’s length. This reduces property damage or landscaping costs.

While unable to fully repair severely deteriorated pipes, relining effectively renews pipes with moderate cracking, holes, root intrusion or joint offsets less than 12mm. Relining cost is usually 1/3 to 1/2 that of full replacement.

How Pipe Relining Works

Pipe relining is a multi-step process that restores damaged pipes from the inside out. Here are the key steps involved:

• First, the plumber will assess the pipe condition using a CCTV camera inspection. This shows damage type and location.
• Next, measurements are taken along the pipe length so a custom-fitted liner can be sized and fabricated.
• For CIPP relining, the felt liner is saturated in epoxy resin then pulled into the damaged pipe.
• For epoxy relining, liquid epoxy is pumped directly into the pipe under pressure.
• The liner is inflated and the epoxy resin is cured using hot water or steam, bonding it to the pipe walls.
• Finally, service laterals and connections are reopened once the liner has hardened.

The relining materials cost around £75-£150 per linear metre, compared to £200-£250 per metre for full pipe replacement. Overall costs depend on pipe size, length, access and local labour rates.

When performed properly, relining restores pipe function for 20-50 more years. The process causes minimal surface disruption compared to traditional pipe replacement methods.

Benefits of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining provides several key advantages compared to full pipe replacement:

• Less expensive – Pipe relining costs about 1/3 to 1/2 less than replacement. Exact savings depend on pipe size, length and local rates.
• Less invasive – Access only requires openings at pipe endpoints. Relining doesn’t dig up lawns, gardens or driveways.
• Faster – Pipe relining usually takes 1-2 days versus up to 1-2 weeks for full replacement.
• Minimal disruption – Home or business operations can often continue during project.
• Long lasting – Properly installed liner adds 20-50 more years of pipe life.
• Versatile – Liner can contour through bends and elbows in existing pipe path.
• Improved flow – Smooth liner optimises drainage flow capacity.

For pipes with moderate cracking, holes, root intrusion or joint offsets under 12mm, relining is generally the most beneficial repair approach. It restores pipe function at a fraction of replacement cost and impact.

Limitations of Pipe Relining

While pipe relining offers many benefits, it’s not the ideal solution in all situations. Here are some key limitations to consider:

• Severely damaged pipes – Relining cannot repair pipes with complete collapses, severe offsets or large sections missing. Replacement is needed.
• Small pipe diameters – Most relining methods work for pipes 6” or larger. Smaller pipes may need replacement.
• Complete blockages – If a pipe is fully blocked by roots or debris, it must be cleared before relining is possible.
• Deferred maintenance issues – Relining does not address underlying problems like misaligned joints, sagging pipes, or extensive root intrusion which may quickly re-damage the liner.

Pipe relining is a cost-effective trenchless repair for pipes in moderate condition. But severely compromised, blocked or improperly installed pipes will require full replacement. An experienced plumber can assess damage and recommend the best solution for your situation.

Overview of Pipe Replacement

In cases where relining cannot provide a long-term pipe repair, full pipe replacement becomes necessary. Pipe replacement involves excavating to access the damaged section of pipe, removing it, and installing a new pipe segment. The new and existing pipes are then reconnected.

Replacement provides a thorough fix for severely deteriorated, collapsed, or blocked pipes. Replacement provides a thorough fix for severely deteriorated, collapsed, or blocked pipes. Home or business operations may be interrupted for days or weeks.

Excavation damages landscaping and requires extensive restoration.

New replacement pipes are typically copper, PEX, or pvc. The material chosen depends on pipe location, soil conditions, local building codes, and cost. Your plumber will ensure the right pipe is used for durability and performance.

Overall costs for pipe replacement range from £200-£250 per linear metre. A typical home sewer line replacement averages £4,000 to £10,000. Costs climb higher for long pipe runs, deep burial depth, difficult access, or premium materials.

While pipe replacement causes major short-term disruption, it provides a like-new, long-lasting pipe system when pipes are beyond repair by relining. Your plumber can advise if replacement is your best option after assessing pipe condition and damage.

How Pipe Replacement Works

Replacing damaged pipes is a complex, multi-step process requiring planning and skilled execution. Key steps include:

1. The plumber inspects the pipe condition using camera technology. This reveals damage locations and access points.
2. The plumber determines the replacement method and materials - open cut or trenchless, copper, PEX or PVC pipe.
3. For open-cut replacement, the ground surface is excavated to expose the full run of damaged pipe.
4. The pipe is cut out and removed. The excavated trench is then prepared with proper bedding material.
5. The new pipe is laid in sections, fused together, pressure tested, and connected to existing piping.
6. For trenchless replacement, only small access pits are dug at either end. The new pipe is pulled through the old pipe path.
7. Excavations are backfilled and compacted. Landscaping and surfaces are repaired to finish.

Proper planning ensures the right replacement method, minimal excavation, and timely completion. Your plumber can advise if full replacement is needed and oversee the safe, efficient process.

Benefits of Pipe Replacement

While relining can effectively extend the lifespan of moderately damaged pipes, replacement has distinct benefits when pipes are severely compromised:

• Complete renewal - Excavating and installing an entirely new pipe system provides full integrity.
• Versatility - Any pipe material can be used based on needs.
• Eliminates root intrusion - Roots are fully cut out so they cannot re-enter and damage the new pipe.
• Resolves alignment issues - New piping can correct settling, offsets, and poor pitch.
• Removes blockages - Replacement enables clearing out full blockages.
• Extends lifespan - New, properly installed piping should last 50-100 years.

When facing complete collapses, severe cracking, large offsets or invasive root blockages, replacement may be the only way to comprehensively renew your pipes for the long-term.

