PIPE RELINING MELBOURNE
Fix cracked, broken, or tree-root-damaged pipes without digging up your yard, driveway, or garden. DemRev connects you with Melbourne's best pipe relining specialists — backed by up to 50 years warranty.
A NEW PIPE INSIDE YOUR OLD ONE
Pipe relining is a trenchless technology that repairs damaged underground pipes from the inside — without excavation. A flexible, resin-saturated liner is inserted into your existing pipe, inflated to fit the pipe's shape, and cured to form a rock-hard new pipe within the old one.
The result is a seamless, joint-free pipe that's actually stronger than the original. It's resistant to tree root intrusion, corrosion, and cracking — and it comes with a warranty of up to 50 years.
For Melbourne homeowners dealing with recurring blocked drains, sewage smells, slow drainage, or tree root problems, pipe relining is often the smartest long-term solution — saving thousands compared to traditional excavation and replacement.
HOW PIPE RELINING WORKS
CCTV Pipe Inspection
A high-definition camera is fed through your drainage system to identify exactly where the damage is, what's causing the blockage, and the overall condition of your pipes. You'll see the footage in real time.
High-Pressure Cleaning
Before relining, the pipe is cleared of all debris, tree roots, scale, and grease using a high-pressure water jetter. This ensures a clean surface for the liner to bond to.
Liner Preparation
A flexible felt or fibreglass liner is cut to the exact length needed and saturated with a two-part epoxy resin. The liner is calibrated to your pipe's diameter for a precise fit.
Insertion & Inflation
The resin-coated liner is inserted into the pipe through an existing access point (usually a drain opening or inspection shaft). It's then inflated with air pressure so it presses firmly against the pipe walls.
Curing
The resin cures and hardens — either at ambient temperature (4–6 hours) or with UV light or hot water for faster results (1–2 hours). Once cured, the liner becomes a rigid, structural pipe.
Final CCTV Inspection
A second camera inspection confirms the reline is perfect — smooth, sealed, and free of defects. You receive before-and-after footage and a warranty certificate for your records.
PIPE RELINING VS TRADITIONAL EXCAVATION
| Factor | Pipe Relining | Traditional Dig |
|---|---|---|
| Disruption to property | Minimal — no digging | Major — trenches through yard, driveways, landscaping |
| Time to complete | Usually 1 day | 3–7 days plus restoration |
| Cost | 30–50% less overall | Higher — includes excavation, backfill, restoration |
| Warranty | Up to 50 years | Typically 10–15 years |
| Tree root resistance | Excellent — joint-free | Roots re-enter at joints |
| Pipe strength | Stronger than original | Same as original |
| Property restoration needed | None | Landscaping, concrete, paving |
TYPES OF PIPES WE RELINE
Modern relining technology works on virtually all pipe materials and sizes found in Melbourne homes and businesses.
Clay & Terracotta
The most common pipes in Melbourne homes built before 1970. Prone to cracking, root intrusion at joints, and collapse. Ideal candidates for relining.
PVC & Plastic
Found in homes from the 1970s onwards. While durable, PVC pipes can crack from ground movement, poor installation, or heavy loads above the pipe.
Cast Iron
Common in older Melbourne homes and commercial buildings. Cast iron corrodes from the inside over decades, causing rough surfaces that catch debris and cause blockages.
Concrete & Earthenware
Found in stormwater drains and older sewer mains. These large-diameter pipes respond well to relining and can be repaired without disrupting roads or driveways.
Pipes from 50mm to 600mm in diameter can be relined. Our specialists handle sewer drains, stormwater pipes, downpipe connections, and junction repairs.
COMMON WARNING SIGNS
🔁 Recurring Blocked Drains
If you're calling a plumber every few months to clear the same drain, the pipe itself is likely damaged.
🌳 Tree Roots in Pipes
Roots seek out moisture at pipe joints. Relining eliminates joints entirely, permanently blocking root entry.
💧 Slow Draining Fixtures
Sinks, showers, or toilets draining slowly often indicate a partially collapsed or root-blocked pipe downstream.
😷 Sewage Smell
Cracked pipes can leak sewer gas into your yard or even inside your home through cracks in the sub-floor.
