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How Affordable is Trenchless Pipe Relining Compared to Other Repairs?

19 May

Are you worried about throwing all your money down the drain with trenchless pipelining?

Working with this innovative pipe lining method may seem daunting, especially considering the advanced technology and equipment involved, and you must be used to dig pipe relining. Compared to trenchless pipe repairs, traditional dig-and-replace repairs with simple tools may seem like the most affordable option for many of us when you don’t know how much trenchless pipe relining costs.

However, in reality, it is not always so. Traditional methods other than pipe relining services are often invasive projects that do more destruction and extensive damage to the surrounding landscape and require intensive labour.

So, while the up-front costs per foot may seem marginally more for trenchless pipe relining, dig-and-replace repairs may be more expensive to solve your plumbing problems. After all, the total expenses will also consider the costs of remedial projects, manual labour, etc.

To make things increasingly trickier, dig-and-replace repairs are sometimes more affordable with minimal obstructions. Simply put, a few factors determine the most cost-effective option. Read on to learn more about them and trenchless pipe repairs.

How Much Does Trenchless Pipe Lining Cost?

Cartoon Example Of How Pipe Relining Works For Sewer Drains

Before we break down the costs of trenchless repairs, knowing more about the required equipment and the process is essential. Typically, trenchless methods are a non-invasive way to repair pipe damage that does not require digging or affect the original structure or surrounding landscape.

Instead, the plumbers will cure the pipes in place using epoxy resin, often accessing them through pre-existing entry points and small holes. The lining is created within the damaged pipes to minimise labour, time, and money. Without the extensive digging, there’s less destruction and less need to clean after, especially for your sewer pipe relining project.

This method is a compelling long-term solution for blockages, leaks, breaks, water damage, and other problems that require replacing missing sections of a damaged pipe. Most plumbers in Australia charge between $80 to $250 per foot for these services. The total costs are up to $6000 to $12,000 for such projects.

Remember that this advanced technique requires special equipment and a higher skill level, because of which the up-front costs may be slightly higher than traditional methods. However, trenchless pipe relining does not require any digging, and there are minimal extraneous costs for manual labour and remedial work in the surrounding area.

How Much Does Traditional Pipe Repair Cost?

Underground Pipe For Pipe Replacement

Traditional dig-and-replace methods typically require basic materials and machinery, often with hard labour and extra hours. As the name suggests, such projects will require digging up the earth so technicians can access the pipes to repair them.

Once the pipes are fixed, the plumbers must restore the ground-level fixtures running over the broken pipes. These additional costs can add up to $10,000 to the final bill.

Interestingly, the up-front costs of dig-and-replace repairs are marginally lower than trenchless methods, with plumbers usually charging $50 to $250 per square foot. The total costs for a single job can vary widely and come between $4,000 and $13,000, depending on other factors.

These include the location and depth of the broken pipes, the extent of digging involved, and damage to other structures, such as sidewalks and driveways that lie over the pipes.

Other Pipe Repair Methods

Aside from the traditional pipe repairs and trenchless pipe repairs for your plumbing issues, here’s a rundown of how much you can expect to pay for the different types of pipe repair methods:

Plumber Replacing Shallow Pipe

1. Dig-And-Replace Pipe Repair:

With an average cost of $50-250 per foot, this repair method may cost you with your plumbing problems about $5,000 for small jobs and as much as $12,000 for large areas. There may be additional costs for uprooting and repairing the structures above the damaged area.

2. Small-Scale Pipe Lining

Pipe relining can be the most cost-effective option for small-scale repair work where the damaged pipes are under 50 feet long. Assuming that the pipes are at an easily accessible location, experts can complete a small-scale pipe lining project for about $3000.

3. Trenchless Pipe Lining

Averaging $160 per foot, trenchless pipe relining can cost anywhere between $100 and $250 per foot, with the larger cost range accounting for critical or severe repairs.

4. Trenchless Pipe Bursting

Trenchless technologies can help fix burst underground pipes in a single day but require a higher skill level. As a result, these projects can cost a hefty $200 per foot for severe cases.

When To Contact A Trenchless Pipe Lining Expert

Regardless of which repair method you choose, the costs vary depending on various factors, including the location, length and depth of the damaged pipes, the extent of the damage, etc.

For instance, if the broken or burst pipe is located under a large tree or a sidewalk, traditional repairs would require manual removal and digging before the pipes can be accessed. In such a case, relining the pipes internally using trenchless methods can save you thousands of dollars.

However, traditional dig-and-replace may be the most affordable option if the shallow pipes have minimal obstructions. If in doubt, it is best to call in a local trenchless expert to inspect and advise according to the situation.

How Can You Choose the Best Pipe Repair Option?

Invasive tree roots, burst pipes during the winter, worn and broken pipes — pipe repairs can seem unavoidable for most homeowners. No matter how much you practice regular maintenance or if your pipes are barely 50 years old.

Before trenchless pipe lining became popular, plumbers had to uproot the entire lawn to reach the pipes underneath and repair them. Fortunately, innovative developments and non-invasive methods like pipe relining have simplified things. You can solve drain problems and fix your existing pipes without risking your building’s foundation.

However, these projects can be more expensive due to the advanced machinery and higher skill set required. At the same time, traditional methods can rack up higher bills and even double the upfront prices once the expenses for uprooting and ground-level repair work are added.

In conclusion, trenchless pipe lining paired with excellent service from an expert drain plumber can be cost-effective, but this depends on other factors. But considering how it saves you time, money, effort, and peace of mind, it may be the most affordable option. Removing the old one for a new pipe lining in your broken drain or water main is unnecessary.

For further information on the pipe relining process or if you need plumbing solutions and a drain plumber for your blocked drains and other plumbing issues, speak with one of our professionals; please call our friendly Gold Coast plumbers. We provide many options for pipe repair, including pipe relining, blocked drains, and tree roots in your pipes, and we will work with you to determine the best repair method. Call us now!

That’s all for this guide!