What is pipe relining?
Pipe relining is a relatively new pipe repair technique that is usually no-dig, minimally disruptive and more cost effective than excavating and then replacing the entire length of damaged pipe.
Pipe relining involves installing a new pipe within an existing pipe, using state of the art technology.
Depending on the damage, the kind of pipe and the available access, pipe relining cost in Australia can vary significantly. With 30 years of industry experience, Time to Reline are experts.
Here, we’ll break down the approximate costs and key considerations so you can decide if the cost of pipe relining is worthwhile for you.
Average pipe relining cost Australia
The average cost of pipe relining can range from $3,000-$15,000 – while this isn’t cheap, it’s significantly cheaper than traditional pipe repair, which can run as high as roughly $25,000, if not more.
The higher cost of traditional methods is due to the time and effort of locating the pipe, as well as manual digging, not to mention the extra cost you would be paying for reinstatements of landscaping.
For an exact price, it’s best to get a professional assessment from Time to Reline.
Pipe relining cost per metre
Most quotes will be based on each linear metre for domestic works – on average pipe relining cost per meter will sit around $400-$1000.
This is influenced by a number of factors – the average cost to reline sewer pipes differs between the type of installation required.
The below costs are based on the use of Epoxy resin Silicate can be significantly cheaper but the lifespan is also much less.
| Type of Pipe Relining installation | Average Cost |
| Inversion pipe relining | Approximately $500 to $800 per metre, with a minimum charge that includes a setup fee. |
| Sectional pipe relining | Ranges from $2000 to $3,000 per metre, depending on pipe size and accessibility. |
| Junction relining | Generally falls within $2000 to $4500 per junction Depending on access and the number of installations required. |
The larger the project, the more cost-effective it can be made.
Sewer pipe relining cost :
Relining sewer pipes costs anywhere between $400 and $800 per metre for a standard sewer or stormwater drain.
Each home has a different sewer system depending on the layout of the house and the location of the main sewer system it joins into.
Shorter sections can cost more per metre because of setup fees—so, for example, a 2-metre section might set you back around $3,450 (or $1,725 per metre), while a 10-metre section could be about $6, (or $600 per metre).
Clay pipe relining cost :
Clay pipe relining in Sydney costs $400 to $800 per metre. For a standard residential job, expect to pay around $3000 to $8,000 in total for a main line.
Since older clay pipes are more prone to cracking and tree root invasion, relining is a great way to reinforce them without the hassle of digging up your yard.
Drain pipe relining cost :
Drain pipe relining costs $400 to $800 per metre.
For a job, you’re looking at anywhere from $3000 to $10,000. It can be higher than this if the pipe is significantly longer
Sewage pipe relining cost :
The cost to reline sewage pipes varies from $400 to $1000 per metre. Plus setup fees and junction reinstatements
Factors affecting pipe relining cost
When it comes to cost, pipe relining is influenced by a number of factors, including the material used, the approach taken, and the size and accessibility of the pipes.
The cost of pipe relining is likely to fluctuate based on the following factors :
- Length of damaged pipe : A significant length of repair requires more materials and more time, which means a higher price tag.
- Pipe diameter : 150mm pipes need more materials than 100mm pipes.
- Pipe accessibility : Your Time to Reline experts are compensated for their time as well as their skill, so pipes that necessitate significant time to access will increase the cost.
- Number of junctions : Junctions need to be tested and reinstated if live, meaning more time to test and reopen the junctions with specialist tools.
- Degree of risk : If your pipes are located somewhere that is not only difficult to access, but also dangerous, then you may be charged extra.
- Council fees : If a pipe has collapsed and a spot dig is necessary in a public space then fees may apply for permits.
- Home Builders Insurance : Any job valued over $20,000 including Goods and Service tax attracts an additional insurance premium by law.
- Out of hours work : Inevitably, you’ll pay more for a job completed in the middle of the night, than you will for pipe relining undertaken during normal working hours – this is because staffing fees are higher.
Benefits of pipe relining
Although pipe relining can seem like a significant cost to homeowners, especially if an emergency repair is required, this method outperforms traditional excavation on almost every front.
- Most pipe relining comes with a 25-year guarantee (although our manufacturers give the product a 50-year guarantee)
- Due to the decreased time and labour required, this method can be significantly cheaper than the alternative.
- Your pipes are up and running faster than if they were being excavated and replaced.
- There is less mess, because there is usually no need to excavate the pipes in order to gain access.
- Your relined pipes are much stronger than standard PVC, due to the interior double lining – this means they can stand up to the toughest tree roots and lock the pipe in place stopping any movement/subsidence..
Location of the existing service being relined
One of the most important factors that influences cost is the location of the services being relined. Pipes that are very deep, or difficult to access, will incur a higher cost.
You may pay more if your pipes :
- Are deeply buried : If a pipe is several metres underground the risk is far greater from a relining point of view. More time is required to cure liners at lower temperatures and pressures need to be monitored much more closely.
- Are under concrete or driveways : If the pipe runs beneath a driveway, slab, or footpath, accessing it without damaging the surface can be more complex.
- Are located under buildings : If a pipe runs beneath a house, garage, or commercial structure, extra precautions and alternative relining methods may be needed.
