Facing a situation of damaged pipelines is a common thing for people living in Sydney or operating a business in this city. However, the most common confusion that such people are struggling with is whether they should go for pipe relining or pipe replacement. The reason is that both of these are considered the most suitable solutions for getting rid of the problem and having a comfortable life. Undoubtedly, the situation or condition of the pipes is the only thing that can show you whether you should go and get a relined pipe for the plumbing system or replace them. 

However, you can get a plus point by understanding both techniques, as it will help you determine which of these solutions will be suitable for your concerned problems. You can discuss it with the plumber you are choosing for inspecting blocked drains or your damaged pipe. But you must be familiar with the basic terms and techniques that can be employed in this regard. If you are unaware of them and looking for a helping hand, you must read the following guide about pipe relining vs pipe replacement.

In this blog, we have discussed both methods in detail based on different factors. Along with this, we have quickly shared the overall methods of both methods as well as a quick comparison by sharing when you should choose a specific method. Let’s get started and be familiar with these pipe repairing methods that are used widely in the world. 

What is Pipe Relining?

It is a modern and innovative method in which damaged pipes are repaired without using traditional methods like excavation. Pipe relining is also termed as no-dig repairing because the professionals do not go for deep digging of the floor to find the problem and then resolve it. The entire process of pipe relining is done without breaking the floor from multiple locations. In simple words, the damaged pipe is replaced or repaired without digging the floor. It is right to say that the relining system is one of the most beneficial plumbing techniques of modern times because it doesn’t impact the overall worth of the property.

This process starts with a detailed CCTV drain camera inspection to check the problem. In this process, the professionals will check if the problem is about blocked drains, tree root pressure, or root intrusion. Once they are done with the inspection, they will move forward to the next step, in which they will use advanced technologies of drain repair, like high-pressure water jetting, to clear the drain lines. The purpose of this cleaning before drain relining is to make sure that every type of debris is removed properly before moving towards the drain repair.

After the cleaning, the drain camera is used to ensure the cleaning of debris, particularly from the cracked or broken sections. In the end, a flexible liner with epoxy resin is placed carefully within the pipe at the particular section where the problem was found. Once it is placed properly at the dedicated location, it is left to dry and make a strong connection with the pipe for a proper water flow rate. In this pipe work, the main goal is to avoid extra expenses that were being incurred in the traditional pipe replacement or repairing solutions.

Pipe relining stands among the best methods regard sewer repair and other specific relining jobs. It is a perfect solution for PVC pipes that are normally used in the water lines in this modern era.

What is Pipe Replacement?

It is a traditional method in which pipes are repaired or replaced without following the no-dig pipe repair concept. In pipe replacement, the old pipe is detached from the pipeline, and then a new one is installed in its place. This particular method is useful in cases when the pipes are collapsed, corroded, or severely damaged and can’t be repaired. Keep in mind that pipe replacement, unlike pipe relining, is the installation of a new pipe to a specific plumbing system. 

This process is a little time-consuming and expensive because a complete procedure will be followed for the removal of the older pipe and installation of the newer one. Like the pipe relining process, it also starts with CCTV camera drain inspections, in which the professionals check the situation of the pipe and estimate whether they should go for pipe replacement or rely on another cost-effective method.

During pipe replacement, you can’t go ahead with the cleaning using a water jetter and then repair the pipe. But the professionals have to perform various tasks like digging the floor to access the damaged points of the pipeline and inspect it deeply. Unlike the trenchless pipe repair, you can’t just rely on the CCTV camera inspection and repair the pipes. The entire process can take days or weeks, depending on the pipeline that needs to be replaced with the new one. 

Multiple tools, including a robotic cutter, are used when plumbing pipes are replaced with older ones. It is because underground infrastructures may be hard to dig and complete the process. That’s why it can create disturbance to your routine life, for which you have to be ready before starting the pipe replacement process.

Pipe Relining Vs Pipe Replacement – Factor-Based Comparison

Both pipe relining and pipe replacement, both methods are used for pipe work. It is hard for some people to understand whether they should go ahead with the pipe relining services or replacement one. Are you one of those who are looking to understand if it is good to place a pipe within a pipe or install a brand new one by replacing the old one? You have come to the right section of this guide, as we are going to do a factor-based comparison of both methods. Let’s get started and read more about this comparison.

Cost/Pricing

One of the most prominent factors that needs to be considered while deciding between them is the cost you have to pay. Regarding this, pipe relining is a cost-effective approach to repairing cracked pipes or even broken ones. Whether you have found something in terms of leak detection or finding breakages in your sewer pipes, it will be an easy solution for you that will save your time and money. The reason why it is cost-effective is that the use of advanced tools like CCTV drain camera and high-pressure water jet helps you save a lot of money and time. You won’t even have to pay a few thousand dollars for a drain relining system.

