If you have been told your home needs pipe relining, the first question most Adelaide homeowners ask is simple. How long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it depends on the job, but most residential relining projects are finished in a single day, with more complex sewer lines sometimes stretching across two visits.
This guide walks through realistic timeframes for different types of relining jobs, what can slow a project down, and whether you need to pack a bag and stay elsewhere while the work is underway.
What Is Pipe Relining
Pipe relining is a no-dig method of repairing damaged or cracked pipes from the inside. Instead of digging up your yard or driveway to replace a broken section of pipe, a licensed plumber inserts a resin-coated liner into the existing pipe. Once the resin cures, it forms a brand new pipe within the old one, sealing cracks, root intrusions, and joint failures without any excavation.
For Adelaide homes, particularly older properties in the northern and eastern suburbs where clay pipes and tree root intrusion are common, relining has become the preferred option over full replacement in most cases. You can read more about how the process compares in our guide to pipe relining services.
Typical Pipe Relining Timeframes By Job Type
There is no single answer to how long relining takes, because the timeframe depends heavily on the length of pipe being relined, how many joints and bends are involved, and how the CCTV inspection reads before work begins.
Single Drain Relining
A single internal drain, such as a kitchen sink line or a short bathroom drain run, is usually the fastest job. Most single drain relining jobs are completed in three to five hours, including the CCTV inspection, cleaning, liner installation, and curing time. Many Adelaide homeowners are back to normal use of their plumbing by the end of the same day.
Full Sewer Line Relining
A full sewer line, running from the house to the property boundary or the council main, takes longer because of the length of the pipe and the number of joints involved. Expect a full sewer relining job to take one full working day for most standard suburban blocks. Longer runs, or homes with multiple bends and junctions, may need a second day to complete curing and final camera verification.
Difficult Access Jobs
Jobs involving hard-to-reach pipework, such as under-slab plumbing, pipes running beneath established gardens, or older homes with unusual layouts, generally take the longest. These jobs can extend to two or three days once you factor in additional CCTV diagnostics, extra cleaning passes, and sometimes a staged approach to reline in sections. Our team uses hydro jetting and CCTV drain inspection to map the full extent of the problem before quoting a timeframe, so you are not left guessing.
Pipe Relining Vs Pipe Replacement: Which Takes Longer
Traditional pipe replacement, which involves excavating trenches to physically dig out and replace damaged pipe, almost always takes longer than relining. A comparable job that takes one day with relining can take three to five days with dig and replace methods once you account for excavation, pipe laying, backfilling, and reinstating your garden, driveway, or paving.
Relining is also generally less disruptive, since there is no need to remove landscaping, pathways, or concrete. For homeowners weighing up the two options, our team can walk you through the pros and cons of each based on your specific pipe condition through our no-dig pipe repair service.
What Can Delay A Pipe Relining Job
A handful of factors can push a relining job beyond its original estimate.
- Heavy root intrusion that requires multiple cutting passes before the liner can be installed
- Unexpected pipe collapses are discovered once the CCTV camera reaches deeper sections
- Poor weather is affecting resin curing times for certain external access points
- Additional junctions or offshoots that were not visible until the inspection stage
- Access restrictions, such as pipes running beneath established trees or structures
A thorough CCTV inspection before the job starts is the best way to avoid surprises, which is why our Adelaide team always inspects and reports back before confirming a final timeframe.
Do You Need To Vacate Your Home During Relining
For the vast majority of residential relining jobs, you do not need to leave your home. Water and drainage to the affected fixture are usually only out of action for a few hours while the resin cures, and our plumbers will let you know exactly when it is safe to use the toilet, sink, or shower connected to that line again.
The only exception is if the relining job affects your only bathroom or your main sewer connection for an extended period. In these cases, our team will talk you through the timeline in advance so you can plan around it, whether that means using a neighbour’s bathroom for a few hours or simply adjusting your morning routine for a day.
Pipe Relining Process Step By Step In Adelaide
Understanding the process helps set realistic expectations for timing.
- CCTV Inspection. A camera is run through the pipe to assess the exact location, length, and severity of the damage.
- Cleaning. The pipe is cleaned using hydro jetting to remove roots, debris, and buildup, creating a smooth surface for the liner to bond to.
- Liner Installation. A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the pipe and positioned using an inflatable bladder.
- Curing. The resin is left to cure, forming a new pipe wall within the old one. Curing time varies depending on pipe length and ambient temperature.
- Final Inspection. A second CCTV pass confirms the liner has bonded correctly and the pipe is fully sealed.
FAQs
Can Pipe Relining Be Done In One Day?
Yes, for most standard residential jobs, including single drains and typical suburban sewer lines, pipe relining is completed within a single day. More complex or difficult access jobs may take longer.
How Long Does Pipe Relining Last?
A properly installed pipe relining solution typically lasts fifty years or more, similar to the lifespan of a newly installed pipe, provided the original pipe structure allows for a strong resin bond.
How Much Does Pipe Relining Cost in Adelaide?
Cost depends on the length of pipe, the number of joints and bends, and how difficult the pipe is to access. Our team always carries out a CCTV inspection first so we can provide a clear, fixed price quote before any work begins, rather than an estimate that changes once the job is underway.
Is Pipe Relining Covered By Insurance?
This depends on your individual policy and the cause of the pipe damage. Some insurers cover relining where the damage results from a sudden event, while general wear or root intrusion is often excluded. We recommend checking with your insurer directly, and we are happy to provide a written report and quote to support any claim.
Not Sure If Your Pipes Need Relining Or Replacement?
If you are dealing with slow drains, recurring blockages, or a plumber has flagged root intrusion in your pipes, the fastest way to get a clear answer is a professional CCTV inspection. Our licensed Adelaide plumbers can assess your pipes, explain your options in plain English, and give you an honest, upfront quote before any work begins. Contact Triton Plumbing & Gas today to book your no-obligation pipe relining assessment.