Drawbacks of Pipe Replacement

While pipe replacement provides a complete renewal, it has some notable downsides:

• Higher cost - Replacement costs around 3 times more than relining on average.
• Major disturbance - Excavations damage landscaping and disrupt home/business use.
• Lengthy repairs - Pipe replacement takes 1-2 weeks versus 1-2 days for relining.
• Access challenges - Replacement requires excavating the full pipe run versus just entry/exit pits for relining.
• Environmental impact - Replacement generates more waste from old pipe disposal.
• Permitting - Local permits may be needed for large excavation and restoration work.

The major surface disruption, longer downtime, and much higher cost of full replacement makes relining the preferable option for pipes in reasonable condition. Your plumber can best advise you on which repair method is right for your specific needs.

Key Differences Between Relining and Replacement

When choosing between pipe relining and full replacement, weighing key factors like cost, invasiveness, longevity, and applicability helps determine the optimal repair approach.

Factor Pipe Relining Pipe Replacement

For moderate pipe damage, relining offers a fast, affordable trenchless repair. But major damage requires the thoroughness of full replacement despite greater costs and disruption.

Cost Comparison

When choosing between pipe relining and replacement, cost is often the deciding factor. On average, relining costs around £75-£150 per linear metre depending on pipe size and local rates. Replacement averages £200-£250 per metre for materials and installation.

For a typical home sewer line of 30 metres, relining would cost £2,250 to £4,500 versus £6,000 to £7,500 for full replacement. Exact totals depend on pipe depth, accessibility, surface restoration needed, and contractor rates.

While pipe replacement provides a brand new system, the much higher expense makes it hard to justify over relining for pipes in reasonable condition. The fraction of the cost makes relining the more economical option in most moderate damage situations.

Time Comparison

Pipe relining is significantly faster than full replacement. Relining takes 1-2 days to complete since it requires minimal excavation and no major restoration work.

In contrast, pipe replacement takes 1-2 weeks on average. Excavating the full pipe length, installing new piping, backfilling, and restoring surfaces and landscaping all add time.

The brief access required for relining allows homes or businesses to continue operating with minimal disruption. Pipe replacement often requires shutting off water service and can prevent use of facilities for days or weeks until work is done.

When comparing pipe repair options, the weeks of work and service interruptions make replacement far more disruptive than the 1-2 days for relining. For busy homeowners or business owners, this time savings is a major benefit of relining.

Invasiveness Comparison

When comparing the invasiveness of pipe relining and replacement, the key difference is in excavation requirements.

Pipe relining only requires accessing the damaged pipe through small entry and exit points. No digging along the pipe’s length is needed, minimising property damage.

Full pipe replacement involves extensive excavation to uncover the entire damaged section for removal and replacement. This causes major disruption to landscaping, driveways, and other surfaces along the pipe’s path.

For pipes located under lawns, gardens, patios or other landscaped areas, the limited access points of relining make it far less invasive than the large-scale excavation of pipe replacement.

When to Choose Relining vs Replacement

Determining whether pipe relining or full replacement is the right solution depends on assessing the pipe condition, damage type, and repair needs.

For pipes with moderate cracking, small holes, minor root intrusion or joint offsets under 12mm, relining often provides the optimal repair. It restores pipe function at a fraction of replacement cost and disruption.

However, severely compromised pipes require replacement for a lasting solution. Relining cannot repair complete collapses, large sections missing, severe offsets or intrusive root blockages. It also doesn’t address underlying issues like improper slope or chronic root problems.

Replacement is the only option for comprehensive renewal when pipes are fully deteriorated or blocked. But for minor to moderate damage without complete failure, relining offers a fast, effective, and economical trenchless repair.

A professional plumbing inspection using CCTV camera technology is key to assessing damage and recommending the right solution. Your plumber can best advise whether your situation calls for relining or full replacement.

Pipe Condition Assessment

A pipe’s condition is a key factor in determining if relining or full replacement is the right repair method. Plumbers use CCTV inspections to assess damage and suitability for relining.

Pipes with minor to moderate cracking, small holes, joint offsets under 12mm or limited root intrusion can usually be restored via relining. But pipes with severe damage, complete collapses, large sections missing or major blockages require full replacement.

Relining cannot reinforce pipes that are completely failing structurally. Replacement provides full integrity renewal. Understanding current pipe condition helps ensure the optimal, cost-effective repair method is chosen.

Other Factors to Consider

When weighing pipe relining against replacement, other factors beyond pipe condition can influence the decision:

• Urgency - If an actively leaking or blocked pipe is causing property damage, replacement may be the quickest solution. Relining still requires curing time.
• Access restrictions - Tight spaces may impede the excavation needed for full replacement, making relining the more viable option.
• Environmental impact - Relining generates less waste and surface disruption than replacement.
• Future plans - If property renovation or an addition is planned, it may outweigh the cost and impact of replacement now versus later.
• Local regulations - Permits, codes, or land restrictions may dictate replacement over relining or vice versa.

Considering the full situation is key to determining if time savings, lower hassle, or other benefits of relining outweigh the more thorough renewal of full pipe replacement in your unique case.

Conclusion

When faced with damaged or deteriorating pipes, West Pennant Hills Plumbing recommends fully considering both pipe relining and replacement. Factors like pipe condition, damage severity, cost, invasiveness, and duration of repairs help determine the optimal solution.

For moderate cracking, holes, joint offsets under 12mm or limited root intrusion, relining is generally the preferred repair method. It restores pipe function for a fraction of the cost and disruption of full replacement.

However, severely compromised pipes require complete replacement. Only installing new piping can provide full structural integrity renewal.

Contact our team at West Pennant Hills Plumbing to schedule an inspection. Our expert assessment of your pipe damage and plumbing needs will determine whether relining or replacement is the right choice for your situation.