Can You Reline Small Sections of Pipe?

When a pipe develops a crack, leak or tree root intrusion, it is easy to assume the entire pipe needs to be dug up and replaced. Fortunately, that is not always the case. Modern trenchless pipe repair technology can allow plumbers to target a damaged section without replacing the whole pipeline.

So, can you reline small sections of pipe? In many cases, yes. Depending on the condition, diameter, location and accessibility of the pipe, a sectional repair or patch relining solution can be used to restore a localised area of damage.

For homeowners and businesses looking for less disruptive plumbing solutions, patch relining pipe repairs can provide an effective alternative to traditional excavation work and replacement.

What Is Patch Relining?

Patch relining is a form of trenchless pipe repair designed to address damage in a specific section of an existing pipe. Rather than replacing an entire length of pipe, a specialist installs drain relining materials, a resin-based patch directly over the damaged area.

The patch is positioned inside the existing pipe and cured in place, creating a strong, sealed section that reinforces the damaged area.

This approach is particularly useful when a CCTV inspection identifies an isolated problem such as:

• A small crack or fracture
• A leaking joint
• Localised corrosion
• Tree root intrusion
• A small section of structural deterioration
• A hole or damaged section of pipe

Reline-A-Pipe describes sectional point or patch repair as a method for targeted repairs where only a small section of the pipe is damaged.

The important point is that patch lining pipe repairs are not necessarily the same as relining an entire pipeline. The repair can be focused on the specific area that requires attention.

Can You Really Reline Just a Small Section?

Yes, provided the pipe is suitable for the chosen repair method of trenchless pipe relining.

Before any relining work begins, the sewer or stormwater pipe should generally be inspected using CCTV equipment. This allows a specialist to determine exactly where the problem is and assess the condition of the surrounding pipe.

A CCTV inspection can reveal whether the damage is genuinely isolated or whether there are multiple areas of deterioration throughout the pipeline.

If the problem is confined to one small section and the existing pipe remains suitable for rehabilitation, a sectional repair may be an appropriate option. If the pipe has extensive damage, multiple failures or has lost its structural integrity over a larger area, a longer liner or another repair method may provide a better long-term solution.

This is why professional assessment is so important. The smallest repair is not necessarily the best repair if the rest of the pipe is also failing.

How Do Patch Relining Pipe Repairs Work?

While the exact process depends on the pipe and repair system being used, the general procedure involves several stages.

1. CCTV Pipe Inspection

The first step is identifying the problem. A CCTV camera can travel through the pipe, allowing technicians to locate cracks, breaks, roots, displaced joints and other defects.

This provides a much clearer picture than simply digging where a problem is suspected.

2. Cleaning the Pipe

The damaged section needs to be accessible and prepared before the patch can be installed. Depending on the condition of the pipe, high-pressure water jetting or specialised equipment may be used to remove debris, grease, scale or tree roots.

Proper preparation is important because the repair needs to make effective contact with the existing pipe.

3. Positioning the Patch

A resin-impregnated patch is positioned at the damaged section of the pipe using specialist equipment. The technician uses the CCTV system to help ensure the repair is located accurately.

This is one of the major advantages of patch drain relining sectional repair: the work can be concentrated precisely where it is required.

4. Curing the Repair

Once the patch is correctly positioned, it is pressed against the inside of the existing pipe while the resin cures.

Once cured, the patch forms a hardened structural repair over the damaged area, helping seal the defect and restore the integrity of the pipe.

5. Final Inspection

A further CCTV inspection can be used to check the completed repair and confirm that the affected section has been properly addressed using the trenchless technology.

What Are the Benefits of Patch Relining?

One of the biggest reasons property owners consider patch relining pipe repairs is the potential to solve a localised problem with pipeline rehabilitation without carrying out extensive excavation.

Less Excavation

Traditional pipe replacement can require excavation to expose the damaged pipe. Depending on its location, that could mean disturbing gardens, driveways, concrete slabs, flooring or other structures.

Trenchless repair methods can significantly reduce this disruption because the repair is performed from within the existing pipeline. Reline-A-Pipe’s pipe relining services are specifically designed around no-dig or minimal-destruction repairs.

Targeted Repair

If only one section is damaged, there may be little reason to replace a much longer length of otherwise serviceable pipe.

Patch repair allows the focus to remain on the defective area rather than a full pipe reline or replacement.

Potentially Faster

A small, localised repair can be considerably less involved than excavating, removing and replacing a section of underground pipe, although the actual timeframe depends on the condition and accessibility of the pipe.

Less Property Disruption

Avoiding excavation can mean less disturbance to landscaping, concrete, paving and other structures above the pipe. This could also mean it is a much more cost-effective solution when it comes to commercial or industrial pipe repairs.

