Long-Term Costs of Pipe Relining

Introduction to Pipe Relining: An Alternative to Costly Pipe Replacement

Pipe relining revitalises damaged pipes internally, forgoing the disruption of excavation. Relined pipes can exceed a 50-year service life, often avoiding the need for replacement.

The process entails inserting an epoxy resin liner into the damaged pipe, typically requiring minimal cutting, to create a robust new pipe within your existing system. Once cured, this forms a smooth, joint-free, corrosion-resistant inner pipe, enhancing flow capacity and overall functionality.

Our Sydney specialists reline pipes with methods that are less disruptive and more cost-effective than traditional digging. It prevents property damage or business disruption, avoids outdoor mess, and can be completed in just one to two days.

Pipe relining can yield significant long-term savings, with estimated costs starting at around $130 per metre, compared to traditional pipe repair expenses. With a lifespan exceeding 50 years, pipe relining is a sustainable investment that reduces future maintenance costs and the need for technologies like the inversion drum.

A preliminary CCTV drain inspection offers a detailed assessment, pinpointing damage and access points for precise quoting. We then insert the custom liner and use air pressure alongside water pressure to adhere it firmly to the old pipe walls.

A pipe relining project could re-establish your structural stability, flow efficiency, and longevity, translating into peace mind without the daunting costs and interruption associated with full-scale pipe replacement projects.

How Pipe Relining Works: Diagram and Process Overview

Pipe relining is achieved through several key steps:

1. Initial inspection: Our plumbing team conducts a comprehensive drain CCTV inspection to evaluate pipe condition, identify damage points, and establish access requirements before starting any work. This crucial information ensures a thorough plan is in place, steering the pipe relining process with precision.
2. Exposing access: We may need to create an access point in the damaged pipe for the insertion of our state-of-the-art equipment. Access points are later resealed.
3. Pipe cleaning: We precisely handle this step.
4. Flexible liner insertion: We insert a liner soaked in epoxy resin into the old pipe, securing it with air or water pressure.
5. Curing & setting: The liner also fills any cracks and gaps, effectively creating a seamless 'pipe within a pipe’ upon setting.
6. Reinstating connections: We neatly re-establish the pipe connections after the relining process, ensuring no loss of flow or capacity.
7. Final CCTV check: Our team conducts post-relining inspections to confirm structural integrity and optimal flow efficiency.

This quick, trenchless procedure typically takes 1-2 days, minimising mess and offering a swift pathway to pipeline restoration. It significantly extends the lifespan of your pipes with a 50-year life expectancy, thus eliminating the need to complete a full replacement.

Our skilled plumbing team designs custom liners and executes precise installations with stringent quality control for optimal operation. We strive to minimise disruption and provide the smartest pipe renovation solution.

Factors That Impact Pipe Relining Costs

Pipe Material and Condition

• The material your pipe is composed of directly affects the cost of relining, frequently enabling repair without the need for full replacement. For example:
  • PVC, concrete and vitrified clay pipes tend to be $130 - $160 per linear metre
  • Cast iron pipe relining may cost $190+ due to extra preparation needs
• Smooth bore pipes are faster to reline than corroded or encrusted pipes

Pipe Diameter

• Larger diameter pipes may incur higher costs due to increased resin liner material usage.
• For a size pipe of 100mm, 150mm, the average cost is ~$130 per metre

Access Issues

• Shallow and easily accessible pipes typically incur lower relining costs.
• Relining broken pipes under buildings or at depth adds $20+ per metre
• Complex access increases equipment needs adding $1500+ per site

Home relining costs vary, generally between $2000 and $4000, but accurate estimates require specific pipe and site details.

Our CCTV inspection provides precise measurements to establish a definitive quote, ensuring transparent relining costs. We meticulously address every issue before confirming the price of your pipe relining job, guaranteeing clarity surrounding all cost considerations.

Average Costs: Price Ranges Per Metre

When estimating Pipe relining costs per metre offer a guide but accurate pricing comes from evaluation of specific pipe conditions.

For typical 100-150mm diameter household pipes, our prices generally range between:

• Smooth PVC/clay pipes: $130 - $160 per metre
• Cast iron pipes: $190+ per metre
• Concrete pipes: $150 - $180 per metre

Wider 225mm+ commercial sized pipes may cost $200+ per linear metre depending on complexity.

