Pipe Relining or Digging Up Pipes? What I'd Recommend for Your Home

Pipe relining versus digging up — I've done both

I've been plumbing across Mosman and Manly long enough to give you a straight answer on this. Last week I was under a house in Mosman where a massive root mass had cracked an old clay pipe wide open. The customer — a lovely older lady — was terrified we'd need to dig up her prize-winning rose garden.

"Please tell me there's another way," she said. There was.

We sent a CCTV inspection camera down first after she reported recurring blocked drains. The footage showed a hairline crack that had let fine roots in. Over years they'd grown into a solid mat — the pipe was badly damaged but still round enough to reline. We used an epoxy resin liner to create a brand new pipe inside the old one. Total excavation needed: one access pit the size of a shoebox. Her garden didn't get touched.

When I'd recommend relining

• The pipe is cracked, has open joints, or root intrusion — but hasn't collapsed
• You want to keep your garden, driveway, or paving intact
• You're on a tight timeframe — relining takes 1-2 days versus 3-7 for replacement
• Your property has narrow side access that an excavator can't get through
• You want to avoid council approval and neighbour disruption

When you've got no choice but to dig

• The pipe has fully collapsed — nothing left to reline
• There's a belly in the pipe where water pools and debris settles
• The pipe is severely corroded or undersized for what your home needs now
• The pipe grade is too flat, causing ongoing blockages regardless of pipe condition

In Mosman with those old clay pipes from the 60s and 70s, we see a lot of the first two. In Manly, where homes tend to be newer builds with PVC, we see different issues — root intrusion at joints and pipe movement in sandy soil. Different suburbs, different problems, but the same rule applies: CCTV first, decision second.

How we figure out which one you need

It always starts with a CCTV inspection. We feed the camera through, you watch the footage on the screen, and I'll tell you straight up what I'd do if it was my own house. If pipe relining works, I'll push for it — less mess, less money. If the pipe is too far gone, I'll be honest about that too.

Every quote is fixed. No surprises, no pressure. I show up when I say I will and I do the job properly the first time. That's how I've built my business across the Northern Beaches and that's how I'll treat your home.

Not sure whether to reline or replace?

I'll CCTV inspect your drains and give you a clear recommendation with fixed pricing for both options. No pressure, just honest advice from a local plumber.

Get a quote 1300 758 623

Frequently asked questions

How long does pipe relining last?

The epoxy liner has a 50-year design life. It is structurally independent of the old pipe — once cured, it is a new pipe inside the old one. Unlike the original pipe, it has no joints and is immune to root intrusion and corrosion.

Can any pipe be relined?

Most residential pipes can be relined, provided they are not fully collapsed or severely bellied (sagged). The pipe must be accessible from at least one end and clean enough for the liner to bond. A CCTV inspection confirms suitability before any decision is made.

Does pipe relining reduce pipe diameter?

Yes, slightly. The liner is typically 3-5 mm thick per side, reducing internal diameter by 6-10 mm. For a standard 100 mm sewer pipe, this is negligible and does not affect flow. For smaller pipes (50 mm), the liner may be proportionally larger and a plumber can advise.

Will my insurance cover pipe relining?

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover pipe relining or replacement — it is considered maintenance. Some policies offer optional sewer line coverage. Check your policy or speak to your insurer. The cost of relining is typically 40-60% less than replacement and may be more affordable out of pocket.