Damaged pipes don’t always require extensive excavation or costly pipe replacement. If your sewer or stormwater drain has a localised crack, leaking joint or isolated section of damage, an epoxy resin patch relining pipe repair could be an effective way to restore its integrity without digging up your property.
At Reline A Pipe, we specialise in innovative no-dig pipe repair solutions for residential, commercial and industrial properties across NSW. Using modern relining technology, our team can assess pipe damage and determine whether a targeted patch repair or a more extensive relining solution is the right approach.
Let us explain how patch relining works as trenchless solutions, when it’s suitable, and why it can be a practical alternative to traditional pipe repairs when it comes to disruption and the structural integrity of your home of business.
What Is Patch Relining Pipe Repair?
Patch relining pipe repair is a trenchless method used to repair a specific damaged section of an existing pipe from the inside. Rather than excavating the ground to access the damaged area, a specialised resin-saturated liner is positioned inside the pipe and secured against the affected section.
Once the resin cures, the patch forms a strong, sealed lining over the defect, helping restore the pipe’s integrity and reduce the risk of leaks or further deterioration to the relined section.
Unlike full-length pipe relining, which typically rehabilitates a longer section of pipe, patch relining focuses on a particular problem area. This makes it a useful option when the surrounding pipe remains structurally sound.
Depending on the pipe’s condition, location and accessibility, patch relining may be suitable for certain sewer drains, stormwater pipes and other compatible drainage systems.
How Does Patch Relining Work?
The patch relining process involves several important steps to help ensure the repair is positioned correctly and performs as intended.
1. CCTV Drain Camera Pipe Inspection
The first step is to inspect the pipe using specialised CCTV drain inspection equipment. A CCTV camera allows our technicians to identify the location and extent of the damage through the CCTV footage without unnecessary excavation.
This on-site inspection helps determine whether the defect is suitable for a localised patch lining repair or whether another solution would provide a better long-term result.
2. Cleaning and Preparing the Pipe
Before installing the patch lining, the affected section must be prepared. Depending on the condition of the pipe, this may involve removing debris, clearing blockages or using specialist equipment to remove obstructions that could interfere with the repair.
Proper preparation helps the repair liner make effective contact with the pipe wall. This is usually done with Hydrojet Drain Cleaning methods. A high pressure water jetter that will gently clean and clear the drains of any blockages and debris.
3. Positioning the Repair Patch
A specially prepared liner saturated with suitable epoxy liner resin is positioned inside the pipe at the damaged section. Using the appropriate installation equipment, the liner is placed accurately over the defect and pressed against the internal pipe surface.
Correct positioning is essential to ensure the damaged area is adequately covered.
4. Curing the Liner
Once positioned, the cured-in-place-liners are held against the pipe wall while the resin cures. The curing method depends on the materials and system used. There are other methods available like UV relining, as opposed to traditional relining or patch repairs.
After curing, the resin coated liner patch forms a hardened lining over the damaged section, helping seal the defect and reinforce the pipe locally.
5. Final Inspection
A follow-up CCTV inspection can be used to check the completed repair and confirm that the patch is correctly positioned.
This final check provides a visual record of the result and helps verify that the repaired section is ready for service, subject to the system’s requirements.
When Is Patch Relining the Right Solution?
Patch relining is generally best suited to isolated defects in pipes that remain in reasonable structural condition overall.
Depending on the findings of a professional inspection, it may be appropriate for:
- Localised cracks: Small cracks that compromise the pipe wall and allow water to escape or enter.
- Damaged pipe joints: Certain joint separations or displacements that create leakage points.
- Localised root intrusion: Defects where tree roots have entered through a damaged section or joint.
- Minor isolated damage: Specific sections affected by impact, accidental penetration or other localised defects.
- Leaks beneath hard surfaces: Suitable pipe damage beneath driveways, concrete, paved areas or finished floors where excavation would be disruptive.
Not every damaged pipe is suitable for patch relining. Pipes with widespread deterioration, multiple significant defects or extensive structural failure may require full pipe relining or conventional replacement. Whether you need residential pipe relining or commercial pipe relining, your drainage or pipes can be inspected for this type of drain pipe patch repair.
A CCTV inspection is the best starting point for identifying the most appropriate repair method.
The Benefits of Patch Relining Pipe Repair
Minimal Disruption to Your Property
One of the main advantages of patch relining is that it can often be completed without digging up the damaged pipe. This may help protect driveways, gardens, landscaping, tiled areas and other finished surfaces.
For properties where pipes run beneath buildings or other difficult-to-access areas, avoiding excavation can be a significant advantage.
A Targeted and Cost-Effective Repair
When damage is limited to one section of an otherwise sound pipe, repairing that area may be more economical than replacing a much longer section.
The overall cost will depend on the pipe’s location, condition, accessibility and the equipment required. An inspection helps establish whether a targeted repair is a suitable option.
Efficient Repair Times
Because patch relining avoids many of the excavation and reinstatement tasks associated with traditional repairs, it can reduce the time and disruption involved in suitable jobs.