Remember - accessibility challenges, heavy internal corrosion or encrustation will also drive job prices higher through increased labour and material needs.

With so many variables at play, our experienced team tailors every quote to ensure pipe relining best fits your unique specifications after conducting pipe inspections. Contact us for a precise pipe relining quote and explore how we can enhance your pipeline’s durability.

When Is Pipe Relining Cost Effective Over Replacement?

Pipe relining often emerges as the more affordable and suitable solution compared with full replacement when:

• Minor pipe damage like cracks, fractures or misalignments
• For blocked drains caused by invasive tree roots or similar obstructions
• Encasing old asbestos cement pipes
• Extending lifespan of structurally sound pipes
• Locations where excavation is difficult like under buildings
• Rapid restoration when issues with hot water create inconvenience or drainage is needed
• Preserving walls/landscaping by avoiding external digging

For severe issues like major collapses or clogged sewer lines, sewer pipe relining may be the only practical option. Leveraging the insightful data from our initial CCTV survey, we would recommend the most appropriate and cost-efficient course of action.

Our minimally invasive solutions, such as relining, prevent property damage, quickly restore seamless pipe flow, and provide cost-effective repairs for about one-third the cost of traditional trench excavation for new pipes. Relined pipes have a lifespan of over 50 years, which, by circumventing the traditional excavation and replacement method, prevents recurring repairs and saves on long-term expenses.

Reach out to experience our tailored and cost-effective pipe relining services for your repair or upgrade needs. We will thoroughly assess all dimensions and damage before suggesting replacement only where essential.

Case Study: Comparing Pipe Relining vs Replacement

Our team successfully completed a commercial pipe relining project to resolve drainage issues from ageing and damaged pipes. The business owner chose pipe relining for its less invasive nature and potential cost savings over full replacement.

The Situation

This 30-year-old establishment experienced many breaks in their extensive network of 150mm diameter concrete pipes snaking beneath the warehouse and parking area. Many breaks in their structure over the years had caused obstructions, water pooling and hygiene issues.

The traditional pipe replacement approach was highly disruptive, requiring demolition of concrete to access and refurbish the pipes. This process was exceptionally disruptive and could have ceased operations for more than two weeks, affecting income, highlighting why pipe relining solutions are a superior choice for numerous businesses.

Our Relining Solution

After inspecting the pipe system, we ascertained that pipe relining could restore function and extend the lifespan without the need to damaged pipe replace new. Here’s a cost and process comparison:

• Relining: $14,500 total spend
• 3 days with minor business disruption
• No significant property damage

• Replacement: $49,000+ total
• 2+ weeks totally closed
• Jackhammering warehouse floor

Flexible epoxy liners, a crucial material in pipe relining, were inserted into the aging pipes and secured with water pressure, before the relined pipes were cured in place. The pipe walls were essentially reformed - restoring structural integrity.

Outcome

For under $15,000 and only three days of work, the commercial property regained full drainage function through pipe relining, demonstrating significant cost-efficiency compared to traditional pipe repair methods. The business remained operational with only minor disruptions.

The owner also avoided spending over $49,000 on pipe replacement which would have caused major site damage and 2 weeks of no trade for your business.

The 50-year life expectancy conferred by relining, even for PVC, demonstrates the investment’s exceptional value and the strides made in pipe relining technology, ensuring the property will be repair-free for decades.

Get in touch to discover how our advanced trenchless relining services could be the smart solution for your plumbing project.

Conclusion: Consult the Experts on Your Pipe Relining Needs

Consult with our experts to find the most appropriate pipe relining solution for your property and understand the costs involved.

Pipe relining can offer value and minimal invasiveness over complete replacement, though system specifics may affect costs and recommendations.

Contact our Marrickville Plumbing, your expert relining company, today to receive a detailed site inspection and transparent quote and get your quality relining service tailored to your needs. Our decades of plumbing expertise allows us to analyse your pipes, damage points and discuss the pros, cons and costs around relining versus replacement options.

With in-depth specialist knowledge of this trenchless pipelining method, we make up a tailored approach to every aspect from bespoke liner design to precision installation and meticulous quality controls. Our focus is on swiftly restoring functionality while ensuring your long-term cost-savings.

Contact our team on 1300 349 338 or [email protected] to book your pipe relining assessment. We service all areas across Sydney’s Inner West and Eastern Suburbs.