Pipe Relining vs Pipe Replacement: Which Is Best for Your Drains?
When you’re dealing with a badly blocked, cracked, or damaged drain, you’ll often face a tough choice: should you reline the pipe or replace it completely?
Understanding the difference between these two solutions can help you protect your home, save money, and avoid major disruptions.
What Is Pipe Replacement?
Traditionally, the only way to fix broken or collapsed drains was by digging them up and installing new pipes — also known as drainage excavation. This method is still used today when pipes are beyond repair or when tree roots cause severe structural damage.
The process usually involves:
Locating the blockage and assessing the site.
Digging trenches (sometimes breaking concrete or removing landscaping).
Removing the damaged section of pipe.
Installing new pipework.
Backfilling and restoring the area.
👉 While effective, replacement is messy, disruptive, and expensive. It can take several days and may damage gardens, driveways, or other structures above the pipe.
Pros of Pipe Replacement
Permanent solution for severely damaged or collapsed pipes.
Can be cost-effective if pipes are shallow or easy to access.
Cons of Pipe Replacement
Very disruptive (digging, noise, dust).
Often takes several days.
Landscaping restoration adds extra cost.
What Is Pipe Relining?
Pipe relining is a modern no-dig solution that repairs drains from the inside. Instead of excavating, plumbers insert a resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe. Once inflated and cured, the liner bonds to the old pipe and creates a strong new inner layer.
The process usually involves:
Cleaning the pipe with high-pressure jetting.
Inspecting the damage using CCTV cameras.
Inserting the resin-soaked liner.
Inflating the liner to bond it to the pipe walls.
Allowing the resin to harden, forming a “pipe within a pipe.”
👉 Done properly, relining gives you a brand-new pipe without the digging and disruption.
Pros of Pipe Relining
Minimal or no digging required.
Quick turnaround (often completed in a single day).
Long-lasting solution with warranties available.
Less disruption to gardens, driveways, and landscaping.
Cons of Pipe Relining
Not suitable for pipes that are completely collapsed.
Materials can be costly.
Tree roots can still affect sections that aren’t relined.
Cost: Relining vs Replacement
Pipe Replacement – Higher costs due to excavation, labour, heavy machinery, and restoration.
Pipe Relining – Usually calculated per metre. Materials can be expensive, but reduced labour and minimal disruption often make it cheaper overall.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choose Pipe Relining if your pipes are damaged but still structurally sound. It’s quicker, cleaner, and more cost-effective.
Choose Replacement if your pipes are collapsed, severely misaligned, or if relining isn’t possible.
📞 Need Professional Advice?
Not sure which option is right for you? Our licensed Melbourne plumbers can carry out a CCTV drain inspection and recommend the best long-lasting solution.
Whether it’s pipe relining or pipe replacement, Solutions Plumbing & Maintenance can restore your drains with minimal disruption.
📞 Call us today for expert advice and a professional inspection.