Actual completion times vary according to the condition of the pipe, preparation requirements, access and curing method.
Reinforces the Damaged Section
Once cured, the repair liner forms a durable internal layer over the affected area. This helps seal the defect and reinforce the repaired section when the system is correctly installed and suitable for the application.
Suitable for Many Hard-to-Reach Pipes
Underground drains and pipes beneath buildings, concrete slabs or paved areas can be difficult and expensive to access. Where the pipe and damage are suitable, patch relining provides a way to address the defect internally rather than exposing the entire section.
Patch Relining vs Full Pipe Relining: What’s the Difference?
Although both methods use trenchless technology, they serve different purposes.
Patch relining targets a specific damaged area. It can be appropriate when a pipe has one or a small number of isolated defects and the surrounding pipe remains in suitable condition.
Full pipe relining rehabilitates a longer section of pipe, making it worth considering when there are multiple defects or more widespread deterioration.
The best solution depends on the inspection findings, pipe material, diameter, condition and access requirements.
At Reline A Pipe, our approach is to identify the underlying problem and recommend a repair method that suits the pipe and the property, rather than assuming every issue requires the same solution.
Why Choose a No-Dig Pipe Repair Solution?
Traditional pipe repairs can involve excavating soil, removing concrete or lifting finished surfaces to access damaged pipework. After the repair, these areas may also need to be reinstated.
No-dig repair techniques can reduce the need for this additional work when the damage is accessible from inside the pipe and suitable for relining.
For homeowners, this can mean less disruption to gardens, driveways and outdoor living areas. For commercial and industrial properties, reducing excavation may also help limit interference with access, operations and surrounding infrastructure.
Reline A Pipe has been providing pipe relining services since 2004, with solutions for residential, commercial and industrial drainage systems. Our services include CCTV inspections, drain cleaning, robotic cutting and pipe relining to help diagnose and address a range of pipe problems.
How Do You Know If Your Pipe Needs Repair?
Pipe damage is not always visible from the surface. However, certain warning signs may indicate that your drainage system needs professional attention.
Look out for:
- Recurring blocked drains or slow drainage.
- Persistent unpleasant odours around drains.
- Unexplained damp patches or water pooling.
- Signs of water damage near pipework.
- Repeated drainage problems despite clearing blockages.
- Tree roots or other obstructions affecting underground drains.
These symptoms can have several causes, so they don’t automatically mean patch relining is required. A CCTV drain inspection can help identify the source of the problem and establish whether patch repair, full relining or another plumbing solution is appropriate.
Addressing pipe damage early may also help prevent a localised issue from becoming more extensive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Patch Relining Pipe Repair
What is patch relining pipe repair?
Patch relining pipe repair is a trenchless technique that uses a resin-saturated liner to repair an isolated damaged section of pipe from the inside. Once cured, the liner forms a sealed patch over the defect without requiring conventional excavation in suitable applications.
Does patch relining require excavation?
In many cases, no. Patch relining is designed to repair accessible pipe defects internally, reducing or eliminating the need to dig up the affected area. Access points and preparation requirements depend on the specific pipe layout and condition.
Can patch relining fix cracked pipes?
Yes, certain localised cracks can be repaired using patch relining. The suitability of the method depends on the severity and location of the crack and the structural condition of the surrounding pipe.
Is patch relining better than replacing a pipe?
Neither option is best for every situation. Patch relining may be more practical for isolated damage in an otherwise sound pipe, while extensive deterioration or severe structural failure may require full relining or pipe replacement. A professional inspection helps determine the most appropriate option.
How long does patch relining take?
The time required depends on access, pipe preparation, the location and severity of the damage, and the curing method. Suitable localised repairs may be completed relatively quickly compared with excavation-based repairs, but an accurate timeframe requires an assessment of the job.
Is patch relining suitable for sewer and stormwater pipes?
It can be suitable for certain sewer and stormwater pipe defects, provided the pipe material, diameter, condition and repair requirements are compatible with the relining system being used.
How much does patch relining cost?
The cost depends on factors such as the location of the damaged section, pipe size, accessibility, preparation work and the number of defects. A CCTV inspection and assessment can help establish the scope of work and provide a more accurate quote.
Restore Your Pipes With Reline A Pipe
If you have a cracked, leaking or damaged drain, patch relining pipe repair may provide an effective way to address the problem without the disruption of unnecessary excavation.
The key is identifying the cause of the damage and choosing a repair method that suits the condition of the pipe. Whether your property needs a targeted patch repair or a more comprehensive relining solution, Reline A Pipe can help you understand your options.
Our team provides no-dig pipe repair solutions for residential, commercial and industrial properties across NSW, backed by experience in modern pipe relining techniques.
Need help with a damaged pipe?
Contact Reline A Pipe on 02 9649 3981 or request a quote and discuss the right solution for your property.
Feel free to contact our team for any inquiries regarding residential or commercial quotations.
You can call the team at Reline-A-Pipe in Sydney on (02) 9649 3981 or contact us online.
