Pipe Relining Cost – Is It Worth It?

The Size Of The Pipe

We have the capability to reline pipes from small bathroom waste lines to very large sewer mains. As you can imagine, this heavily affects the end cost — larger diameter pipes use more liner material per metre.

The Length Of The Pipe

Like most things, the more you need, the more you pay. A job with only 2 metres of pipe relining will cost a lot less than a job with 20 metres. From our CCTV inspection and the measurements gained from it, we’ll be able to know exactly how much liner you’ll need.

The Ease Of Access To The Pipe

While pipe relining has the advantage of “no digging or excavation required” in most cases, in some instances we will need to dig a small access hole. If this is needed, it can affect the price of the job — especially if we need to dig and install new piping to access the pipes we’re trying to reline.

The Existing Condition Of The Pipe

The condition of the existing pipe plays a role in the price of the job. If the pipe is full of tree roots or silt and requires many hours of clearing with a high-pressure water jetter, this can affect the price.

Same thing if the drain is very damaged — usually there will be additional preparation work required before relining can begin.

The Location Of The Site

Pipe relining equipment is generally very big and heavy. If getting the equipment to your location is tricky — and some Eastern Suburbs residences are — we’ll need additional manpower to help carry it to your site. This adds time and labour cost to the project.

The Method We Choose To Reline The Pipe

There are three primary stormwater and sewer relining methods: inversion, patch, and drag-in. Each carries different cost profiles and is suited to different situations. See the methods compared below for the full breakdown.

The Number Of Junctions To Be Relined

The number of junctions (branch lines) within the relined section will increase the price — another reason why a CCTV inspection before relining is so important. Junctions matter because if a junction is tree-root affected, by law a junction patch must be installed. Without it, tree roots will eventually re-enter the drain through that junction.

The Quality Of The Pipe Relining Materials

Like all industries, there are high and low-quality products on the market — this directly affects the trenchless sewer repair cost. Because we’ve been pipe relining for many years, we’ve tested products from all over the world and only use the most superior available.

Our materials are purchased from RSM Lining Supplies — one of the most recognised and reputable suppliers in the world. Their products are made in Germany, France, the UK, or the USA and are 100% Australian Watermark approved.

The Risk Involved In The Job

Pipe relining is a job that can come with high risk if a mistake is made. The main risk factor is that there are no second chances — there is one chance at installing the new liner correctly. So you need to be confident that the team you have on the job are experts in pipe relining.

The Plumbing Company’s Pricing Decision

This generally creates the biggest differentiation in price. Some companies are expensive, some are cheap, and some are quoting different scopes of work entirely. So it’s very important to properly compare quotes and ask as many questions as possible.

Your best ally in a cost conversation is information. Ask about time involved, labour costs, possible site access issues, materials used, and quality of materials. Get them to walk you through why costs vary between companies. Shopping around for a few quotes is always a good idea.