What Is Pipe Relining and Do I Need It?

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining is a plumbing technique designed to address issues within existing pipelines without the need for extensive replacements.

During the pipe relining process, a flexible and durable resin-coated liner is inserted into the damaged or deteriorating pipe, creating a new pipe within the original one.

Once the damaged section is identified, it is cleaned, and the resin-coated liner is introduced into the pipe through methods such as inversion or pulling through:

• Inversion Method: This involves inserting a resin-coated liner turned inside out into a damaged pipe, flipping it right-side-out as it progresses, and curing the resin for reinforcement.
• Pulling Through Method: In this approach, a resin-coated liner is pulled through a damaged pipe, coating its interior and conforming to its shape, with the resin undergoing curing for durability.

The resin undergoes a curing process, typically facilitated by steam, heat, or UV light, transforming it into a solid lining.

Pipe relining is particularly common in situations where traditional pipe replacement would be excessively disruptive and costly, such as in drainage systems and sewer lines.

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What Is The Difference Between Pipe Relining and Repiping?

Despite providing similar services, pipe relining and repiping are inherently different.

Pipe relining is a targeted and sometimes less disruptive alternative to repiping, making it a strong choice for pipes that may cause significant disruptions if they are repiped, such as sewer lines and drainage systems.

Repiping is a comprehensive solution that involves the complete replacement of existing pipes, providing an entirely new plumbing infrastructure. This method is particularly advantageous in situations where widespread issues, such as corrosion, leaks, or deteriorating materials, are prevalent. We have a detailed article on the most frequently asked questions about repiping.

Repiping ensures the elimination of all potential problems, offering a fresh start with durable materials like copper piping or PEX tubing. For more information about these two materials, you can read our article Should I Repipe My House With Copper Piping Or PEX Tubing?

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Pipe Relining vs. Repiping: Why You Should Choose Repiping

Although pipe relining is a useful plumbing technique, when it comes to the fresh water lines entering your home, you should always choose a full home repipe over pipe relining.

Repiping addresses not only immediate concerns but also mitigates potential future issues that might arise with aging or deteriorating pipes.

While pipe relining may fix temporary problems in your plumbing, it won't address the effects of systemic plumbing issues in your home. Other plumbing issues such as outdated CPVC piping, old polybutylene pipes, leaks under slabs, pinhole copper leaks, or failing galvanized plumbing will require repiping in order to permanently solve the problem.

Here at Repipe Specialists, our full home repipes are designed for efficiency, ensuring a smoother repiping process. We have perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ process and can typically complete a full home repipe in just one or two days.

We route all your new plumbing through the central manifold into walls, ceilings, and attics, minimizing disruptions to your daily life during the project. Feel free to contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our local repipe consultants.

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Get a Quote for Your Home Repipe

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991 using both copper piping and PEX tubing. We continually get positive customer feedback from customers about their overall home repipe experiences. We often exceed their expectations on:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.

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