Sewer Relining — Internal Pipe Rehabilitation

Sewer relining is an internal rehabilitation method in which a new pipe layer is installed inside the damaged sewer pipe without having to excavate the old pipe or demolish structures. In this method, a resin-saturated liner is pulled into the old pipe and cured in place, forming a new, seamless pipe inside the old one.

Relining is an especially beneficial method when the sewer pipe runs inside structures, underground, or in otherwise hard-to-reach locations. It is considerably faster and more affordable than traditional pipe replacement and does not require extensive demolition work.

The relining method has several significant advantages over traditional pipe replacement:

• No excavation — yards, floors, or walls do not need to be opened
• Fast completion — relining can typically be done within a single day
• Cost-effective — savings can be 30–60% compared to traditional pipe renovation
• Long-lasting — a relined pipe has a service life of at least 50 years
• Seamless structure — the new pipe has no joints through which roots could penetrate
• Minimal disruption — occupants do not need to vacate for an extended period

Relining is excellently suited for both repairing individual pipe sections and rehabilitating entire sewer systems.

Sewer relining proceeds through the following stages:

• Camera inspection — the pipe condition is surveyed with a camera before relining
• Cleaning — the old pipe is thoroughly cleaned with pressure flushing and mechanically if needed
• Liner installation — the resin-saturated liner is pulled inside the old pipe using compressed air or water
• Curing — the resin is cured with UV light, steam, or warm water, forming a hard, seamless pipe
• Post-inspection — the quality of the finished relining is verified with a camera inspection

The entire process typically takes one working day, after which the sewer can be used normally within just a few hours.

The price of relining depends on the length and diameter of the pipe section to be repaired and the site conditions. Prices start from approximately 500 euros for relining a single pipe section. Factors affecting the price include:

• Length of the section to be relined (meters)
• Pipe diameter and material type
• Preparatory work (cleaning, branch connections)
• Curing method
• Site accessibility

Relining an entire property's sewer system can cost several thousand euros, but it is still considerably more affordable than traditional pipe renovation where structures are opened and pipes are replaced entirely.

Relining is excellently suited for most sewer pipe repair needs:

• Repairing cracks and leaks
• Rehabilitating corroded pipes
• Repairing root damage
• Sealing joints

However, relining is not suitable for all situations. If the pipe has completely collapsed, sagged significantly, or its diameter has changed substantially, traditional pipe replacement may be the only option. Very small pipes (under 50 mm) can also be challenging to reline. A camera inspection before relining reveals whether the method is suitable for the particular property.