How Long Do Relined Pipes Last?

What is pipe relining?

Sewer pipe relining is a trenchless repair method that fixes damaged pipes without full replacement. This technique involves a resin-impregnated liner being inserted into the existing pipe, where it then sets and creates a new pipe within the old structure. It renews the structural strength and flow efficiency of your pipes, avoiding expensive and disruptive pipe replacement.

Blacktown Plumbing delivers pipe relining advantages, skirting the need for full system replacement at residential and commercial properties throughout the Blacktown region. Relining can address a multitude of issues, especially concerning compromised sewer lines, water pipes, gas conduits, and more. It’s a more cost-effective, enduring solution that foregoes further damage, while also sidestepping significant construction work.

How the pipe relining process works

Our specialists begin by examining the damaged pipes using advanced CCTV camera techniques. We pinpoint issues and determine the optimal small access point to introduce the liner to the system. The liner navigates throughout the piping system, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

We first clean the pipes using high-pressure water jets before installing an epoxy resin liner reinforced with fibreglass matting.

Air pressure is used to invert the liner, ensuring complete adhesion to the pipe’s interior surface. The robust lining material bonds to the existing pipe, restoring your plumbing to a seamless, corrosion-resistant state.

The epoxy cures with heat or UV light, solidifying to reinforce your pipes, causing far less disturbance than pipe replacement. The swift process completes in a single day, requiring minimal excavation.

Relining revitalises flow and integrity at a lower cost than traditional pipe replacement methods. Since it eliminates the need to dig up your outdoor spaces or disturb indoor flooring, it’s the least invasive method.

Average lifespan of relined pipes

The longevity of relined pipes depends on professional installation and regular maintenance, ensuring they remain leak-free. The key question of 'how long does pipe relining last?' can be answered with confidence when installed by our seasoned team at Blacktown Plumbing, as relined pipes can have a life expectancy that spans over 50 years.

The epoxy resin applied during relining fortifies pipes against leaks and corrosion, increasing durability. Nevertheless, several factors can affect the durability of relined pipes:

• Hot water pressure and flow – Excessive pressure causes more wear on your pipe over time
• Pipe environment – Your water pipes underground or encased in concrete last longer than exposed pipes
• Root intrusion – Tree roots penetrating pipe joints shortens lifespan
• Ongoing use and temperature – Industrial use and very hot or cold water degrades pipes faster

Consistent inspections using CCTV drain cameras and prompt repairs of any issues ensure the effectiveness of your relined pipes for many years.

Ultimately, pipe relining represents a sensible, long-term investment in your home’s maintenance. Relining’s lower initial costs translate into substantial savings, avoiding future full pipe replacements. Our expert Blacktown Plumbing team cater to those who want their pipe relining job to endure the test of time.

Factors affecting longevity of relined pipes

Several crucial factors determine the pipe’s lifespan before repairs become necessary:

• Pipe environment – Pipes underground or encased in concrete generally last much longer than exposed pipes. The 50+ year lifespan can only be achieved when protected from environmental stresses.
• Water flow and pressure – High water velocity and excessive pressure can damage your pipes, causing faster wear and tear over time.
• Temperature – Pipes carrying very hot or very cold water tend to degrade quicker than those with moderate temperatures.
• Chemical exposure – Harsh chemicals from industrial use or accidents can damage relined pipes.
• Root intrusion – Tree roots penetrating pipe joints can become a common cause of damage, especially in older clay pipes or concrete pipes.
• Installation quality – Proper installation by experienced technicians ensures pipe relining last a maximum lifespan by avoiding flaws in the curing process.

At Blacktown Plumbing, we meticulously inspect and prepare your pipes before commencing the relining. Our teams are meticulously trained to ensure they uphold the pinnacle of industry standards when impregnating your pipes with enduring epoxy resin. We also reinforce joints and openings to prevent root intrusion.

With masterful installation and persistent upkeep, such as clearing blockages, your pipes after the relining process can persevere for over 50 years before repairs are needed. For long-lasting pipe solutions that enhance the lifespan of your plumbing, contact us today at 1300 349 338.

Maintenance tips for prolonging relined pipe lifespan

To help your relined pipes last their full lifespan, Follow these maintenance tips from Blacktown Plumbing:

• Have your pipes inspected every 2-3 years using CCTV cameras. This proactive step helps safeguard the plumbing systems within your home, allowing early detection of integrity concerns and issues.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils, harsh chemicals or solid objects down drains that could cause blockages.
• You can also install protective meshes over pipe outlets vulnerable to intrusion by tree roots or vermin.
• Consider flow management devices if water pressure to your toilet exceeds recommended levels.
• Keep relined pipe access points clear in case future repairs are ever needed.

