Pipe Relining vs Pipe Replacement

How Do I Choose Between Pipe Relining or Pipe Replacement?

When it comes to pipe repair or replacing damaged pipes in your home, it's important to weigh all your options. While replacing the damaged pipes might be the more obvious choice, many don't consider pipe relining as a viable solution.

Pipes usually last a long time. But soil movements, corrosion or any other various elements can cause issues and damage before their end of life cycle. Whenever such an issue occurs, it is important to have the right solution that will restore your pipe's optimal performance. The two options that you should consider are pipe relining and pipe replacement.

While pipe relining is a trenchless solution to repair or replace your pipe without excavation, pipe replacement requires a more intensive removal and replacement. It is essential to choose the right solution for your pipes in order to regain a functional pipe system.

We are going to discuss both pipe relining and pipe replacement as options and their individual advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining involves the process of installing a new lining inside the existing pipe, with the help of experienced technicians, which can restore your pipes to their optimal performance.

Pipe relining is a cost effective solution as it is a form of trenchless technology that makes it easy to repair damaged underground pipes and drains without any excavation work.

So, what is the process of pipe relining? The first step of the relining process is to inspect the damaged pipe using a CCTV drain camera to assess the extent of the damage and to ensure any blockages or debris is removed and the pipe is clean. The lining is then installed and resin is poured into the pipe, and the lining is left to cure so it forms a hard protective coating along the pipe - et voila!

Inspect the pipe damage
Clear and clean the pipe
Check the pipe is ready for relining
Preparing the pipe liner
Inserting the pipe liner
Cure the pipe lining

Read the full process of how to reline a drain pipe here.

So, let's weigh up the pipe relining pros and cons...

Pros Of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is becoming an increasingly popular choice for pipe repairs due to the many pipe relining advantages. Firstly, it can be more cost effective due to the no-dig approach meaning no large excavations are required, which can dramatically reduce the costs incurred.

The process of pipe relining is also quick and can be completed in a matter of hours, as opposed to days and weeks, which is a great benefit for both domestic and commercial properties. In addition, the pipe is also protected with corrosion resistant protection, making it a long term solution which comes with a 50 year life guarantee!

Furthermore, a major benefit is that the process is less invasive, as all the work can be done from the inside, with no need to disturb the garden, walls or ground outside. As a result, you get a more durable, reliable solution that's sure to last for many years.

Benefits of pipe relining:

Cost effective
Time efficient
No excavations
Long lasting

Cons Of Pipe Relining

What are the disadvantages of pipe relining?

Whilst there are many advantages to undertaking pipe relining, such as no digging required for the process and the relined section of the pipe being completely protected with no possibility of roots or other debris causing further damage, there are also some disadvantages to consider.

The equipment, tools and materials used in the pipe relining process can be costly and involve a high upfront cost. Although the relined area is completely protected, the rest of the pipe is not, and so tree roots can still find their way into the un-relined area of the pipes.

Another disadvantage is that not all pipes are suitable for relining; this can be due to the size or irregular shape of the pipe. Also, you must wait for the resin to cure before the pipe is deemed to be completely watertight. Finally, if the pipes are too severely damaged, relining is not feasible.

Disadvantages of pipe relining:

Costly tools and materials
Roots can still grow into the un-relined area
Not possible with all pipe sizes and shapes
Cure time

What Is Pipe Replacement?

We often get asked: Should old pipes be replaced? Or, when is it necessary to replace a pipe? Well, there is no definitive answer per se but by contemplating several factors, the most suitable solution is usually obvious.

Pipe replacement is a method of replacing old and damaged pipes with new pipes. This is usually necessary when the existing pipes are blocked, degraded or unable to handle the pressure of the water or sewage. In some cases, relining pipes may not be the best option.

Pipes that should be replaced may include pipes with significant sags or misaligned sections of pipe. When confronting these pipes, the pipe alignment issues may make it necessary to select a more traditional dig and replace methods. In some cases, shallow pipes that are easily accessible can be more suited to replacement if this is the most cost-effective solution. It is important to understand when a new pipe should be installed and when a reline may be the better option.

So, let's weigh up pipe replacement pros and cons...

Pros Of Pipe Replacement

Pipe replacement is often a great solution when the pipe is no longer repairable. It has a number of advantages including that it is relatively affordable and reasonably fast if the pipes are easily accessible. It is usually necessary for damaged or broken pipes, as it is safer to replace than it is to repair.

There are two primary ways of replacing pipe, using an excavator or digging by hand. Both processes require careful planning, although the choice of which to go for will depend on the ground and the length and depth of the pipe.

In cases where the existing pipes are more deteriorated, such as due to corrosion, pipe replacement can be the only option as opposed to pipe lining. By replacing the entire pipe, you will get the benefit of installing a new pipe as the process is relatively affordable and a safe long term alternative to patching the pipe.

Benefits of pipe replacement:

Cost effective to install a pipe that is shallow or if excavation is easy
More effective if pipes are more deteriorated
Only option at times if lining is not possible
New pipes can last for decades

Cons Of Pipe Replacement

Although replacing a pipe may seem like the best solution for any clogged or damaged drainage system, there are several disadvantages of pipe replacement that must be considered.

Firstly, drain replacement can be more expensive than other options if extensive evacuation is necessary. This process can be labour intensive in the sense that the whole area will be evacuated by either an excavator or digging by hand, but either way, your property will be dug up; and that requires additional investment if you wish to return it to its original condition.

Secondly, the process of evacuation of the area, removal of the pipe and installation of a new pipe is time consuming. In total, the replacement of piping not only requires specialist equipment, such as an excavator, but also requires a team of plumbers in order to take on the task.

The additions of equipment rental and more plumbers can equal a greater extra cost. Whilst a pipe replacement can provide a long-term solution, it may not always be the most cost-efficient.

Disadvantages of pipe replacement:

More expensive labour and equipment
Time intensive
Loud and messy process
Can be inconvenient
Damages your garden and landscaping

Conclusion: Pipe Relining Vs Replacement

Pipe relining or pipe replacement is a decision that depends on many factors. These include the extent of the damage to the pipes, your budget and your long term plumbing goals.

Pipe relining is a cost effective solution for minor to moderate problems. It also causes minimal disruption and requires less time consuming compared to the total time for replacement. For severely damaged or collapsing pipes, or when you want to upgrade your entire system, pipe replacement is the best option despite its higher cost.

When pipe relining is possible, we recommend relining as the most viable option as it is the most cost effective and will cause minimal disruption to you and your property.

If you are having piping issues and wish to discuss pipe relining or pipe replacement with one of our friendly plumbing team, call us on 0403 355 550 or complete our online enquiry form.