What Affects The Cost Of Pipe Relining?

Dealing with damaged pipes is never fun. It’s frustrating, often expensive, and can quickly turn into a messy, time-consuming headache, especially if you’re picturing your yard being dug up just to replace a section of pipe. For years, that was the only real option, and it put a lot of homeowners off fixing problems until things got worse (and even more expensive!)

Fortunately, there’s now a smarter alternative. Pipe relining is a modern, trenchless, no-dig solution that repairs pipes from the inside, without tearing up your garden, driveway, or floors. It’s faster, far less disruptive, and in many cases, more cost-effective than traditional pipe replacement.

But here’s the big question most people ask next: how much does pipe relining actually cost?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, because the final quote depends on several key factors. From the length and material of your pipes to the location and severity of the damage, understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision.

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining has completely changed the way plumbing repairs are done. Instead of digging up damaged pipes and replacing them entirely, pipe relining repairs the problem from the inside. Using a flexible liner coated in a specialised epoxy resin, plumbers create a brand-new pipe within your existing one for a strong, seamless, long-lasting repair.

It’s a smarter, cleaner, and far less invasive way to fix common pipe issues, and it’s why trenchless solutions have become the go-to option for modern plumbing repairs.

Read More: What Is Pipe Relining? The Smart Alternative to Pipe Replacement

How Pipe Relining Works

Pipe relining might sound complex…after all, how do you repair something you can’t even see? The answer lies in advanced inspection technology and precision equipment that allow plumbers to work inside your pipes without digging them up.

1. CCTV Pipe Inspection and Assessment: The process begins with a detailed diagnostic inspection using a high-definition CCTV camera. Technicians will guide the camera through access points such as drains or manholes to inspect the inside of the pipe in real time. This allows them to identify the location and extent of damage (such as cracks, leaks, blockages, corrosion, or tree root intrusion) and confirm whether pipe relining is the right solution.
2. Pipe Cleaning and Preparation: But, before relining can begin, the pipe must be thoroughly cleaned. High-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) is used to remove grease, debris, scale buildup, and invasive roots from the pipe walls. This step is essential to ensure the liner bonds properly to the pipe. For older or more fragile pipes, pressure levels are carefully adjusted to prevent further damage.
3. Liner Measurement and Resin Preparation: A flexible liner is then measured and cut to match the precise length and diameter of the damaged section. The liner is saturated with a specialised epoxy resin mixed with a hardening agent.
4. Liner Insertion and Positioning: Using specialised equipment, the resin-soaked liner is inserted into the pipe. Depending on the pipe layout and condition, technicians use either an inversion method (where air or water pressure pushes the liner into place) or a pull-in-place technique. The liner is carefully positioned to fully cover the damaged area and fit tightly against the pipe walls.
5. Curing and Strengthening the Pipe: Once the liner is in position, it is left to cure and harden. This can be done using hot water, steam, or UV light, depending on the system and pipe size. Curing typically takes a few hours, during which the resin hardens to form a seamless, durable new pipe inside the existing one.
6. Final Inspection and Reopening Connections: After curing, a final CCTV inspection is carried out to ensure the liner has bonded correctly and the pipe is smooth, watertight, and fully functional. If the pipe has junctions or branch connections, cutting tools are used to reopen them. Once complete, the pipe is ready to use.

When Pipe Relining Is Needed

Pipe problems rarely appear overnight. In most cases, they develop gradually; starting small and becoming more disruptive (and expensive) over time. Catching these issues early is key to fixing them effectively, and in many situations, pipe relining is the ideal solution.

You may need pipe relining if you’re noticing:

• Recurring blockages and slow drainage: If your drains are frequently backing up or draining slowly despite repeated clearing, it’s often a sign of cracks, collapsed joints, or internal build-up inside the pipe. 
• Tree root intrusion and cracked pipes: Tree roots are one of the most common causes of pipe damage. They enter through small cracks or joints looking for moisture and nutrients, and will expand over time, causing blockages and further structural damage. Pipe relining seals these cracks.
• Water leaks and foul odours: Persistent sewage smells, damp areas, or unexplained water leaks can indicate fractures or corrosion within the pipe. Left untreated, these issues can lead to water damage, health concerns, and more costly repairs. Relining creates a watertight barrier that eliminates these leaks and odours at the source.
• Pre-sale plumbing upgrades: Pipe relining is also commonly used before selling a property. It allows homeowners to resolve underlying pipe issues without disruptive excavation, helping prevent problems from appearing during building or plumbing inspections and improving buyer confidence.

