Can all damaged pipes be relined?

No. If a pipe is significantly collapsed, severely back pitched, or completely missing sections, trenchless methods may not be viable. A camera inspection confirms whether relining or another method fits.

How long does the pipe relining process take?

Many homes are completed in one day. Time depends on the number of bends, pipe length, curing method, and access points.

Will my landscaping or floors be damaged?

Relining is minimally invasive and usually does not require trenching. Crews use existing cleanouts or small access points, which avoids major damage to lawns, driveways, and floors.

Pipe Relining (A Simple Complete Guide)

Q: Is pipe relining worth it?

Yes. It avoids excavation, reduces cleanup, and often finishes in one day. For many homes it delivers long lasting results at a lower total cost than full replacement.

Q: How long does pipe relining last?

A professionally installed liner can last 30 to 50 years when the host pipe and site conditions are suitable. Lifespan depends on pipe material, soil movement, usage, and installer quality.

Q: How much does pipe relining cost?

Costs vary by pipe length, diameter, access, and local permits. Many single family projects fall between 4,000 and 15,000 dollars. A camera inspection and written estimate will give a precise price.

Q: Does pipe relining stop tree roots?

Yes. The cured liner creates a seamless barrier that blocks root intrusion at joints and cracks. Proper cleaning and preparation are essential for a long term root resistant seal.

Q: What pipe materials can be relined?

Cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, and some PVC or ABS lines can often be relined. Suitability depends on the pipe condition and diameter verified by the inspection.

Q: Is pipe relining safe for the environment?

Yes. It prevents sewage leaks, limits soil disturbance, and reduces truckloads of excavated material. Many resins are designed for potable water contact after curing when used in the right applications.

Pipe relining is a trenchless method of repairing damaged sewer pipes by creating a new, durable lining inside the existing pipe. Instead of digging up your yard or breaking through floors to replace the old line, plumbers use a resin-soaked liner that hardens into a brand new pipe within the old one. This modern approach restores full function without the disruption of traditional excavation.

One of the biggest benefits of pipe relining is that it avoids digging. That means no torn up landscaping, no destroyed driveways, and no major cleanup afterward. The process is also faster than conventional pipe replacement and can often be completed in a single day.

Because pipe relining saves time, prevents property damage, and provides a long lasting solution, many homeowners now choose it over traditional sewer replacement. It delivers the same results, sometimes even better, at a lower long term cost, making it one of the most efficient ways to fix cracked or leaking sewer lines today.

Common Signs You Need Sewer Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is just one of the trenchless sewer repair methods that most sewer repair specialists use.

Constant Backups – If you have backups in all of your toilets, sinks, and showers, your sewer pipe (which connects all of them) is probably faulty.
Sewer Odor – If you can smell sewage in your house, you can be confident that your sewer pipe is damaged. That foul smell will ruin your home's ambiance.

Check out more about – How to get rid of sewer odor
Slow Drains – A slow drain is a clear sign that something is wrong with your sewer line. We can determine if the problem is just a blockage or actual damage to the pipe with a simple CCTV sewer camera inspection.
Unnatural Yard Growth – If sewage is leaking from a pipe into your yard, you are going to see a few telltale signs. For one, the grass in certain areas will seem suspiciously luscious. Sewage acts as a fertilizer for your grass, making it grow faster in affected areas. You may also notice dips and valleys forming due to the soil dissipating under the grass.
Foundation Issues – When a drain pipe leaks sewage, the excess water will cause the soil to expand and shrink (if the foundation was built on top of expansive soil) causing your foundation to shift.
Insects or Rodents – If a drain pipe is damaged, rats, mice, sewer flies, cockroaches, or palmetto bugs can enter your home. Calling pest control may eliminate the current invaders, but the pipe is still cracked, and they will come back.
Tree Roots – Older trees on your property are bound to have long, invasive roots. They seek out nutrients, sensing pipes flowing with waste or water. The roots attack the joints where the lines are their weakest. Once they're inside, they drink and drink until the roots clog up your pipes.

Read more about – How to get tree roots out of a sewer line

Pipe Relining Process: Step-by-Step

Pipe relining, also called cured-in-place pipe lining, and epoxy pipe lining is a trenchless sewer repair method that's fast, cost-effective, and efficient.

