Signs you need pipe relining help
- A camera survey shows cracks or open joints
- Tree roots keep growing back into the drain
- The damaged pipe runs under a drive, patio or extension
- You want to avoid digging up a garden
Pipe Relining: what the job involves
Pipe relining repairs a damaged drain from the inside, while leaving the ground above alone. The engineer pulls a resin-soaked liner into the old pipe. They then inflate it so it presses against the pipe wall. Once the resin sets hard, it forms a new pipe inside the old one.
Relining suits cracks, loose joints and small holes. It also seals the gaps that let tree roots in. Because there is no trench, your garden, drive or patio stays in place. That makes it a good fit for drains under paving or extensions.
Every relining job starts with a camera survey. The engineer cleans the pipe by jetting, then checks the damage and measures the run. After the liner sets, they run the camera again to check the repair. However, relining does not suit a pipe that has fully collapsed or lost its shape.
How the job goes
- 1. Survey and clean The engineer surveys the pipe and jets it clean.
- 2. Fit the liner They pull in the liner and inflate it until the resin sets.
- 3. Check the repair They run the camera again to check the new lining.
Typical costs
Relining costs vary, because they depend on the length of pipe, its size and how easy it is to reach. A camera survey first, at about £85 to £350 (MyJobQuote and Precise Drainage, 2026), shows what the job involves. Your engineer then quotes for the repair. If the damage is in a shared lateral drain, the water company should pay instead.
Around Wolverhampton
Many homes around Wolverhampton have old clay drains running under yards and extensions. Digging those up can mean lifting a patio or breaking into a floor. Because relining works from the manholes, it often avoids that. The survey shows whether your drain is suitable.
Pipe Relining: frequently asked questions
How long does pipe relining last?
A liner can last many years once the resin has set, although it depends on the pipe and the ground around it. Your engineer can explain what to expect for your drain.
Does relining make the pipe narrower?
Slightly, because the liner adds a thin layer inside. However, a smooth liner often flows better than a cracked old pipe. The engineer checks the size before starting.
Can every drain be relined?
No, because a liner needs a pipe that still holds its shape. A pipe that has fully collapsed usually needs digging out. The camera survey shows which option suits your drain.
How long does relining take?
Many relining jobs take a day or less. However, the time depends on how much pipe needs lining and how long the resin takes to set. The engineer gives you a timeframe before starting.