Should You Replace Or Reline?

When faced with damaged pipes, the big question is often whether to reline or replace. While traditional pipe replacement has its place for extensive damage, pipe relining offers several clear advantages that make it the preferred option in many situations, especially when minimising disruption and long-term costs is a priority:

• Lifespan of Relined Pipes: One of the biggest advantages of pipe relining is its remarkable longevity. A professionally installed, relined pipe forms a seamless, jointless interior that can last 50 years or more!

Plus, with Hardie & Co, that lifespan is backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty, coverage standard that dig-up pipe replacements don’t offer. It means confidence and long-term performance, not just short-term savings.

• Durability: The relined pipe is 5–10 times stronger than standard PVC, and advanced epoxy resins make it resistant to corrosion, root intrusion, and chemical damage.
• No digging or excavation required: Repairs are completed through small access points or existing manholes, protecting your landscaping, driveways, and structures, and avoiding costly restoration work.
• Faster turnaround time: Most pipe relining jobs are completed in a single day, with pipes often ready to use immediately, unlike traditional replacement, which can take weeks.
• Lower long-term costs: With no excavation and reduced labour, pipe relining is often far more cost-effective over time and helps prevent repeat repairs.
• Improved water flow and pipe strength: The smooth resin lining improves flow and creates a durable, crack-resistant pipe that’s often stronger than the original.
• Minimal disruption to daily life: Because there’s no digging, your home or business remains fully accessible with little to no interruption.
• More environmentally friendly: Relining produces less waste, uses fewer resources, and avoids heavy machinery, making it a greener repair option.

Read More: Pipe Replacement vs Relining

What Affects Pipe Relining Costs in 2026?

Pipe relining costs in 2026 can vary depending on the complexity of the job. The final price is typically confirmed after a professional CCTV inspection, which allows plumbers to assess the pipe’s condition, length, diameter, and access requirements before providing a fixed, upfront quote.

To put relining into perspective, here’s how it compares to traditional replacement methods:

• Small sectional repairs (for minor, easily accessible issues) are generally less involved and may be more cost-effective for simple problems.
• Sewer or main line replacement (requiring excavation) is often more expensive due to the additional labour and restoration work required.
• Full house repiping is usually a major project that is needed only when a plumbing system is severely degraded or failing throughout.

While pipe replacement may appear cheaper for small sections, relining often delivers better value for longer runs or hard-to-access pipes.

Key Factors That Influence Pipe Relining Pricing

Pipe relining isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. The final cost is influenced by several practical factors that determine how complex the job is and how much time, labour, and materials are required:

• Length and diameter of the pipe: Longer pipe sections naturally require more liner material and resin, while larger diameters take longer to prepare, insert, and cure. This is why relining a short residential drain costs significantly less than relining a long or oversized sewer line.
• Pipe condition and material: Pipes that are cracked, corroded, or affected by heavy tree root intrusion often need additional cleaning and preparation before relining can begin. Older materials such as clay or cast iron may also require more care during the process, which can increase labour time.
• Accessibility of the pipe: While relining avoids excavation, restricted access can still impact setup time and overall pricing.
• Number of junctions and bends: Every junction or branch connection needs to be precisely reopened after the liner has cured. Pipes with multiple bends or junctions require additional cutting, inspection, and finishing work, which adds to the overall cost.
• Urgency and timing of the job: Emergency repairs, after-hours call-outs, or urgent same-day work may come at a higher price due to labour availability and scheduling demands.
• Materials, labour, and specialised equipment: The quality of resin, liner materials, and curing methods used all influence cost, as does the level of expertise required to operate specialised relining equipment. Higher-quality materials and experienced technicians may cost more upfront, but will always deliver far better long-term results.

So, Is Pipe Relining Worth the Cost?

In most cases, yes. Compared with traditional pipe replacement, which can be costly, messy, and disruptive, pipe relining is faster, cleaner, and often more cost-effective over the long term. Whether you’re renovating, upgrading, or maintaining your plumbing system, relining offers a durable, environmentally friendly, and minimally disruptive solution that protects your property and your budget.

For Sydney homeowners and businesses, Hardie & Co Plumbing specialises in tailored drainage solutions, from traditional pipe repairs to modern trenchless technologies. Our team ensures your property’s plumbing system is repaired efficiently, reliably, and with minimal disruption.