How long does pipe relining take?

Most residential pipe relining jobs are completed in a single day. The liner curing time is typically 30 to 90 minutes depending on the method and pipe diameter.

Does pipe relining require digging?

No — that's the main advantage. CIPP pipe relining is a trenchless process. Access is gained through existing inspection points or a small access hole, so your garden, driveway and landscaping stay intact.

What types of pipes can be relined?

Most drain pipes between 50mm and 300mm in diameter can be relined — including clay, concrete, PVC, and cast iron. Pipe condition is assessed via CCTV before relining begins.

How Does Pipe Relining Work? The No-Dig Process Explained

Q: How does pipe relining work?

Pipe relining involves inserting a resin-coated liner into the damaged pipe, inflating it to press against the pipe walls, then curing it in place with UV light or heat. The result is a smooth, structural liner inside the original pipe.

Christopher Unwin
May 2
2 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

What Is Pipe Relining?

Pipe relining — specifically CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) relining — repairs a damaged pipe from the inside without excavating it. A resin-coated flexible liner is inserted into the existing pipe, inflated against the pipe wall, and cured in place. The result is a seamless, structurally sound pipe within the original pipe. No digging. No surface damage.

Step 1 — CCTV Inspection

Before any relining work, a CCTV drain camera inspects the full length of the pipe. This shows exactly where the damage is, how extensive it is, and whether the pipe is suitable for relining. We never reline without first seeing what we're dealing with.

Step 2 — High-Pressure Jetting

The pipe is thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure water jet to remove debris, root material, grease, and any loose material. The pipe walls must be clean for the resin liner to bond correctly — a poorly prepared pipe will result in a poorly bonded liner.

Step 3 — Liner Preparation and Insertion

A fibreglass or felt liner is saturated with two-part epoxy resin. The liner is sized to match the internal diameter of the pipe. It's inserted through an existing access point — a cleanout, inspection opening, or in some cases a small access excavation — and fed to the full length of the repair area. No large trench is required.

Step 4 — Inflation and Curing

The liner is inflated with air or water pressure, pressing it firmly against the pipe wall. UV light or hot water is then used to cure the resin — turning it from a flexible liner into a rigid, structurally sound pipe. Curing takes 1–3 hours depending on liner type and pipe diameter.

Step 5 — Reinstatement and Post-CCTV

Any side connections (junctions) covered by the liner are reinstated using a robotic cutter — a small robotic device that re-opens connections from inside the pipe. A final CCTV inspection confirms the liner is properly cured and the pipe is functioning correctly. ATC Plumbing provides this post-installation inspection as standard on every job. Call 1300 282 758 to book a CCTV assessment.