Drain Relining & Pipe Patching

Repair damaged underground drains without unnecessary excavation.
The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor provides trenchless drain relining and targeted pipe patching for suitable cracked, leaking or root-damaged drainage pipes.

Using CCTV drain inspection and modern relining technology, our licensed plumbers can identify damaged sections and determine whether the pipe can be repaired from the inside rather than fully excavated and replaced.

Upfront pricing. Licensed plumbers. Professional drain repair solutions.

40+ Years Experience

Licensed & Insured

24/7 Service

Fixed Pricing

Work Guaranteed

What Is Drain Relining?

Drain relining is a trenchless pipe repair method that creates a new lining inside an existing damaged pipe.

Instead of excavating the entire drain, a specially prepared liner is positioned inside the affected section and cured to form a new internal surface.

Relining may be suitable for problems such as:

Cracked drainage pipes
Damaged pipe joints
Tree-root intrusion through cracks or joints
Localised deterioration
Recurring blockages caused by pipe damage
Leaking underground drains
Sections of pipe that remain structurally suitable for relining

The pipe must first be inspected to determine whether relining is appropriate.

What Is Patch Relining?

Patch relining is used when damage is limited to a smaller section of pipe.

Rather than lining a longer section, a targeted patch can be positioned over the damaged area to repair isolated cracks, joints or defects.

Patch repairs may be appropriate where:

Damage affects only a short section
A single joint has failed
Root intrusion is entering through a specific defect
The rest of the drain remains in reasonable condition

Our plumbers assess the drainage system before recommending either patch repair, longer-section relining or another repair method.

When Is Drain Relining a Good Option?

Drain relining may be worth considering when the pipe is damaged but does not require complete replacement.

Common situations include:

Recurring Tree-Root Intrusion

Roots often enter underground drains through existing cracks or damaged joints. Clearing the roots may restore flow temporarily, but if the point of entry remains damaged, the blockage can return. Where suitable, relining can repair the damaged section after the drain has been properly cleared and inspected.

Cracked or Leaking Drain Pipes

Cracks can allow water to escape and surrounding soil or roots to enter the drainage system.

CCTV inspection can help locate the affected section before the appropriate repair is recommended.

Damaged Pipe Joints

Older or deteriorated joints can shift, crack or separate over time. Targeted patching may be suitable where the damage is localised.

Pipes Beneath Driveways or Landscaping

Where a damaged drain runs beneath landscaped areas, paving or driveways, trenchless repair may reduce the amount of excavation required compared with full replacement.

When Drain Relining May Not Be Suitable

Relining is not the correct solution for every damaged drain.

Full or partial replacement may be required where:

The pipe has completely collapsed
Sections are badly deformed
The drainage line has major structural failure
The existing pipe cannot support a liner
Multiple sections require extensive reconstruction
Access or pipe condition makes relining impractical

If replacement is the better option, our plumbers will explain why.

Our Drain Relining & Patching Process

1. CCTV Drain Inspection

We inspect the drainage system using a CCTV drain camera where required to locate cracks, damaged joints, root intrusion or other defects. This helps us understand the extent and location of the problem before recommending repairs.

2. Drain Clearing & Preparation

Before relining, the affected pipe needs to be properly cleaned. High-pressure water jetting or other professional drain-clearing equipment may be used to remove roots, debris and buildup so the repair area can be prepared.

3. Liner or Patch Placement

A prepared liner or repair patch is positioned inside the damaged section of pipe.

The exact method depends on the type, location and extent of the damage.

4. Curing

The liner is cured in position, creating a new internal repair layer within the existing drain.

5. Final Inspection

Where appropriate, the repaired section can be reinspected to confirm that the repair has been positioned correctly and the drainage line is flowing properly.

Benefits of Trenchless Drain Relining

Less Excavation

Because repairs are completed from inside the existing drainage line, relining can reduce the need to dig up large areas of the property.

Targeted Repairs

Patch relining can repair isolated defects without replacing sections of pipe that are still serviceable.

Suitable for Difficult-to-Access Pipes

Relining may be particularly useful where pipes run beneath driveways, landscaped areas or other surfaces that would otherwise require significant excavation.

