Pipe Relining Vs. Replacement

Plumbing Maintenance

Are your home drainage and sewage pipes damaged or filled with dirt, plant roots, and other materials that really shouldn't be there? If yes, then it's time to consult a plumber. Two processes can fix a broken or damaged pipe; pipe relining and pipe replacement. Depending upon the severity of the damage, your plumber will guide you toward the right solution.

Pipe replacement involves replacing the old pipe with a new one. In contrast, pipe relining refers to repairing dirty or broken pipes. If you are confused about whether to get pipe relining or pipe replacement, we are here to help. This article will discuss pipe relining vs. replacement in detail and how to choose the proper pipe fixing process. Let's dig further!

Pipe Relining

Worry no more if you are worried about the high cost and extra labor that comes with replacing your old pipes. Pipe relining is an excellent technique that fixes old and worn-out pipes from the inside with the help of a resin. This resin restores the pipe's former strength and makes it more durable than before.

In addition, pipe relining has the advantage over other traditional pipe fixing techniques because it doesn't require digging and encroachment on your property. Your pipe reliner will quickly solve the issue without excavating or replacing anything.

Signs That You Need Pipe Relining

Multiple plumbing solutions are available, so how do you find the one you need? To help you with this, listed below are a few signs that indicate that your pipes need relining.

Low water quality

If you see mud and rust dancing in your glass of water, it means your pipe is damaged, and you need pipe relining immediately. This rust and dirt are due to the holes and ruptures in your pipe that can be easily fixed using resins.

Water backup

Another common sign that you need pipe relining is the water backing up. For example, if you have a water drain installed in your bathroom or kitchen, the water will come back from them like a volcano, indicating that your pipes are clogged. These clogs and obstacles weaken your lines, and pipe relining is the only solution.

Foul smell

When your pipes get leakages or burst, all types of matter enter the pipe. This matter can be anything, from bugs to shrubs or roots, making the pipes clogged. When these things decompose and deteriorate into the pipe, a foul smell erupts from the pipe that can make your whole property smelly. Pipe relining fixes this issue by properly cleaning and maintaining pipes. Hence, your environment will become fresh and clean again.

Process Of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is the most cost-effective and conventional method to fix your blocked and broken pipes. If you don't know how this procedure is performed, here's a step-by-step guide for knowledge purposes, as this is best performed by a professional:

• Firstly, the pipe is inspected in detail with open circuit cameras. The plumber can also use FELL equipment to closely examine the damaged area and come up with better solutions.

• The second step includes the cleaning of blocked drains and dirty sewer pipes. A standard method removes large blocks, and robotic cutters are used to clear all the extra dirt. Then, the pipe reliner will use some high-pressure water jets to wash everything and make the surface clear.

• A final inspection with closed-circuit cameras ensures the surface is clean.

• Next, the pipe length is measured to determine how much area of the pipe is damaged.

• Once the pipe length has been determined, the plumber will saturate the pipe using an epoxy resin. This means that the hired pipe reliner will use resin to fill the damaged part of the pipe. This resin will later turn into a complete pipe, just like the damaged former part.

• The next step involves the curing process. It is one of the most prolonged processes and can be done by two methods. Either let the pipe dry naturally or use hot water to accelerate the curing process. Once the pipe is cured, UV radiations are used to harden it so it will stay away from further damage.

• Before completing the whole process, the reliner will remove the inspection pit and cut the junction. Grinders and cutters are used to cut the link correctly.

• And that's it; the relining process is over. You can now turn on your water system and check if the pipes are functioning correctly.

Benefits Of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining has multiple advantages over other typical pipe repairing techniques. Here are a few of these benefits:

Prevents root growth

If you reside in Australia, you may have suffered pipe or drain blockages due to root growth at one point or the other. The holes and fractures in your pipe are an open invitation for roots to get in and cause severe issues.

Pipe relining saves you from this problem as it closes all the potential entry points for root growth and ensures you don't face this issue again.

Quick and easy installation

If you are always busy and have a strict schedule to follow, there are high chances you may not get enough time for any other extensive pipe repairing method.

If that's the case, it would be easier to go for pipe relining as it generally takes less than a full day to finish the work. Moreover, you don't need to monitor or inspect the area frequently, as the pipe will cure on its own.

No excavation

The most significant advantage of pipe relining is that it doesn't create much of a mess and keeps you and your neighbours away from the noise and environmental pollution. Especially if you have an old home that may be too weak for heavy digging machinery, pipe relining is the correct solution for you.

It doesn't matter how large the damaged area is; pipe relining only involves digging small holes into the ground that won't involve heavy property intrusion.

