When facing a major drain issue, like a damaged or collapsed storm water or sewer pipe, you’ll be presented with two options. One, is to dig up the ground and replace the old pipe with a new section of pipe. The second option is to leave the earth in place, and replace the pipe from within, using pipe relining.
In some circumstances, you don’t really have a choice, and pipe replacement is the only viable solution. However in a majority of scenarios, sewer pipe relining services can effectively repair problematic pipes without the cost and mess associated with excavation. In this article, we’ll run through the reasons why sewer pipe relining is now commonly sought out by those needing urgent drain repair in Sydney, Wollongong, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and across Australia.
Traditional sewer and stormwater pipe replacement
In the past, when a sewer or storm water pipe was damaged, one common option was traditional trench drain repair. This traditional method is where you dig up the pipe and replace it with new HDPE or PVC piping. This method is a labour intensive process, often requiring multiple workers, and occasionally, heavy digging and concrete cutting equipment. Infrastructure like driveways, paving, and garden beds may be damaged in the process, and remedial work is usually required. The traditional pipe replacement process is, in general, messy and costly, however sometimes, cannot be avoided.
How Traditional Pipe Replacement Works
Pipe replacement involves excavating an area around the damaged drain, then removing the section of pipe to install new piping. The trench is then backfilled, but surrounding surfaces like concrete, paving, or landscaping may need to be restored separately.
Traditional pipe replacement is still necessary in situations where pipe relining isn’t viable. These situations include:
- When you want to modify the drainage system, by rerouting the line, adding additional pipe work or changing to a larger size pipe.
- When it’s too hard to access the pipe
- When the pipe is too small to use the relining process
- When the existing pipe has already caved in.
Pipe Relining: The Alternative Pipe Repair Method
These days, pipe relining, also known as drain relining, is the more commonly-chosen method for repairing pipes. Pipe relining involves creating a new pipe within the old pipe, using an epoxy-resin liner. The liner is fed into the damaged pipe and then inflated so that it snugly fits. This resin then cures and forms a new, highly-durable pipe.
The new pipe:
- Is resistant to corrosion, heat and extreme water pressure
- Has a smooth internal surface, which resists grime build up
- Is seamless, so it prevents leaks and tree root invasions.
Importantly, the pipe relining method involves no digging, so there’s no damage to infrastructure. This means there’s less mess left behind, and the cost is reduced, as you aren’t forking out to remedy damage.
How Pipe Relining Works: The Sydney Pipe Relining Way
This is our step-by-step process for drain pipe relining in Sydney, Wollongong and Sutherland Shire:
Step 1) We use a CCTV drain camera to inspect the inside of the sewer pipes and identify what’s causing the pipe blockage or collapse. As we feed the camera through the pipes, we watch the footage in real time. This shows us if pipe relining is the right solution (it usually is).
Step 2) We flush out any debris from the pipe using a high-pressure water jet. This helps to ensure that the epoxy-resin liner fits snugly within the pipe. If necessary, we also use a robotic cutting tool to cut out tree roots and/or other obstructions.
Step 3) We measure the damaged pipe section to ensure an exact fit for the liner, then start the lining process. We use the Brawoliner pipe relining system, which involves placing a flexible fiberglass or polyester liner saturated with epoxy resin into the existing pipe. We inflate the liner so it firmly fits within the walls of the existing pipe.
Step 4) We wait for the resin to cure. Usually, ambient temperature is enough to cure the new pipe, but sometimes we use hot water or steam to speed things up.
Step 5) When the pipe is cured, we view the pipe again using the camera to check that the new pipe is completely sealed and is in the right position.
Advantages of pipe relining:
- There’s no digging involved, so gardens, lawns, driveways and decks escape damage.
- The new pipe resists residue build up and tree root intrusion.
- The process is quicker than traditional pipe replacement
- It’s generally cheaper than traditional pipe replacement
- You still come away with a very strong and long-lasting pipe (they can last 50 years or more).
The Advantages of Pipe Relining for Strata Properties
Oftentimes, pipe relining is viable on strata drains. As it involves no digging, there’s less disruption to residents, and no digging-related mess. It’s also the cheaper option. All up, it’s much easier for a strata manager to sell the case for pipe relining than pipe replacement, particularly with the evidence from a CCTV pipe inspection.
Which method to choose?
Choose Pipe Relining When:
- The damaged pipe is still structurally intact (it hasn’t entirely collapsed)
- You want to avoid damaging driveways, decks, paving and gardens
- You want a fast repair
- You want to reduce overall costs, including site restoration
- Tree root intrusion, cracks or minor breaks are the main issue.
Choose Traditional Pipe Replacement When:
- The pipe is very deformed or has completely collapsed
- The pipe is too small or unsuitable for relining
- You want to reroute, upgrade or redesign the drainage system
- Access to the pipe is so limited that relining isn’t viable
- The damage within the pipe is too extensive for a liner to properly bond.
Quick Cost Comparison: Pipe Replacement vs Pipe Relining
Pipe Relining
- Typically $400–$1,000 per metre, depending on pipe condition, access, and diameter
- Most residential jobs fall in the range of $3,000–$15,000 total
- Usually involves minimal additional restoration costs, as there is no excavation
- Final cost can vary based on length of pipe, access points, and complexity of the damage
Pipe Replacement (Excavation)
- Typically $900–$5,000+ per metre, depending on depth, access, and site conditions
- Costs often include excavation, labour, materials, and reinstatement work
- Additional expenses may apply for concrete cutting, paving, landscaping, and site clean-up
- Total project cost can vary significantly depending on how much surface restoration is required.
Sydney Pipe Relining’s Excavation-Free Sewer Repair
If you’re seeking pipe relining in Wollongong, Sydney and Sutherland Shire, Sydney Pipe Relining is a reputable provider. We’ve been repairing pipes for over 10 years, and use advanced methods and equipment to ensure you receive a strong and durable new storm water or sewer pipe, at a lower cost than laying new pipes. If you do need a complete pipe replacement, we can do that too.
As part of our pipe relining service, you receive:
- A free CCTV drain pipe inspection and quote
- Transparent pricing
- A 40-year product guarantee
- A mess-free repair with little-to-no disruption
- Friendly customer service
- Servicing property managers, strata managers and homeowners.
Need Pipe Relining in Wollongong, Sutherland Shire or Sydney? Call Us.