Appropriate maintenance and a reputable plumber from Blacktown Plumbing ensure your relined pipes reach their 50+ year lifespan. Call us at Blacktown Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for professional help keeping your pipes flowing freely for decades to come.

When to consider full pipe replacement

Often, when dealing with a broken sewer that hasn’t completely collapsed, the pipe repair method of relining is more advantageous than full replacement. However, there are scenarios where pipe repair through relining is not suitable, where full pipe replacement becomes necessary:

• Broken pipes that have completely collapsed or split open. The liner tube cannot secure itself to a broken pipe that has lost its tubular form.
• Pipes that exhibit severe structural damage, extensive cracks, or missing sections of more than one metre cannot be relined effectively as the damage exceeds the liner’s bridging capability.
• Asbestos cement pipes where the asbestos lining has deteriorated to a dangerous level.
• Pipes heavily encrusted with mineral deposits that cannot be properly cleaned before relining.
• Pipes smaller than 75mm in diameter. Most pipe relining equipment is unsuitable for very narrow pipes.

Our team of drain camera technicians at Blacktown Plumbing will inspect the extent of damage to determine if a pipe can be relined or if we can fix it with replacement when necessary. In cases of extreme damaged pipe, full excavation and deciding to replace them may be recommended as the only viable solution.

Comparison of costs: Relining vs. replacement

Although initial quotes may show similar upfront costs for relining and replacement, the long-term value of each differs. Nonetheless, it’s also impressive that relining offers exceptional value over time due to swift completion and minimized property disruption.

Initial material and labor costs may be comparable, yet full replacement typically incurs additional time and extensive excavation of landscapes and structures. This heightened upheaval, often necessitating the digging of chunks of your garden into soil you may not need to replace, leads to bloated costs down the line.

In contrast, pipe relining is a 1-2 day process with no digging required. Additionally, flow capacity is quickly restored. The resin cures rapidly so you regain use of utilities with minimal downtime and site cleanup.

Shrinking subsequent expenses enable pipe relining to offset its own cost faster by evading the need for digging trenches and substantial building tasks. Furthermore, the 50+ year longevity from quality installations negates the need for frequent pipe replacements.

Here at Blacktown Plumbing, our expert teams deliver professional pipe relining services to provide long-term savings. Contact us on 1300 349 338 to learn more about this fast, effective and affordable trenchless any plumbing repair method.

Types of pipes suitable for relining

Many types of pipes are amenable to relining, given that their structure retains sufficient integrity. Our professional plumbing teams are experienced in relining a range of pipes, including:

• PVC pipes
• Galvanised steel pipes
• Cast iron pipes
• Fibre cement pipes
• Clay or concrete pipes

In cases where pipe walls have collapsed, cracked fully through, or have missing sections longer than a metre, the tube liner cannot bridge such extensive gaps. In such cases, full pipe replacement becomes necessary to restore flow capacity and structural strength.

Aside from these extreme damage cases, relining offers a reliable 50+ year repair solution for residential sewer pipes, water pipes, gas lines and stormwater drains suffering from ageing, roots, corrosion or other isolated issues. Contact our Blacktown Plumbing team to confirm if your damaged pipes are suitable candidates for trenchless relining.

Relining limitations and considerations

While pipe relining can repair most damaged pipes, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

• Size restrictions - Relining equipment is generally suited for pipes with diameters of 75mm or greater, whereas narrower pipes may require full replacement.
• Severe damage - Fully collapsed, cracked or pipes with large missing sections over 1 metre often cannot be relined.
• Heavy encrustation - Old pipes coated in mineral deposits must be thoroughly cleaned before relining is possible.
• Asbestos cement pipes - Special handling is required if asbestos liner has deteriorated significantly.
• Water flow issues - Excessive pressure or high temperatures may compromise long-term relining results.
• Environmental factors - Pipes exposed above ground have reduced lifespans compared to underground installations, due to weather elements.

A thorough assessment by skilled professionals, such as our Blacktown Plumbing team, is crucial for deciding whether to reline or replace your pipes. We can assess if your specific damage makes pipe relining suitable or if complete pipe replacement is your best option. Contact us on 1300 349 338 for advice tailored to your situation.