For homeowners, this can be one of the most attractive benefits of trenchless plumbing repairs.

Is Patch Relining Better Than Replacing the Pipe?

There is no single repair method that is right for every situation.

Traditional replacement can still be appropriate when a pipe is severely collapsed, inaccessible to relining equipment or damaged across a large section. In other situations, pipe relining or sectional patch repair may provide a practical alternative.

The choice should be based on the actual condition of the pipeline rather than simply the visible symptom.

For example, imagine a CCTV inspection finds one cracked joint in an otherwise structurally sound sewer pipe. Replacing several metres of underground pipe could be unnecessary if the isolated defect can be successfully repaired from inside.

On the other hand, if an inspection reveals extensive cracking, multiple failed joints and significant deterioration throughout the line, a longer relining system may be more appropriate.

Reline-A-Pipe offers a range of relining technologies and notes that different systems are suited to different pipe sizes, materials and repair requirements.

What Types of Pipe Damage Can Be Repaired?

The suitability of patch relining depends on the individual pipe, but localised repairs can be considered for several common problems.

Cracks and Fractures

Small cracks can allow water to escape or groundwater and surrounding material to enter the pipeline. If the damage is isolated, a sectional repair may be possible.

Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are a common cause of recurring drainage problems. Roots can enter through cracks and joints, where they find moisture and nutrients.

The affected section must first be cleared and cleaned. A structural repair can then help seal the defect that allowed the roots to enter.

Pipe relining is commonly used to address root-damaged sewer lines, with the new pipe / drain relining helping seal cracks and joints against future intrusion.

Leaking Joints

A failed or displaced joint can create a localised leak. Depending on the pipe’s condition and configuration, a sectional repair may be used to seal the affected area.

Localised Corrosion

Older metal pipes can suffer from corrosion over time. Where deterioration is limited to particular sections, a specialist may be able to recommend a targeted internal repair.

When Is Full Pipe Relining More Appropriate?

Patch relining is designed for localised problems. If your CCTV inspection reveals damage throughout a longer section of pipe, installing a continuous liner may make more sense.

Full or longer-section pipe relining creates a new pipe within the existing host pipe. Reline-A-Pipe’s Blueline system, for example, uses a resin-impregnated liner to create a new structural pipe within the existing pipe and can be used on a wide range of pipe materials and sizes.

Another option is inversion lining, which Reline-A-Pipe says can reline a continuous length of up to 50 metres and is particularly suited to pit-to-pit sewer and stormwater lines.

The key is choosing the repair technology based on the problem rather than assuming that every damaged pipe needs the same treatment.

How Do You Know Which Repair You Need?

The best starting point is a professional CCTV pipe inspection.

Instead of guessing where the damage is located, a camera inspection can identify the precise position and nature of the problem. From there, a qualified pipe relining, trenchless solutions specialist can determine whether you need:

• A sectional or patch repair
• A longer pipe liner
• Complete pipe replacement
• Drain cleaning and root removal
• Another specialist rehabilitation method

Reline-A-Pipe recommends CCTV inspection to assess pipe condition and determine the most suitable relining technology for the site.

This diagnostic stage can also prevent unnecessary excavation. Rather than digging first and discovering the extent of the problem afterwards, the pipe can be assessed from inside.

Why Choose a No-Dig Pipe Repair?

For many properties, the biggest attraction of trenchless pipe rehabilitation is that the pipe can potentially be repaired without destroying everything above it.

A damaged sewer line beneath a driveway, garden, concrete slab or commercial floor can be difficult and expensive to access using traditional excavation.

No-dig techniques can reduce the amount of excavation and restoration required, helping minimise disruption to the property.

Reline-A-Pipe provides residential, commercial and industrial pipe relining services and has operated in the industry for more than 20 years. The company offers several relining technologies for different pipe types and applications.

Get the Right Repair for Your Pipe

So, can you reline small sections of pipe? In many circumstances, yes. If damage is isolated, patch relining pipe repairs can provide a targeted way to rehabilitate the affected section without replacing the entire pipe.

However, the right solution depends on what is happening inside the pipeline. A CCTV inspection is the best way to determine whether the problem is isolated or part of a larger pattern of pipe deterioration.

If you have recurring blockages, tree root intrusion, leaks, cracks, damp areas or other signs of damaged underground pipes, don’t assume excavation and replacement are your only options.

Reline-A-Pipe can inspect your pipes and recommend the most appropriate no-dig repair solution for your property. With specialist equipment and a range of relining technologies available, our team can assess whether a small sectional repair, full relining solution or another approach is the best fit for your pipe.