Cost-effective method

If you are searching for a more cost-friendly sewer pipe damage fix, you can't go wrong with pipe relining. Replacing old pipes with new ones can be very costly. In contrast, pipe relining uses resins to repair ruptured areas.

Besides getting new pipes, pipe replacement also requires digging up the whole ground, which adds to the overall cost. However, pipe relining doesn't need any of these things. It is long-lasting and minimises the cost of future repairs.

Long-lasting and durable

As pipe relining doesn't involve inserting new pipes, you don't have to worry about pipes' durability or pressure limits. In pipe relining, old pipes are repaired by high-quality waterproof resins like polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester, etc., that last for several decades. These resins make your pipe stronger than an average PVC pipe that may burst after some time.

Signs That You Need Pipe Replacement

Pipe replacement is removing your old and damaged pipes and replacing them with fresh or new ones. This is done when the pipes can no longer be fixed or repaired. If your plumbing system is old and outdated, you should immediately get the pipes replaced. Here are the most common signs you need pipe replacement:

Leakages

Leakages are the most common pipe issue that homeowners face. Loose pipe connections and cracks are the reason behind the unexpected leaks in your home. Rust and corrosion also rupture your sewer lines and pipes. In the start, leaks are small, but with time they can flood your home, destroying your belongings. If you are facing any pipe leaks, immediately contact your plumber.

Low water pressure

If you are experiencing low water pressure, you should get your plumbing system checked. This low pressure can be due to cracks and holes in your pipes. The best solution for a cracked pipe is line replacing rather than relining. Sometimes the reason behind slow water is malfunctioning heater faucets. So, checking your faucets before consulting a plumber is also a great idea.

Unexpected noises

The unexpected noises in your home aren't always due to some supernatural activity. Instead, it's more often than not a sign of an old and outdated plumbing system. If you hear weird noises from your walls, you may need to get your pipes replaced quickly, as these noises are caused by pipe blockage and irregular water pressure.

Process Of Pipe Replacement

Pipe replacement is a time-consuming and costly process. However, it frees you from the tension of leakages for a long time. Here's how your plumber will replace your worn-out sewage and drain pipes:

• First, your home will be scrutinised because every home has different requirements.

• Once the inspection is done and the damaged area is determined, the team will ask you to move out temporarily or cover your belongings in that particular area. You may also have to remove everything from your closets, cabinets, and countertops and place them elsewhere.

• Once everything is covered, the replacement process starts. The drywalls are separated using cutters and numbered for easy identification and back placement.

• The damaged pipes are taken out, and new pipes are installed. After pipe installation, the separated walls are attached back with care and efficiency.

• In the end, the plumber will check whether all the pipes are connected well or not.

Remember, pipe replacement does not take one day or a few hours of work like pipe relining. The plumbing team can take up to four to seven days for proper pipe replacement.

Benefits Of Pipe Replacement

When it comes to pipe relining vs. replacement, pipe replacement is a more costly process, but it's also more reliable and long-lasting. Let's quickly look at various benefits of pipe replacement and why you should go for it:

Ensures home safety

Safety is the primary reason people choose pipe replacement over other typical repair techniques. The holes and cracks invite bugs and mould that cause severe diseases and contaminate your home water.

Consistent leakages also weaken your building resulting in unexpected damage. Hence, pipe replacement is the best solution. Although pipe relining is durable, it doesn't assure much safety.

Promotes plumbing efficiency

Efficiency is the second advantage when it comes to pipe relining vs. replacement. Repairing pipes is suitable when the issue is minor. However, the problem can soon return with much more intensity disrupting the whole sewage system. So, to avoid such a mess and to get an efficiently working plumbing system, pipe replacement is a must and serves you in the long run.

Increases your home value

The buyer will inquire about the plumbing system if you ever plan to sell your house. If your piping is outdated, there are chances that they will not buy your home. Re-piping not only makes your house attractive and efficient but also increases the price of your home.

A flawed piping system downgrades your home and doesn't help increase your home's value. So, to get the best home price, ensure your plumbing or piping is up to date and free of any damage. To achieve this, you can replace all the old pipes.

Decisions, Decisions

Pipe relining vs. replacement are both plumbing techniques that improve your home's plumbing system. If you are a busy person, but the damaged pipes of your home are getting on your nerves, you should go for pipe relining. It takes less time and enhances the lifetime of your pipes.

In contrast, you should go for pipe replacement when the damage is irreparable or your plumbing system is outdated. However, it's more costly and time-consuming than simple pipe relining.

Now that you've read this article, you should know which option to go for in terms of pipe relining vs. replacement, based on their respective benefits. However, it's always best to contact a professional plumber to inspect your pipes and recommend the best option based on the type of damage discovered.