Pipe Relining vs Pipe Patching

Traditionally, pipes have been replaced rather than repaired, often digging up the earth in the process. Trenchless pipe fixes are a modern alternative, enabling pipe restoration to a fully-operational condition. It cuts time, cost, and physical effort.

A beneficial solution results for both the tradespeople completing the work and the customer. Usually, the style of trenchless repair chosen depends on the type, and extent of the damage.

Two common methods used by pipe and drain repair specialists are:

Pipe relining and pipe patching: the differences

What is pipe relining?

Pipe relining technology is a method of no-dig pipe repair. It does exactly as the name says, relining the affected pipe from the inside.

It involves filling the lining material with a special resin mixture, before inserting it into the damaged pipe to cure.

Performed primarily by a fully licenced plumber with specialised training in pipe relining, it’s a service that many plumbing firms don’t offer. It’s strongly advised that you entrust an experienced professional with the relining process for a long-lasting drain repair solution.

There are many advantages to pipe relining technology, and they include:

Low cost, particularly compared to more traditional methods such as excavation.
No digging takes place in the process, so your premises are protected from potential damage.
The time of operation can vary, however, in most cases pipe relining can be completed within a working day.

There’s one catch to the performance of pipe relining technology; it can’t always be completed. When pipes are too far gone in terms of damage, large gaps in the material can occur, meaning that any relining wouldn’t be able to hold to the structure.

Brawoliner® pipe relining systems

Brawoliner® pipe relining technology offers a flexible drain repair solution when longer lengths of pipe require rehabilitation. The Brawoliner® system is one of the best in the world for a range of pipe repairs, its seamless liner can adapt to varied pipe conditions such as a change in pipe diameter, bends, and joints.

This cost-effective durable solution can be used in a huge range of applications such as residential homes, industrial plants, hospitals, commercial buildings, and fuel stations. Lasting more than 50 years the Brawoliner® system means your pipes are good for at least half a century.

What is pipe patching?

Pipe patching, also known as sectional pipe repair, is an alternative to traditional pipe repair methods. It’s an ideal solution for smaller damaged sections in your piping.

Following inspection using a drain camera, repairs are undertaken using a structured pipe patch. These patches are often made of fibreglass matting, containing a specially formulated resin. Reline Solutions uses epros® Drain Packer for pipe patching.

Once the correct length of pipe patch with the resin has been prepared, the drain packer inflates to the structural lining, allowing the resin to cure.

epros® Drain packer patch kit

Our team utilise the long-lasting, quality epros® Drain Packer Patch Kit for pipe patching of sewer, wastewater and stormwater drains from 4” to 15” in diameter. This premium drain repair product is used the world over, is quick and simple to install, and provides consistently high-quality results with no leakage.

The epros® system utilises heat-resistant SillicateResins and chemically resistant, not corroding FiberGlassMatts to create a frictional fit inside the old pipe sealing any damaged areas and creating a long-term repair solution. The epros method has a design life of 50+ years.

This product can be used on all types of pipes including clay (terracotta), plastic and steel. The short curing time and ease of installation allow your drainage specialist to quickly get your drains watertight again.

Which option is best for me?

Whether your circumstances best suit a relining or piping repair depends on the length of piping that needs to be repaired. The clue is in the terms; patching involves sectional fixes, whereas relining takes on a larger area.

Reline Solutions, the No. 1 name in trenchless pipe repair

The team at Reline Solutions have a wealth of experience in offering no-dig pipe repairs to premises across Brisbane and its surrounds. Seasoned professionals in our industry, we pride ourselves on great customer service. If you have any questions about the content discussed in this article, or would like to enquire about any of our services, contact us today at 0403 355 550 or complete a booking form .