Understanding the Differences Between Pipe Relining and Pipe Replacement

Name: Blocked Drain Melbourne
Brand: Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing on 21 Mar 2026

Recovering from Blocked Drains: How to Choose between Pipe Relining and Replacement

In the case of fixing damaged pipes solutions are pipe relining and replacement of pipes. Both methods aim to restore the full function of your pipelines, but there are some distinct differences you need to know.

Key Takeaways

Pipe relining is a cost-effective and fast method for repairing damaged pipelines.
Linings made of CIPP are used for pipe relining.
Epoxy resin is utilized to line the inner portions of the pipe. It is cured to form a new inner lining within the old pipeline.
Relining pipe is time-efficient and cost-effective, and can last for up to 50 years.
Traditional pipe replacement involves digging up portions of property where pipes are.
Pipe replacement may be necessary to repair pipes that are severely damaged.
A new pipe installed via pipe replacement has a long duration (75 to 100 years).
Replacement of pipes is expensive and laborious.
The decision between pipe relining or pipe replacement will depend on the severity of damage.

In this post, we’ll look at pipe relining vs. pipe replacement and find out which one suits your needs more.

The term "pipe relining" is used to describe the process of repairing pipes.

Pipe relining, also known as Cured-In-Place pipe (CIPP) Lining is a state-of-the-art repair process that provides a cost-effective and rapid solution for the repair of damaged pipelines.

Here’s how it works:

A technician cleans the pipeline with high-pressure water jetting or mechanical cleaning.
They then apply epoxy resin made of fiberglass or polyester inside the pipeline.
The liner is cured, creating a new inner lining within the old pipeline that’s just as strong as a brand new one.

Pros of Pipe Relining

Time-efficient: It generally takes just 2 to three hours in order to finish the whole procedure, compared to excavating for days for traditional methods of replacing pipes.
Cost-effective since no excavation or removal is necessary for pipe relining, it can save almost half of the amount you pay for traditional repairs.
Durability – The new liner made by pipe relining could last for up to 50 years!

Pros and Cons of Pipe Relining

Not recommended for extremely damaged pipes. If you have significant damage such as cracks or collapses or joints that aren’t aligned properly in your sewer line then pipe relining is not a possibility.

What exactly is Pipe Replacement?

Pipe replacement involves digging up portions of the yard/sidewalk/driveway where underground pipes are located. The sections could include the collapsed pipes as well as extremely corrosion-prone ones, due to age or neglect.

The steps below are the most traditional pipe replacements:

An excavation team digs up access to the decayed underground pipe.
The old pipeline is detached and dredged out, producing a lot debris that requires disposing of.
Then, they put in an entirely new pipeline instead of the one they had previously installed.

Pros and Cons of Pipe Replacement

It is suitable for pipes with severe damage In the event that you need to replace pipes with significant damage or corrosion, pipe replacement is the ideal solution.
Longer life span – The new pipeline installed through pipe replacement has a lengthy lifespan (75 up to 100 years) making it an ideal option for homeowners looking for an option that is long-lasting.

Cons of Pipe Replacement

It is expensive – Excavating work required for pipe replacement could be long and costly.
Long-lasting – Pipe replacements can take a few weeks based on the nature of the project and the depth of excavations that are required.

Which one should you select?

The decision of either relining or repairing your pipes is mostly based on the amount of damage caused. If your pipes suffer from small damages, like cracks or minor leaks, then relining would probably be the better option since it’s less expensive and is also faster than traditional pipe replacements.

If there are major damage, such as collapses or broken pipes it is recommended to consider an alternative to replacing your pipe, although it will cost more and take longer.

	Pipe Relining	Pipe Replacement
Procedure	CIPP lining using epoxy resin	Excavating and replacing the old pipeline
Pros	Time-efficient- 2 to 3 hours to complete	Suitable for severely damaged pipes
	Cost-effective – Almost half of traditional costs.	New pipeline lasts for 75 to 100 years
	Durable – Lasts up to 50 years
Cons	Not suitable for severely damaged pipes	Costly
		Time-consuming
When to choose	Minor damages like cracks or minor leaks	Severe damages like collapses or breaks

Frequently Asked Question

What is pipe relining?

Relining pipes is a process that creates a brand new pipe in the damaged pipe. It is accomplished by inserting a flexible liner inside the old pipe and the process of curing it. Once cured, the new pipe has no joints or seams, which increases the structural integrity of the pipe.

What is the difference between traditional pipe replacement and differ from pipe relining?

Traditional replacement of pipes involves{ excavating and| digging and|| digging up and} physically dismantling old pipes, before replacing them with new ones. The alternative, pipe relining doesn’t require excavation; instead it’s done with the help of technology, which allows pipe repair without digging up large portions of land.

Which method is cheaper - pipe relining or traditional replacement?

Pipe relining generally costs less than the traditional methods of repair to pipelines since there aren’t any costs related to excavation and other techniques needed for removing and replacing old pipes.

Can all kinds of pipes be lined?

Certain types of pipes can be relined successfully. Your plumber should examine your situation to determine if it is feasible to line your specific kind of pipes. However, most modern pipes can be relined by this method.

How long will the pipe relining process take?

The exact length of time needed for the process depends on different factors such as location, environment and the kind of damage. However, the average pipe Relining job usually takes 2-3 days based on the amount of meters need to be lined..

In the end, if you are looking to stay clear of invasive excavation work and save money while restoring damaged pipelines’ functionality take a look at our Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing ‘s rapid and effective pipe relining solutions. Contact us!