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Yes. Where before, a cracked or otherwise broken sewer pipe meant extensive excavation, high restoration costs and significant disruption to the surrounding property. Nowadays, trenchless sewer relining offers an alternative that allows many damaged sewer pipes to be repaired from the inside without the need to excavate gardens, roads or unnecessarily open floors and walls.
For contractors and service providers, understanding when a damaged sewer pipe can be relined instead of replaced creates opportunities to offer customers a faster, less disruptive and more cost-effective repair solution. However, not every damaged pipe is suitable for trenchless repair. The type and extent of the damage, as well as the structural condition of the pipe, determine whether relining is the right approach for repairing the sewer pipes.
How Do You Repair a Damaged Sewer Pipe Without Excavation?
Using what is called “trenchless sewer repair” for fixing the broken pipes. Trenchless sewer repair refers to a range of methods used to repair damaged sewer pipes without extensive excavation. Instead of replacing the entire pipe, the damage is repaired from within the existing pipeline, reducing the need to dig up roads, gardens or unnecessarily open floors and walls.
One of the most common trenchless methods is sewer relining. A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and cured in place, creating a new, seamless pipe inside the old one. This restores the pipe’s structural integrity while extending its service life.
You can read more about how it works here.
Can Every Broken Sewer Pipe Be Repaired Without Any Excavation?
No. While trenchless sewer relining is suitable for many types of damaged sewer line repairs, it isn’t the right or viable solution in every situation. Before any repair begins, the pipe should ideally be inspected using CCTV equipment to assess its condition and determine whether relining is possible.
As long as the existing pipe retains its basic shape and structural stability, relining can restore its performance without excavation. Sewer relining is often an effective solution for pipes with:
- Cracks and fractures
- Leaking joints
- Root intrusion
- Corrosion
- Minor structural deterioration
In some cases, traditional excavation cannot be avoided. This typically applies to pipes that have:
- Completely collapsed
- Lost large sections of the pipe wall
- Severe deformation
- Incorrect gradients or alignment issues
Why Choose Sewer Relining Instead of Traditional Excavation?
For many sewer pipe repairs, trenchless sewer relining offers clear advantages over traditional excavation. Rather than replacing the existing broken pipe, relining restores it from the inside, reducing disruption while delivering a durable, long-term repair.
| Sewer Relining | Traditional Excavation |
| Minimal excavation required | Extensive excavation is often required |
| Minimal disruption to roads, gardens and buildings | Restoration work is typically needed after the repair |
| Faster installation | Longer project timelines |
| Lower restoration costs | Higher labour and reinstatement costs |
| Creates a seamless, corrosion-resistant pipe | Requires replacement of the existing pipe |
Want to Learn How to Repair Damaged Sewer Lines?
Get in touch with us at Repiper. We provide everything you need to build and grow a successful relining company. Whether you’re an installer, a reseller, or a property owner looking for a reliable solution – we’ve got the method, the tools, the training, and the support to make it happen.
We’d highly recommend joining the Repiper Academy, our 5 day training course to learn how to repair a cracked/broken/damaged sewer pipe using the relining method. You will get the full know-how of our method to be able to offer it to your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cracked sewer pipe be repaired?
Yes, in many cases. If the pipe is structurally stable, sewer relining can repair cracks from the inside without the need for extensive excavation. A CCTV inspection is used to determine whether the pipe is suitable for relining.
Can a broken sewer pipe be repaired without digging?
Often, yes. Trenchless sewer relining allows many broken sewer pipes to be repaired internally, avoiding the need to excavate roads, gardens or unnecessarily open floors and walls. However, severely collapsed or deformed pipes may still require excavation.
Is trenchless sewer repair permanent?
When installed correctly, sewer relining provides a durable, long-term repair. Modern relining systems create a seamless, corrosion-resistant pipe within the existing pipeline and are designed to provide decades of reliable service.
How do you know if a pipe can be relined?
The first step is a CCTV pipe inspection. This allows the contractor to assess the condition of the pipe, identify the type and extent of the damage, and determine whether trenchless sewer relining is the most appropriate repair method.
What types of sewer pipes can be relined?
Sewer relining can be used on many common pipe materials, including clay, cast iron, concrete and PVC. The suitability depends on the condition of the existing pipe rather than the material alone.
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