You’ve cleared the blockage, but your plumber tells you the pipe’s cracked. Now comes the big decision — reline or replace. In Bayside’s older suburbs like Brighton, Hampton, and Beaumaris, that choice isn’t just about price. It’s about access, longevity and avoiding damage to your home.
This article breaks down the differences so you know when to dig and when to go trenchless.
What Pipe Relining Actually Is
Pipe relining (also called CIPP – Cured-In-Place Pipe) creates a new pipe inside your existing one. After a CCTV drain inspection, a resin-soaked liner is inserted and cured to form a smooth, seamless, watertight layer. The result? No joints, no root entry points, and a stronger pipe than before.
Trenchless relining means no digging through driveways or gardens — a huge advantage in tight Bayside blocks.
When Relining Wins
Long runs of clay pipes with cracked joints.
Pipes under driveways, paths or landscaping.
Time-sensitive repairs where digging isn’t practical.
Homes where tree roots return after every jet clean.
It’s clean, fast and restores flow the same day. No excavators, no re-concreting, no mess.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
Relining isn’t a silver bullet. If the pipe has collapsed completely or has a major backfall (sloping the wrong way), you must excavate. Shallow, short sections in easy soil are often cheaper to replace outright.
Replacement uses new PVC pipe, tested and compliant with VBA standards.
Cost & Disruption Comparison
| Factor | Relining | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Average duration | Same day | 1 – 3 days |
| Excavation needed | None | Yes |
| Surface damage | Minimal | High if under driveways |
| Approx cost | Thousands | Varies – often higher after reinstatement |
| Lifespan | Decades | Decades |
| Best for | Long runs + difficult access | Collapsed sections or wrong grade |
In short: if the pipe’s structurally sound enough for a liner, relining is almost always cheaper and cleaner.
The CCTV-First Rule
Never guess. A CCTV drain inspection after jet cleaning reveals defects, depths and pipe material so you can make an informed decision.
Real Examples Across Bayside
Hampton: treet roots under driveway → sectional relining, one day job.
Mentone front yard: cracked pipe → sectional relining, one day job.
Brighton back yard: tree roots through broken pipe → sectional relining, one day job.
Environmental and Warranty Benefits
Relining produces minimal waste and protects groundwater. All Ezy-Plumb liners come with long warranties and are tested after installation. We supply before-and-after CCTV footage for your records.
For local environmental requirements, see EPA Victoria.
When to Call Ezy-Plumb
If you’re seeing slow drains or recurring blockages, don’t wait until the pipe fails completely. Our licensed team performs CCTV inspections, high-pressure jetting and pipe relining throughout Brighton, Sandringham, Hampton, Cheltenham, Beaumaris, St Kilda, Caulfield and Mentone.
👉 Call Ezy-Plumb for fast, reliable service across Bayside Melbourne
FAQs About Relining vs Replacement
Is relining cheaper than replacement?
Usually — once you factor in landscape and driveway repairs.
How long does relining last?
When installed to spec, liners last for decades and carry long warranties.
Can I reline part of a pipe?
Yes. Sectional repairs are common and cost-effective.
Do you replace pipes too?
Yes — when collapsed or grade issues make relining not possible.
