What Affects Pipe Relining Costs?

What is pipe relining?

Pipe relining is a trenchless method of repairing damaged plumbing pipes without having to dig them up. It involves inserting a resin-saturated felt tube into the existing pipe and inflating it to form a tight fit. The resin then cures and hardens, creating a smooth new inner pipe lining.

Pipe relining is necessary when pipes have become cracked, corroded or blocked by tree roots or other obstructions. Instead of breaking up floors, driveways or gardens to access and replace damaged pipes, relining provides a minimally invasive solution. It restores pipes to a structurally sound state and prevents further deterioration.

The benefits of pipe relining over traditional pipe replacement include reduced disruption, lower labour costs, faster project completion times and greater longevity of repairs. Relining extends the lifespan of pipes for decades at a fraction of the cost of excavating and installing new piping.

Why pipe relining is needed

There are several key reasons why pipe relining is often the best solution when your plumbing system needs repairs:

Deteriorating Pipes

Over time, pipes suffer wear and tear. Old metal pipes also corrode from the inside. Relining offers a long-term fix for ageing, damaged pipes.

Environmental factors like ground shifting and tree roots growing near pipes can cause cracks and blockages.

Non-Invasive Repairs

Unlike pipe replacement, relining doesn’t require digging up floors or landscaping. The flexible resin liner is inserted through existing piping, so it’s far less disruptive. This makes it ideal for hard-to-access pipes.

Cost Savings

Eliminating the need for excavation significantly reduces labour and material expenses. For a fraction of replacement cost, pipe relining extends the life of your pipes for decades.

Prevent Clogs and Leaks

Relining covers cracks and gaps, creating a smooth new pipe surface resistant to blockages. It prevents root intrusion and resolves leakage issues in degraded pipes.

Longer Lasting Than Replacement

New piping inserted into old pipes inherits structural strength from the existing material. This results in a reinforced system that will last longer than completely new pipes.

How pipe relining works

The pipe relining process involves several key steps:

1. Preparation - The existing pipe is cleaned using high-pressure water jets. Any obstacles or blockages are cleared to ensure the liner can be smoothly inserted.
2. Resin Impregnation - The liner material is saturated with a two-part epoxy resin. This gives it strength and a smooth surface when cured.
3. Liner Installation - The felt liner coated with resin is pulled or inflated through the pipe to fit tightly against the interior walls.
4. Curing - The liner material cures under heat or UV light. As it hardens, it permanently bonds to the old pipe walls.
5. Reconnections - The relined pipe is reconnected to drainage and plumbing fixtures with the old connection points trimmed flush.
6. Quality Testing - CCTV inspection ensures correct installation and smooth flow through the renewed piping.

At Marrickville Plumbing, our experienced technicians use industry-leading equipment and materials to deliver seamless pipe relining. We take care of the entire process with minimal disruption to your property.

Pipe relining restores your plumbing system from the inside out with long-lasting results. Contact us today to learn more about this trenchless pipe repair solution.

Factors affecting pipe relining costs

Pipe Material

The type of original piping affects costs. Plastic pipes are easiest to reline while old metal pipes require extra preparation. Relining materials also cost different amounts.

Pipe Diameter

Wider pipes require larger liner tubes and more resin, increasing project costs. Typical residential pipes of 3-6 inches are cheaper to reline than large commercial sizes.

Pipe Length

Longer pipes necessitate longer liner material and installation time. Total linear footage is a major cost determinant.

Accessibility

If pipes are hard to access, specialised equipment is needed to thread the liner through. Complex projects cost more.

Extent of Damage

Severely deteriorated pipes require more resin and preparation for successful relining. Mild damage is cheaper to repair.

Labour Cost

Experienced technicians and complex jobs take more labour hours and expense.

Equipment Needed

Specialised pipe relining tools like CCTV cameras and resin rollers carry rental fees factored into the job.

Comparing pipe relining to replacement

Cost

Pipe relining is significantly cheaper than full replacement. Eliminating excavation and restoring pipes from the inside reduces labour and material expenses.

Disruption

Relining is a trenchless process that doesn’t destroy driveways, floors or landscaping. Replacement requires substantial property damage.

Speed

Pipe relining takes 1-2 days while replacement is much slower due to excavation and installation of new piping.

Longevity

The combination of old pipe strength and new internal lining makes relining more durable. It prevents future corrosion and degradation.

Relining can repair pipes in tight spots or under structures that replacement can’t reach without major demolition.

While pipe replacement entirely swaps out old for new, relining retains existing infrastructure and restores it cost-effectively. For the least disruption and greatest longevity, pipe relining is often the optimal solution.

Questions to ask for quotes

When requesting quotes for pipe relining, ask these key questions:

What is your relining process and technology?

Find out how the company handles pipe preparation, resin impregnation, liner installation and curing. Modern UV-cured liners tend to be superior.

What materials do you use?

Quality epoxy resins and felt liners result in durable repairs. Ask about the brands and specs.

Can you reline all my affected pipes?

Some companies only do partial relining. Choose one that can reline your entire damaged system.

Do you offer any warranties?

Many companies offer guarantees of at least 5 years on pipe relining. A longer warranty indicates greater confidence in their work.

What is your experience level?

Ask how long the company has offered relining services and the number of jobs completed. Look for substantial expertise.

Can I see previous work examples?

Ask for before and after photos and videos of past relining projects to assess quality.

Do you have all required licences?

Confirm proper licensure for commercial and residential plumbing work in your state.

What will the total cost be?

Ask for a detailed quote accounting for all project elements - materials, labour, equipment fees, etc.

How to reduce pipe relining costs

When undergoing pipe relining, there are several effective ways to decrease the total expenditure:

Compare multiple quotesGet quotes from at least 3 reputable contractors. Comparing overall costs and material options can reveal the most affordable quality solution.

Ask about pipe diameter optionsWhere viable, downsizing pipe diameter even slightly can significantly reduce resin and liner material costs.

Consider partial reliningIf only portions of your pipes are damaged, targeted spot repairs will cost less than whole-system relining.

Look for special offersMany companies offer periodic deals. Scheduling off-peak times like winter for big projects can mean discounts.

Negotiate pricesBe reasonable but don’t hesitate to negotiate prices, special payment terms or added value services to get the best deal.

Reuse old access pointsUsing existing clean-out points minimises the need for removing and replacing sections of pipe.

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Benefits of pipe relining

Pipe relining provides a wide range of benefits that make it the superior choice compared to traditional pipe replacement:

Long Lasting Repairs

The combined structural strength of old pipes and new internal lining provides reinforced longevity. Relined pipes last for decades vs. replacements.

Eliminating excavation and simplifying repairs reduces costs by thousands over replacement projects.

Minimal Disruption

Little to no destruction of landscaping or property is required, making relining a non-invasive solution.

Jobs take 1-2 days rather than weeks, minimising plumbing downtime.

Versatile Solution

Relining can repair pipes in even the hardest-to-access places.

Prevents Future Damage

The smooth, corrosion-resistant lining prevents cracks, blockages and root intrusion down the line.

At Marrickville Plumbing, our pipe relining solutions provide an efficient and cost-effective alternative to re-plumbing your entire drainage system. Contact us to learn more about restoring your sewer and pipes from the inside out.