If you’ve ever dealt with a damaged or blocked sewer line, you know how disruptive and costly traditional pipe repairs can be. Excavating your garden, digging through driveways, and tearing up bathroom floors – it’s the kind of mess no homeowner wants to deal with.
Fortunately, there’s a smarter, faster, and far less invasive solution that more and more Sydney homeowners are turning to: sewer pipe relining.
Also known as drain relining or trenchless plumbing, this method allows experienced plumbers to repair cracked or broken pipes without digging. And if you live on the North Shore, you’re in luck – STS Plumbing are local expert in sewer pipe relining, offering a no-fuss solution that restores your plumbing and protects your property.
Let’s unpack what pipe relining involves, why it could save you thousands, and how STS Plumbing can help.
What is sewer pipe relining?
Sewer pipe relining is a modern plumbing technique that repairs damaged pipes from the inside. Instead of digging up and replacing the old pipe, plumbers insert a resin-soaked liner into the existing pipe. This liner is then inflated and cured in place, forming a strong new pipe within the old one.
The result? A seamless, joint-free pipe that is resistant to cracks, tree root intrusion, and corrosion – all without excavation.
Because the process is trenchless, it’s ideal for tight-access sites, established gardens, paved driveways, or bathrooms where digging would be disruptive or costly.
When is pipe relining the right choice?
Pipe relining is suitable for a range of issues, including:
- Cracked or broken sewer pipes
- Tree root intrusion
- Blockages caused by internal pipe damage
- Old earthenware pipes that have started to collapse
- Leaking joints
- Pipes underneath concrete or difficult-to-access areas
If you’re experiencing recurring drain blockages, foul smells, gurgling noises or slow drainage, it’s worth investigating whether relining could be the long-term solution.
STS Plumbing can carry out a CCTV inspection of your sewer line to assess the damage and confirm if pipe relining is the right option for your home.
How sewer pipe relining works: step-by-step
Here’s what to expect if you engage STS Plumbing for a drain relining job in Lane Cove or the surrounding areas:
1. Initial inspection and diagnosis
We start with a detailed CCTV drain inspection. This allows us to see exactly what’s going on inside your pipes and determine the severity and location of the damage. We’ll provide you with a clear explanation and video footage so you can make an informed decision.
2. Drain cleaning and preparation
Before relining, we need to thoroughly clean the inside of the damaged pipe. This is done using high-pressure water jetting to remove tree roots, debris, grease, and other obstructions. A clean pipe ensures the liner bonds properly, and the new pipe is strong and secure.
3. Liner installation
Next, we insert a specially designed liner coated in epoxy resin into the pipe. Using an inversion drum or winch, we feed the liner into place so it covers the damaged section of pipe.
4. Curing the liner
Once the liner is in position, it is inflated and cured (hardened) using hot water, steam or UV light, depending on the method used. This forms a solid, seamless new pipe within the old one.
5. Final inspection and testing
After curing, we conduct a second CCTV inspection to confirm the reline has been successful and the pipe is fully sealed and ready to use. We test for flow and check for any defects to ensure a perfect result.
The benefits of pipe relining over traditional methods
Still on the fence about whether pipe relining is worth it? Here are some of the key benefits:
No excavation required
Forget jackhammers and backhoes. Pipe relining saves your lawn, garden, driveway, tiling, and other structures from being dug up. Instead, sometimes a small access hole is dug that gives us access to the entire sewer
Faster turnaround
Most relining jobs can be completed in a day, with minimal disruption to your home. Traditional pipe replacement can take several days or even weeks.
Cost-effective
While the upfront cost of relining may seem similar to replacement, you save significantly by avoiding landscaping, driveway resurfacing, or bathroom repairs.
Long-lasting results
The new pipe formed inside your old one is incredibly durable and often stronger than PVC. Most relining products come with warranties of 25 to 50 years.
Environmentally friendly
Relining reduces waste and minimises damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
Why choose STS Plumbing for drain relining on the North Shore?
STS Plumbing has been servicing the Lower North Shore for over 30 years, and pipe relining is one of our specialist services. Here’s why homeowners in Lane Cove, Chatswood, Willoughby, Artarmon, and surrounds trust us for trenchless plumbing:
- Local knowledge: We understand the common pipe materials and tree root issues found in older North Shore homes.
- Advanced equipment: We use high-quality CCTV cameras, jetting machines, and relining systems to get the job done right.
- Licensed and experienced: All relining work is performed by licensed plumbers with specialist training.
- Upfront pricing: You’ll get a clear, fixed-price quote with no hidden surprises.
- Minimal disruption: We work quickly, cleanly, and with respect for your property.
We’re not just a trenchless relining company – we’re a full-service plumbing team. That means if additional work is required, like replacing badly collapsed sections or upgrading old pipes, we can handle it seamlessly.
What does sewer relining cost in Sydney?
The cost of sewer pipe relining in Sydney varies depending on several factors:
- Length and diameter of the pipe
- Extent of the damage
- Access to the pipe
- Method of relining used (inversion, patching, UV, etc.)
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $750 and $1200 per metre, depending on the size and run. While this may seem like a significant investment, it’s often far less than the total cost of excavation, replacement, and remedial works.
STS Plumbing provides clear, upfront pricing with a detailed scope of work included. And because we’re local, we can often reduce travel and equipment costs compared to larger Sydney-based firms.
How long does pipe relining last?
When done correctly, pipe relining can last 30 to 50 years or more. Most relining products are backed by extensive manufacturer warranties, and because there are no joints or weak spots, the risk of future failure is significantly reduced.
At STS Plumbing, we only use relining products that meet Australian standards and offer long-term durability in real Sydney conditions.
Still unsure? Book a sewer inspection with STS Plumbing
The first step to solving your sewer pipe problem is a proper diagnosis. That’s where we come in.
STS Plumbing offers affordable sewer camera inspections to identify the cause of your drain issues. If relining is appropriate, we’ll explain the process, show you the footage, and provide a clear, pressure-free quote.
No digging. No mess. Just a modern solution from a plumber you can trust.
Contact us today and find out if pipe relining is right for your home. Call STS Plumbing on 9904 3074 – your trenchless plumbing experts on Sydney’s North Shore.
