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Over time, storm water and sewer pipes become more susceptible to leaks and damage due to factors such as tree roots, ground movement, surface wear and tear. Pipe relining and pipe replacement are two methods used to repair damaged or broken pipes. Pipe relining and pipe replacement provide the same outcome: to ensure the plumbing system in your home or business is fully functional and able to withstand the pressure of regular usage. These services are provided using different methods. In this article we will explain some of the differences so you can make up your mind which is more suitable for you.

Pipe relining is a process in which a new pipe is created within the existing damaged pipe, without the need for excavation. A flexible liner is coated with a resin, inserted into the damaged pipe, and then inflated to create a new seamless pipe inside the old one. This method can be used to repair cracks, holes, and corrosion in pipes, and is less disruptive than traditional replacement methods.

Pipe replacement, on the other hand, involves removing the damaged pipe and replacing it with a new one. This method is more invasive and typically involves excavation, but it is often necessary for severely damaged pipes that cannot be repaired with relining.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages and the appropriate method depends on the condition of the pipe, the location of the damage, and the specific needs of the job. A professional plumber or pipe repair specialist can determine which method is best for a particular situation.

What’s The Main Difference Between The Pipe Relining Process And Pipe Replacement?

The pipe relining process involves clearing out debris using a high pressure water jet and inserting an epoxy soaked Brawoliner into the affected sewer or storm water pipe using compressed air. The resin is then cured in place. This process reinforces the pipe by forming a perfectly sealed wall lining of equal wall thickness. It seals all cracks and joins thereby preventing tree root intrusion and eradicates pipe leaks.

Sewer pipe replacement and drain pipe replacement are more traditional methods that have been used for years. As the name suggests, pipe replacement requires the physical removal of old pipes and the installation of new ones.

Why Is It Faster To Reline Pipes Than Replace Them?

Pipe relining is a much speedier process compared to pipe replacement because it doesn’t require removing all the old pipes and installing new ones. Pipe relining is a straightforward process that can be completed by a professional plumbing company within a few hours. That fast turnaround time is especially beneficial if you have a burst pipe or sewage backup that can’t wait. The sooner the plumbing problem is fixed, the sooner you can get back to your normal life or regular business operations.

In contrast, pipe replacement is likely to push your schedule back a few days, just because there’s so much that goes into this process. The water service needs to be turned off, the soil around the pipes dug up, the old pipes removed and then new pipes installed. This is time-consuming work, and time is of the essence if you’re without a functional plumbing system at your home or business.

Does Pipe Relining Cost Less Than Replacement?

Pipe relining is generally more expensive than replacement. The investment into pipe relining is significant due to the extensive equipment, the materials and the intensive training required to do the job. Pipe relining is not taught at TAFE. Each relining business must train their own staff. It can take up to 12 months for a qualified plumber to run a pipe relining job autonomously. This significantly adds to the cost of doing business.

Restoration Costs

That being said, pipe relining is less expensive if you take into account the costs of property restoration: The replacement of pipes requires excavation. With excavation comes cost because whatever is above ground needs to be put back. This could be paving, landscaping, retaining walls, bathroom tiles. Not only can this be expensive, it is also time consuming having to coordinate the tradesmen to do the work.

Our estimate calculator can give you a better idea of how much your pipe relining project could cost, and you can always speak to our friendly plumbing experts for more information about pipe relining and pipe replacement costs.

Are There Risks Involved With Pipe Relining Or Pipe Replacement?

Although pipe relining tends to be more efficient than pipe replacement, there are risks associated with both. The main concern is making sure there’s no damage to the plumbing framework or the property. Plumbers need to be extremely careful to ensure pipe relining is completed correctly to avoid any plumbing issues in the future, and the same principle applies to pipe replacement.

Choose an experienced pipe reliner who will stand by their guarantee if something goes wrong. Make sure they are doing the work themselves rather than outsourcing to a contractor so they control the process and provide oversight. A good idea is to check their Google reviews. With pipe relining, you only get one chance to get it right so it’s important you choose a qualified, experienced pipe relining company to work on your home’s plumbing system. Find out more about how to choose a pipe reliner.

The main risks associated with pipe replacement are correct layups and correctly glued joins.  If this isn’t achieved, newly installed PVC pipes can be susceptible to tree root intrusion. With pipe replacement, there’s always the risk of damaging the soil beneath and around the pipes, which could lead to future pipe dislodgement. Proficient planning is the key to success for pipe replacement projects.

Conversely pipe relining doesn’t rely on joins (a common entry point for tree roots that do significant damage). Instead it is comprised of a seamless liner that creates a perfectly sealed wall lining of equal wall thickness.

What Is The Guarantee For Pipe Relining And Pipe Replacement?

Pipe relining may be more expensive but it is a long term, less invasive solution. After a pipe has been successfully relined using Brawoliner, you shouldn’t have to worry about it for 50 years (basically a lifetime).

  • Pipe Relining Solutions provides a one year guarantee on newly installed PVC pipes. This is the manufacturers warranty provided for PVC pipes.
  • We provide a 35 year guarantee on pipes relined using Brawoliner inversion technology.

Which Option To Choose?

If money is the main consideration?

If your plumbing problem is located under a grassed area that isn’t too deep, you may want to choose replacement as this will be the cheapest option. If however, the problem pipe work is located under your bathroom floor, under your paving or under a beloved tree that you don’t want to chop down, pipe relining is the cheapest option when the costs of reinstatement are taken into account.

If longevity is the priority?

If you want your pipes to last and you don’t want to revisit them in a few years, pipe relining is the option to choose. With a 35 year guarantee, you won’t have to worry about your pipe work for the time you’re living in your home.

When’s The Right Time To Complete Pipe Relining?

In a perfect world, the right time to complete pipe relining is as soon as you realise there’s a problem. We don’t want our customers to end up with a huge headache because minor plumbing issues get out of control. This is why we encourage our customers to call us as soon as they notice a problem. This may be a blocked drain, tree roots growing into the pipework or a burst pipe that’s caused flooding damage. As long as we know about the issue, we can complete an inspection and quote to advise you on the right choice for your property.

It’s important to note that once pipes have collapsed, they are no longer suitable to be relined. Then pipe replacement becomes your only option. So act quickly.

We’re always honest and upfront, giving our clients our truthful opinion about their plumbing situation and what would work best. Our team at Pipe Relining Solutions is always here to help you, whether you’ve been meaning to get your pipes fixed for a long time or you’ve just discovered a serious plumbing problem. Plus, we offer a 35-year pipe relining guarantee, so you can rest assured your property is in good hands.

Contact Pipe Relining Solutions today to get started on professional pipe relining for your home or business in Sydney, Australia. Don’t dig, call us on 1 300 366 834 or submit our easy online quote request to get in touch with our professional pipe relining specialists.

Call for a Free Quote

Pipe Relining Solutions in Sydney offers premier pipe maintenance and drain repair to keep your plumbing system operating smoothly. Learn more about the benefits of pipe relining over pipe replacement, and contact us today for a free quote.