- Are in tight or confined spaces : Pipes in narrow crawl spaces, basements, or between walls can be tricky to access, requiring smaller, specialised equipment and training.
- Are obstructed : If tree roots, debris, or collapsed sections block the pipe, clearing it before relining can add extra costs.
- Are located in difficult terrain : Pipes located on steep slopes, rocky ground, or in areas with limited vehicle access can make the job more labour-intensive.
While we take pride in doing our work without digging, sometimes we’re left with no choice but to dig a small hole to access the pipe and install the appropriate PVC and fittings. As this obviously requires additional time and material, it plays a role in the overall cost.
It’s always easiest to reline pipes before significant damage has occurred, and the longer you wait to fix your bad pipes, the higher the chance that your pipe will completely collapse. This means a more difficult job and potentially a higher price tag.
For a free inspection and obligation-free quote, don’t wait. Call Time to Reline, your Sydney pipe relining experts, to assess your pipes with a free CCTV inspection.
Case Study : Comparing the cost of pipe replacement over pipe relining
Job location : Melbourne CBD
Every job is unique in its own way. For us to determine the best solution for your needs, a Time to Reline technician will visit the site and inspect the ongoing issues with tools like CCTV drainage cameras and locating equipment.
These tools are leading market technology, and give us the ability to view and inspect the issues to confirm the problem. In this way, we can determine which is more cost-effective for our customer—to dig and replace, or to install relining into the existing pipework.
Some of the factors we have to think about are :
- Access : In both situations, we need to think about how we get equipment into place.
- Safety : Which option poses the least risk, and can these risks be avoided?
- Environmental damage : Relining is a much less invasive option, especially in reactive soil areas.
- Time : Relining (in most cases) takes just one day to install.
- Materials : What is the material made of? Asbestos pipes sealed in ducts are difficult and dangerous to move— relining mitigates the risk by sealing all of the fibres on the inside of the pipe.
On this job in Melbourne’s CBD, we were tasked with repairing two asbestos stormwater pipes from the roof down to the basement.
The pipes were situated in a service area behind all of the water feeds for each level.
Access was difficult, and traditional excavation would have meant cutting out all of the water feeds, protecting the whole area to remove the asbestos pipe, and reconnecting all services so residents could use water at the end of each day.
This process would have been extremely expensive, and taken a significant amount of time.
By relining, Time to Reline completed the job in three days, with no disruption for the clients. We also did not have to remove or cut the asbestos pipe, making relining a much safer approach.
Within three days, the all leaking stormwater in the property had been stopped.
FAQ’s
1. What is the life expectancy of a sewer relining system?
Around 50 years—most companies offer a 25-year guarantee on pipe relining, but evidence suggests that a relined pipe could last 50 years or longer.
The best way to ensure your relined pipes last as long as possible is to take care of them with regular maintenance and smart usage.
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste, as wet wipes, grease, and other debris can cause blockages, especially in areas of the system that are yet to be relined.
Scheduling periodic drain inspections helps to catch any potential issues early — this is why Time to Reline offers a free annual inspection with all pipe relining services.
2. Can I reline my own pipes?
Not unless you have a lot of experience and some pretty specialised equipment like cameras for inspection, inversion drums, and specialist curing equipment, as well as the lining materials—liner and epoxy resin.
While we make it look easy at Time to Reline, it requires a lot of precision and know-how. Taking on pipe relining as a DIY project can lead to further damage.
3. How much does pipe lining equipment cost?
Pipe relining requires professional equipment, which doesn’t come cheap. On average, the basic equipment needed for a pipe relining job can range anywhere from $10,000 to $150,000.
This includes inspection cameras, relining drums, curing systems—and that’s before we buy the materials. Our high-end systems, specifically for trenchless or no-dig methods, include a state-of-the-art mobile workshop equipped with everything we need to ensure we complete a high-quality installation.
We also have state-of-the-art-pipe cleaning vehicles built specifically for the purpose of pipe relining preparation.
4. How many times can you reline a pipe?
If relining is installed correctly with the right materials, it should only need to be done one time. If poor workmanship, wrong materials or incorrect installation causes an issue, then don’t worry!
At Time to Reline, we have you covered. We can remove the faulty liner with our high-end equipment, before installing our superior epoxy relining systems—complete with a 25-year guarantee and a 50-year life expectancy.
5. What is the difference between pipe lining and pipe coating?
Pipe lining and pipe coating both fix your pipes, but they do it in slightly different ways.
Pipe lining involves inserting a new layer (or lining) inside an old pipe to create a fresh, smooth surface. It’s like putting a new sleeve inside the old pipe. This method can fill cracks, leaks, and even replace the entire inner structure, making it super effective for damaged pipes.
On the other hand, pipe coating is more of a surface-level fix. It’s like painting the inside of a pipe with a protective layer to seal small cracks or prevent future damage.
While it can be a cheaper and quicker option, it’s not as thorough as lining, especially if there’s significant damage or if you need to rebuild the inner pipe structure.
6. Is epoxy pipe lining safe?
Epoxy pipe lining is safe – it’s also one of the most common and reliable methods used in pipe relining.
The epoxy resin used is specially designed to be non-toxic once it’s cured, meaning it’s safe for both you and the environment.
The curing process usually takes a few hours, and once it’s done, the new lining is strong, durable, and doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air or water.
