What relining is
Pipe relining puts a new, thin pipe inside an old one. A felt or fibreglass sleeve soaked in resin is pulled or inflated into the damaged pipe. The resin sets hard and forms a smooth pipe within the old pipe.
The result seals cracks, gaps and joints, so roots and groundwater cannot get in. It is sometimes called no-dig or trenchless repair, although small access holes may still be needed.
When it is used
- Roots keep returning at the same joints
- A crack or a small break in a clay or concrete pipe
- Joints that have drifted apart
- A pipe under a driveway, a deck or a favourite tree, where digging is hard
In older Mountains streets, clay pipes with many joints are a common case. On steep blocks, digging can be difficult and costly, and relining may avoid it.
When it is not suitable
Relining cannot fix every pipe. A badly collapsed section, a large offset where pipes no longer line up, or a pipe that has lost its shape may need to be dug up and replaced. A pipe that is blocked must be cleared and cleaned first.
A camera inspection usually comes before a relining quote, so the plumber can see the pipe. See CCTV drain inspection.
What the job involves
The line is cleared and cleaned. The liner is prepared and fitted. It is held in place while the resin cures. Cut-outs are made for any side connections. A final check shows the pipe is smooth and flowing.
Curing times depend on the resin and the pipe length. Ask how long the sewer will be out of use, and where you can use a toilet in the meantime.
Who does relining
Not every plumber offers relining. Some arrange it through a specialist contractor. Ask whether relining suits your job, whether the plumber does the work or hands it on, and who gives the warranty. Ask for it in writing.
Relining or digging
Digging replaces the pipe with a new one, and it can fix a collapsed or misaligned line. It also means a trench through the garden, concrete or a driveway, and reinstating all of it.
Relining leaves less mess but depends on a pipe that is still mostly round. Neither is right for every house. Ask for both options, with what each would involve.
What it costs
Costs depend on the pipe length, depth, access, the number of junctions and the condition of the line. Ask for a quote before work starts. Ask what the quote covers, including any camera work before and after.
Blocked drain in the Blue Mountains?
Call 0495 053 644Pipe relining questions
How long does a relined pipe last?
Manufacturers and installers give different figures. Ask for the warranty terms and what they cover.
Will relining stop tree roots?
It seals joints and cracks, which is how roots get in. Roots can still push on a liner from the outside, so ask how the plumber handles that.
Do I need council or Sydney Water approval?
Rules depend on the pipe and the property. Ask the plumber whether anything needs to be lodged or noted.
Does relining reduce the pipe size?
It makes the bore a little smaller, but the smooth surface usually flows well. Ask the plumber how it affects your pipe.
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