Pipe relining creates a brand new pipe directly inside of your old one. No trenching necessary.

This is how it works step by step.

Your pipe is inspected with a CCTV sewer camera inspection. There is another trenchless technology called pipe bursting. You want to make sure the right solution is chosen based on how your current pipes look.
The pipe is then cleaned thoroughly with hydro-jetting or another pipe clearing method. The goal of the cleaning is to restore the pipe's original diameter. Things like sewage, hair, and cooking oil can cake up the pipe, shrinking its size.
Now begins the pipe relining. A unique, epoxy-impregnated liner is inserted into the old pipe and inflated. This creates a new pipe inside the old one. Pipe lining can be considered replacement or repair depending on whether the whole pipe length will be lined or just a section.
If only a section of pipe (a spot repair) is lined, it is considered a repair. If you line the whole pipe from start to finish, it is basically like getting a brand new pipe installed (aka replacement).

Note: Sometimes, a drain pipe is so severely damaged that no trenchless method is viable. Plumbers cannot use trenchless technology on pipes that are back-pitched, which means that the original contractors failed to use the proper slope for your sewer line to your city connection. Also, if the pipe has collapsed onto itself, you will have to go the conventional trenching route.

The Benefits of Pipe Relining

Pipe relining is:

Non-invasive
Environmentally-friendly
Cost-effective
Fast
Permanent
Stable

The Cost of Pipe Relining

Trenchless sewer repair can cost anywhere between $4,000-$15,000 for the average single-family home. The final price depends on how many feet of pipe need to be relined. There will always be a base cost starting at permits, contractor mobilization, project minimums, and then prices move on from there.

Conventional sewer repair, on average, costs $50 to $450 per linear foot. The price to install brand new pipes throughout your home or yard could run to $15,000 because of all the extensive work, such as trenching and excavation. Conventional sewer repair quotes will be lower than trenchless, but they don't include the cost to clean up the mess and repair the property damage.

Pipe Relining Near You

It's time that New Flow Plumbing comes in to save the day. We'll get you started with a CCTV sewer camera inspection to determine where your problems come from. Then, we give you a free repair estimate, followed by available repair options. Whatever the issue, New Flow Plumbing will have your plumbing running perfectly again. Call us today.

FAQs

What is pipe relining?

Pipe relining is a trenchless method that creates a new pipe inside a damaged one using a resin liner that hardens in place. It restores flow and seals cracks without excavation.

Is pipe relining worth it?

Yes. It avoids digging, reduces property damage, and can be completed quickly. Most homeowners find it more cost-effective long term than full replacement.

How long does pipe relining last?

A professionally installed liner often lasts 30 to 50 years. Longevity depends on the condition of the host pipe, soil movement, water flow, and installation quality.

How much does pipe relining cost?

Costs vary depending on length, diameter, and site conditions. Many projects range between $4,000 and $15,000. A camera inspection provides an accurate estimate.

Does pipe relining stop tree roots?

Yes. The seamless liner blocks root intrusion at joints and cracks. Proper cleaning before installation ensures a strong, long-term seal that resists future root growth.

Can all pipes be relined?

Not always. Pipes that are fully collapsed, severely misaligned, or back-pitched cannot be relined. A video inspection determines if trenchless repair is possible.

How long does the process take?

Many residential projects are completed in a single day. Time varies depending on pipe length, bends, curing method, and access points.

Will landscaping or floors be damaged?

Relining is minimally invasive and usually does not require trenching. Crews work through cleanouts or small access points, protecting lawns and interior surfaces.

What pipe materials can be relined?

Commonly relined materials include cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, and some types of PVC or ABS. Suitability depends on the pipe's condition and diameter.

Is pipe relining safe for the environment?

Yes. It prevents sewage leaks, minimizes soil disruption, and reduces waste. Many resins are designed for safe use and limit environmental impact once cured.

Arman Grigoryan

Founder & President of New Flow Pumbing

Arman Grigoryan is the founder and president of New Flow Plumbing, proudly serving Los Angeles, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in plumbing diagnostics, he leads a skilled team specializing in advanced sewer and drain camera inspections to quickly identify problems and deliver lasting solutions. Arman is dedicated to using the latest technology to provide reliable service, honest answers, and dependable results for every customer.