Addresses the Damaged Pipe

Drain clearing removes an obstruction. Relining goes a step further by repairing suitable pipe damage that may be contributing to recurring problems.

Long-Term Repair Option

When correctly installed in a suitable pipe, drain relining can provide a durable alternative to traditional excavation and replacement.

Drain Clearing, Relining or Replacement – What Do I Need?

These services solve different drainage problems.

The pipe is blocked but still structurally sound

→ Drain Clearing
Professional drain-clearing equipment is used to remove the obstruction and restore flow.

The pipe is damaged but suitable for repair

→ Drain Relining or Patching
The damaged section may be repaired internally without replacing the entire drain.

The pipe is collapsed or severely damaged

→ Drain Replacement
Full or partial replacement may be the better long-term solution.

Not sure which one you need?

Start with our complete Blocked Drain Services guide.

Signs Your Drain May Need More Than Clearing

A recurring blockage may be caused by underlying pipe damage rather than just debris.

Signs worth investigating include:

The same drain repeatedly blocks
Tree roots keep returning after clearing
Several drains are affected
CCTV inspection shows cracks or failed joints
Water is escaping from underground pipework
Sections of the property remain unusually wet
The drain has previously required repeated clearing
Older underground pipes are deteriorating

A professional inspection can help determine whether the drain simply needs clearing or whether repair work should be considered.

Why Choose The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor?

40+ Years of Plumbing Experience

The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor has been helping customers with plumbing and drainage problems for decades.

Licensed & Insured Plumbers

Our plumbers are qualified and insured to carry out professional drainage and pipe repair work. NSW Licence: 389600C ACT Licence: 20251449

CCTV Drain Diagnostics

Where appropriate, we use CCTV drain cameras to help identify the exact location and extent of underground pipe damage.

Upfront Pricing

We explain the recommended repair and pricing before approved work begins.

Repair Options Explained Clearly

Relining is not automatically recommended for every damaged drain. If clearing, patching, relining or replacement is the better option, we’ll explain the difference so you can make an informed decision.

Workmanship Guarantee

We stand behind the plumbing work we complete in accordance with the applicable service terms and conditions.

Drain Relining Across Our Service Areas

Our plumbing teams provide drain inspection and repair services across our core NSW and ACT service regions.

Depending on availability and the condition of the drainage system, relining or patch repair may be available in areas including:

For a blocked drain that first needs diagnosis or clearing, visit our Blocked Drain Services hub.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drain Relining

Is drain relining the same as replacing a pipe?

No. Relining repairs the inside of an existing pipe, while replacement removes and replaces part or all of the damaged drainage line.

The right option depends on the condition of the existing pipe.

Do you need to dig up the yard for drain relining?

Relining is designed to reduce the need for traditional excavation. Some access work may still be required depending on the drainage system and repair location.

Can relining repair tree-root damage?

Relining may be suitable where roots have entered through cracks or damaged joints and the underlying pipe remains suitable for repair.

The roots normally need to be removed and the pipe inspected before relining.

Do you clear the drain before relining?

Yes. The affected pipe needs to be properly cleaned and prepared before a liner or patch can be installed.

How do you know where the pipe is damaged?

A CCTV drain camera may be used to inspect the inside of the drainage system and locate cracks, root intrusion, damaged joints and other problems.

Can every damaged drain be relined?

No. Severely collapsed, deformed or structurally unsuitable pipes may require replacement instead.

Is patch relining different from full relining?

Yes. Patch relining targets a smaller damaged section, while longer relining may cover a more extensive length of pipe.

How long does drain relining take?

Timeframes depend on the length and condition of the pipe, access, preparation required and the type of repair being completed. Your plumber can explain the expected timeframe after inspecting the drainage system.

What happens if my drain is too damaged to reline?

If relining is not suitable, we can discuss drain or sewer replacement options.

Need a Damaged Drain Inspected?

If your drain keeps blocking or CCTV inspection has identified cracked or damaged pipework, talk to The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor about the available repair options.

We can inspect the drainage system and determine whether clearing, patch relining, trenchless repair or replacement is the appropriate solution.

Licensed plumbers. Upfront pricing. Professional drain diagnostics.