On the other hand, pipe replacement is a little expensive because it includes complete excavation that needs digging the floor, walls, or any other places to access the impacted areas. In this process, multiple labourers will take part in CCTV inspection, using a robotic pipe cutter, digging the soil, and unblocking the pipes. The use of technologies like high-definition CCTV drain camera is compulsory to inspect the damaged pipes and evaluate where is the exact problem that needs to be solved. This is what increases the cost of pipe replacement over the pipe relining solution.

Durability

Regarding durability or long-lasting, both pipe relining and replacement are considered perfect. You will get the expected results from both these solutions in particular situations, if they are completed according to the Australian standards. In pipe reline, epoxy resin and other high-quality relining materials are used that are durable and don’t let you face multiple other pipe-related problems like tree root infiltration. The premium quality material used in such products normally assures 35 35-year guarantee, which means that you won’t face minor plumbing issues for such a long duration. However, you can only expect such outcomes when the services are provided according to the Australian standards.

However, pipe replacement is more durable in some cases, as it can extend the period to many more years. If you have replaced the pipeline properly, it will not get broken or burst with minor issues. The use of particular tools like Picote cutter, CCTV drain camera technology, and others makes it easy for professionals to find the damaged pipe and replace it with ease. Whether it is about sewer pipes or stormwater pipes, they will be able to find the problem and solve it with durability assurance. It is highly recommended to follow this method in case of tree root penetration because replacing a new pipe can be a more effective solution than repairing the cracked pipe.

Convenience

This factor is normally considered from a plumber’s perspective, but it can also impact the experience of consumers like you. For example, the convenient pipe patching or pipe liner method is the comfortable you will. Therefore, we have considered this factor too for comparing the pipe relining and replacement solutions. Overall, pipe relining is considered a convenient method regardless of whether it is about blocked drains or root intrusion. The reason why it is more convenient is the no-dig method of repairing the cracked pipes. Simply, the relined pipe is inserted properly inside the already installed pipe and ensures that cracks are removed from the main line. The important technologies that are being used in this regard are CCTV inspection, high-pressure water jetters, and robotic cutters for the concerned tasks.

On the other side, pipe replacement is time-consuming as well as a little difficult. The process involves complete excavation that can take multiple days or weeks. Along with this, the use of multiple tools makes it a little harder than the pipe relining services. Keep in mind that this method doesn’t include a one-time fixture but also requires post-repairing services. Unlike trenchless pipe relining, you have to get a professional plumber for regular inspection. For example, if you have replaced the pipes of your stormwater drains, you may need to ask the plumbers to come and check if they are working fine after a specific duration.

Pipe Relining Vs Pipe Replacement – Which is Better & Why?

So far, you have checked the factor-based comparison of trenchless pipe relining and pipe replacement. Now, you may have got an idea of which one needs to be picked for a particular type of pipe work. However, if you are still confused regarding the selection, we have got you covered here. In this section, we have discussed when you should pick a particular type of solution while living in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.

If your main goal is to get a cost-effective solution for sewer pipes that are cracked because of tree root penetration, you should consider choosing pipe relining services. Regardless of whether you are talking about residential buildings or commercial properties, you can rely on this particular method as it is a perfect solution according to Australian standards.

However, if the problem is about breakage in pipes because of tree root infiltration or any other cause, you should pick pipe replacement services. It is a reliable solution when repairing doesn’t seem to be a good choice for storm water pipe or any other underground pipe. 

Final Wrapping

In this blog, we have comprehensively compared the two most pipe work-related techniques that are used widely in the world. We have discussed the situations when pipe relining will be a good option and when you should choose a pipe replacement solution. 

We hope you have learned a lot from this blog and are now ready to get the right service for your pipe-related work. It doesn’t matter which service you choose; you should keep an eye on selecting the right professionals and ensure that they are reliable enough to offer premium solutions to your plumbing problems.

FAQs 

Is pipe relining better than pipe replacement?

Yes, pipe relining is far better than pipe replacement when it comes to repairing cracked pipes without investing a lot of money. However, pipe replacement will be a good option in case of burst pipes or related situations.

How long does pipe relining last compared to replacement?

Pipe relining can be durable for 30 to 50 years as most of its products come with 35 year guarantee. However, pipe replacement will be far better than pipe relining because you may get the benefits of this solution for a lifetime.