🌊 Damp Patches in Yard
Unexplained wet spots, lush patches of grass, or sinkholes can indicate a leaking underground pipe.
🐀 Pest Activity
Rats and cockroaches use broken sewer pipes as highways into your home. Sealing the pipe cuts off their access.
PIPE RELINING COSTS IN MELBOURNE
* Prices are estimates including GST. Costs depend on pipe diameter, length, access, and condition. A CCTV inspection provides the basis for an accurate quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does pipe relining last?
A properly installed pipe reline has a lifespan of 50 years or more. Most reputable relining companies offer product warranties of 35–50 years. The epoxy resin and fibreglass liner used in modern relining is extremely durable — it’s resistant to corrosion, root intrusion, and chemical damage.
How much does pipe relining cost in Melbourne?
Pipe relining in Melbourne typically costs $400–$800 per metre for standard 100mm household drains, and $500–$1,000+ per metre for larger pipes. A standard residential reline of 5–15 metres runs $3,500–$8,000. Costs depend on pipe diameter, length, accessibility, and the number of junctions. Read our full pipe relining cost guide for a detailed breakdown.
Does pipe relining reduce the pipe diameter?
Yes, but minimally. The liner is typically 5–6mm thick, so a 100mm pipe becomes approximately 88–90mm internally. This slight reduction does not affect flow in residential applications — the smoother interior surface of the liner actually improves flow compared to an old, rough, or root-damaged pipe.
Can you reline pipes under a house or driveway?
Yes — this is one of the biggest advantages of relining. Because it’s a no-dig process, pipes under concrete slabs, driveways, landscaping, and buildings can be repaired without excavation. For many Melbourne properties where pipes run under the house, relining is the only practical option short of major demolition.
Is relining approved by Melbourne Water and councils?
Yes. Pipe relining complies with AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards and is approved for use in Melbourne. All relining work must be carried out by a VBA (Victorian Building Authority) licensed plumber. Your relining contractor will issue the necessary compliance certificates.
What if my pipe is completely collapsed?
If a pipe has fully collapsed or lost its shape, relining isn’t suitable — there’s nothing for the liner to sit against. In these cases, excavation and pipe replacement is required. However, a CCTV inspection will determine the extent of the damage, and in many cases pipes that appear severely damaged can still be relined.
How long does pipe relining take?
Most residential pipe relining jobs are completed in 1–2 days. A single section of pipe can often be relined in a few hours. The process includes CCTV inspection, pipe cleaning, liner preparation, installation, and curing. UV curing can harden the liner in under an hour, while ambient curing takes 4–12 hours.
Is pipe relining cheaper than pipe replacement?
In most residential situations, yes. Pipe relining typically costs $3,500–$15,000 compared to $5,000–$25,000+ for traditional replacement. But the real savings come from avoiding excavation and restoration — you don’t need to dig up and rebuild your driveway, landscaping, or concrete slab. When you factor in total project cost including restoration, relining is almost always cheaper.
What types of pipes can be relined?
Most common pipe types found in Melbourne homes can be relined, including clay (terracotta), PVC, cast iron, concrete, and earthenware pipes. Clay pipes are especially common in Melbourne homes built before the 1980s and are excellent candidates for relining due to their tendency to crack and allow root intrusion at joints. Read our full guide on how pipe relining works.
Do I need a CCTV inspection before relining?
Yes, and you should be wary of any company that quotes without one. A CCTV drain camera inspection identifies the exact location, type, and severity of pipe damage. It confirms whether relining is the right solution and provides the measurements needed to prepare the liner. The inspection typically costs $250–$500 and is often included in the relining quote.
Can tree roots come back after relining?
No. A properly installed reline creates a seamless, jointless pipe inside the old one. Tree roots typically enter pipes through cracks and joints — once these entry points are sealed by the liner, roots cannot penetrate the pipe again. This is one of the key long-term benefits of relining over simple drain clearing.
GET YOUR FREE PIPE RELINING QUOTE
Start with a CCTV inspection to see exactly what's happening inside your pipes. We'll match you with specialist relining contractors in your area — up to 50-year warranty included.