Drain and Pipe Relining Cost Guide: What to Expect

Drain and Pipe Relining Cost Guide: What to Expect

Typically, expenses are the first thing that come to mind when experiencing any plumbing issue. Plumbing costs vary significantly depending on your required service and the extent of the damage. Pipe relining costs are no exception to that rule. This guide will discuss the nuances of relining pipes and the factors that cause the cost to fluctuate. While every situation is different, this can give you better insight into what the process could cost you!

Understanding Localized Repairs

It’s essential to take note that pipe relining is generally a very localized repair. Even when the entire line needs replacing, this method is quick when executed by a professional. However, is pipe relining worth it?

Yes, in the right situations, it can be an absolute life (and budget) saver.  The best way to truly determine the cost of service is to contact your local plumbing professional for an assessment and a quote. Localized repairs which don’t require ample labour will be easier on your budget than those that demand more traditional digging methods.

Factors that Affect Drain Pipe Relining

There’ll always be factors specific to situations that affect the cost of plumbing services. Most professionals can provide you with a service quote before moving forward, but generally, this is what we’ll consider.

  1. Age and Condition of the Pipes: The age of your pipes affect the effectiveness of drain pipe relining. Older lines are more prone to corrosion and wear, making the lining process more difficult. If old pipes are broken down and severely worn away, it may be impossible to reline them at all.
  2. Level of Cleaning Required: The level of cleaning required for your pipes is a significant player in how much the relining process will cost. Pipes that are incredibly clogged with debris will take longer to clean than those that aren’t and, therefore, are more labour-intensive.
  3. Pipe Accessibility: Your professional plumbing team will need to assess the location of your pipes and determine how accessible they are before drawing up a quote. Some jobs are much more straightforward than others, and access difficulty will definitely factor into your quote.
  4. Pipe Size: The pipe size can impact the time it takes to reline it. Smaller pipes require less material and less time to reline, while larger pipes need more material and take more time to complete.
  5. Pipe Material: Different types of pipes require varying techniques to reline them effectively. We can usually use PVC, so this isn’t an issue for most people. However, if you need something else to reline your drain pipes, you couldn’t be looking at a heftier cost.
  6. Root Infiltration: If tree roots or other organic matter has infiltrated the pipes, this can complicate the relining process. Your plumber will remove the roots before relining begins, which can add time and cost to the process.
  7. Job Size: Job size is crucial in calculating how much a plumbing job will cost, and this extends to drain relining. The sheer number of pipes that need replacing could cause your expenses to go up, as it’s often charged according to a pipe relining cost per metre.
Pipe Relining Requirements

Before your plumber gives you an estimate, their team will check your pipes to see if they meet relining requirements. Relining pipes is an incredibly effective solution, but we can’t deny that it doesn’t work for every plumbing system. Successful pipe lining demands a few requirements, and they include:

  • The pipes in need of relining must be greater than 5 cm in diameter
  • Pipes must not be highly fragile or in danger of breaking when lined
  • If the pipes are back-pitched (incorrectly sloped) or collapsed, relining is not an option

If your pipes don’t meet the requirements for relining, you’ll likely have to face excavation costs. However, an expert plumbing team can quickly evaluate your pipes and determine if they can be relined during your initial inspection. It’s helpful to know what to expect when assessing if your pipes are a candidate for trenchless repair and, more importantly, what to expect if they’re not.

Defining Your Costs

So how much does pipe relining cost? The actual price of commercial pipe relining depends on many factors. Still, your plumber will give you a quote before starting work and update you accordingly throughout the process, which is relatively fast. Pipe relining can start around $2,000 for the first metre of pipe (which includes labour and materials) and then may go down to $600 to $650 for each subsequent metre.

Of course, you can always contact more than one plumber for a relining sewer pipes cost guide, but it’s challenging to get a final number without an initial inspection, and most companies will only provide that information once they have access to the job site. When you suspect your pipes need relining, the most proactive thing you can do is contact someone to evaluate the situation and then determine numbers from there.

Pipe Relining for Commercial Properties

At Luke Ginger Plumbing, we offer pipe and drain relining for properties in various locations. Our team works around the clock catering to our clients in need, and we’re more than happy to come to look at your sewer lines and provide you with the necessary information regarding job logistics and cost quotes.

Please reach out to us with any questions you have regarding the process. We look forward to working with you!