Can I Retrofit Older Pipes with Pipe Relining?

What is Pipe Relining and How Does It Work?

Pipe lining, also known as pipe relining, can take a trenchless approach to drain repair for damaged old pipes without the need for excavation and complete pipe replacement. It essentially creates a new pipe within the existing pipes using a tube soaked in epoxy resin, known as Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP).

The process for effective drain pipe repair includes:

1. First, a CCTV camera is employed before pipe relining to inspect the pipe’s interior and ascertain its suitability for the procedure.
2. Next, the resin-soaked felt tube is carefully inserted into the broken pipe through an access point, yielding a tough new one within the current pipe framework.
3. The tube is inflated with air to expand and form a solid bond between pipe relining material and the existing pipe walls.
4. UV light or steam is then applied to cure the resin, resulting in a smooth, seamless, and strong new pipe within the old one.

Since there is no need to dig up your garden or driveway, pipe relining is applicable for a variety of materials including concrete, clay, galvanised steel, cast iron, and PVC. It poses minimal risk of property damage, is quicker, and offers a less disruptive and cost-effective alternative to traditional pipe replacement.

Bella Vista Plumbing employs advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to efficiently reline pipes, effectively returning them to near-original condition without extensive digging or pipe removal.

The Pipe Relining Process Step by Step

Here are the key steps involved in the pipe relining process:

1. Inspection: Initially, a skilled technician conducts a detailed inspection of the damaged pipe with a CCTV drain camera, assessing relining suitability and potential for pipework damage.
2. Cleaning: Next, the pipe is meticulously cleaned using hot water jets to clear away any built-up debris, grease deposits, or intrusive tree root obstructions. This prepares the pipe walls for relining your drain and resolves the issue of blocked drains.
3. Relining: The technician inserts a resin-saturated felt tube into the old pipe, inflates it to adhere to the pipe walls, and uses UV light or steam to cure the resin, forming a new, seamless pipe within the old one.
4. Final Inspection: After relining your pipe drain, another CCTV inspection checks the quality and verifies that any joints or connections are reinstated if needed. The pipe is now restored without digging or replacement.

Bella Vista Plumbing utilises sophisticated equipment such as robotic cutters for precision work in trenchless pipe and sewer relining, providing fast, minimally invasive services that enhance pipe integrity and function.

Which Pipes Can Be Relined?

Pipe relining can be used to restore almost any type of piping material, avoiding the disruptive process of digging up, including:

• Clay pipes
• Concrete pipes
• Galvanised steel pipes
• Cast iron pipes
• PVC pipes
• HDPE pipes

Generally, pipe relining is ideal for underground, hard-to-access pipes, like those under buildings or in gardens, as it avoids extensive excavation and thus reduces disruption and damage to your property.

Bella Vista Plumbing’s specialists are skilful in relining various pipes up to 300mm in diameter using advanced equipment, effectively sealing leaks and extending pipe longevity, even in complex pipework segments.

Severely damaged drain pipes with extensive cracks or collapses may require complete replacement. Our technicians assess pipe suitability for trenchless relining with an initial CCTV inspection.

When pipe relining is not feasible, we provide conventional pipe repairs and replacements to restore your plumbing. Contact Bella Vista Plumbing for a no-obligation assessment and to experience our expert service.

Is My Pipe a Good Candidate For Relining?

Deciding whether your drain can benefit from relining requires assessment of critical factors. Our expert technicians will evaluate your pipework to determine if trenchless relining is more appropriate than conventional replacement.

Generally, pipe relining is a cost-saving option when pipes exhibit corrosion, cracks, leaks, or blockages, enabling restoration over removal. Yet, collapsed or severe blockages may still require replacement.

Our technicians consider several factors when assessing sewer lines, which property owners may find informative:

• Pipe material and diameter - a range of pipes including clay, concrete, PVC, steel, iron, and copper with diameters up to 12 inches can be relined.
• Level of damage - minor to moderate cracks, leaks, rust, and blockages are good candidates for relining.
• Pipe location and access points - difficult to reach pipes under buildings, gardens or landscaped areas benefit most from our minimally invasive process.

As specialists in Sydney, we have the advanced CCTV equipment and knowledge to advise on pipe suitability for relining, which is less damaging to property and typically saves 50-80% compared to full replacement costs.

Contact our team at Bella Vista Plumbing to book a pipe inspection and discuss how long does pipe relining lasts, potentially giving your pipes a new 50+ year lifespan.

The Pros and Cons of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining presents numerous advantages over traditional pipe replacement:

• Less invasive: With this approach, there’s minimal damage to your floors, walls, landscapes, or other structures, as there is no requirement for excavation or wrecking.
• Faster: Pipe relining can be completed in a single day, reducing the service disruptions associated with traditional replacement.
• Durable: Although high-quality pipe relining materials come at a higher cost, they can last over 50 years when properly installed.
• Cost-effective: relining can produce significant cost savings, often reducing expenses by 50-80% compared to pipe replacement.

While there are some limitations, pipe relining often proves to be more economical compared to other methods.

• Severely damaged pipes with extensive cracks or collapse may still need replacement.
• Diameter reduction can decrease flow rates, so assessment is needed to prevent this.
• Access restrictions in some sections may limit application of lining materials.
• Removing old linings before installation requires additional time and can increase total costs.

Bella Vista Plumbing will carry out a comprehensive CCTV inspection of the piping system to ascertain whether trenchless relining or pipe replacement is the more suitable solution.

Bella Vista Plumbing ensures the quality of our pipe relining with long-term warranties. For further details or to book a complimentary assessment, get in touch with us today.

Pipe Relining vs Traditional Pipe Replacement

Pipe relining surpasses traditional pipe replacement in various significant aspects:

• Cost Savings: Among the benefits pipe relining offers is costing significantly less on average than the complete pipe replacement process. There is no demolition, excavation or repaving expenses.
• Minimal Disruption: Frequently, the project may be finalised in only a day without significant excavation, guaranteeing your property remains whole and furnishing the benefits pipe relining is known for, like extended lifspan of pipes for up to fifty years.
• Longevity: Quality epoxy resins can make sure the life of pipes is extended by 50+ years, usually at no additional cost to their conventional counterparts. New pipes also have this lifespan when installed properly.
• Environmental Impact: Relining has a much smaller carbon footprint by reusing pipes and avoiding waste. It also prevents runoff issues from trenching.

For pipes with complete collapse or severe corrosion, relining is not viable and full replacement is necessary. Our licensed technicians, equipped with sophisticated CCTV inspection tools, can determine the best course of action for your sewer pipes.

Every pipe relining service we offer is supported by extensive warranties, highlighting our dedication to quality. For more details or to arrange a site assessment, connect with Bella Vista Plumbing.

What Are The Typical Costs of Pipe Relining?

The cost of pipe relining is influenced by several important factors:

• Pipe size and length - It’s typically less costly to reline smaller, shorter pipes compared to longer, larger ones.
• Pipe condition - Costs are affected by the level of cleaning and preparation required. More extensive work is necessary for severely damaged pipes.
• Pipe location/access - Easily accessible pipes are more affordable than those buried deep, which would otherwise necessitate you to dig up.
• Lining material - Epoxy resins, commonly used pipe lining materials, are very durable but can be costlier compared to alternatives like polyurethane.

As a general guide, pipe relining costs around 50-80% less than complete pipe replacement. There are no demolition or repaving expenses either.

For example, the cost to replace a 20-metre section of sewer pipe with a 100mm diameter might be roughly:

• Pipe relining - $2,000 to $4,000
• Pipe replacement - $10,000 to $15,000

Costs may differ due to site specifics. Bella Vista Plumbing offers obligation-free quotes to ensure transparency regarding job pricing.

Bella Vista Plumbing stands behind the quality of our work with long-term warranties. Contact us to schedule an on-site assessment and detailed pipe relining estimate today.

Who to Call for a Pipe Relining Assessment

If considering pipe relining, the first essential step is a professional evaluation. Bella Vista Plumbing has the necessary expertise and tools to conduct a comprehensive inspection and assess whether trenchless relining is appropriate for your situation.

We use advanced CCTV cameras for a thorough interior pipe assessment, determining if trenchless relining is suitable to restore and extend the pipe’s life without complete replacement.

Rest assured, our relining service avoids significant damage, is less intrusive than trench excavation, and comes with extensive warranties. It usually costs 50-80% less than pipe replacement. For more information on these savings, reach out to us.

To schedule a no-obligation onsite assessment and estimate, call our team on 1300 349 338 or email [email protected]. We service all areas across Sydney.

Don’t wait for a flooding or sewage crisis; have your pipes assessed today. Get in touch with Bella Vista Plumbing, your expert in pipe relining, for an appraisal on the suitability of trenchless technology for your sewer system.

Preventative maintenance not only identifies problems early but can also lead to long-term cost savings.