Drain Relining Costs: 7 Powerful Ways to Save Big in 2025
Understanding Drain Relining Costs: Save Your Pipes and Your Budget
Drain relining costs typically range from $80-$250 per foot, with most residential jobs costing between $4,000-$20,000 total. Prices depend on pipe diameter, length, accessibility, and location. Expect to pay:
- Base setup fee: $2,500-$3,000 minimum
- Residential pipes (100mm/4″): $450-$200 per foot
- Commercial pipes (8″-12″): $250-$500 per foot
- Small sectional repairs: Starting at $3,000
- Full house relining (90 ft): Around $18,000
When your underground pipes start causing problems, the thought of excavating your yard, driveway, or garden can be as painful as the repair bill itself. Traditional “dig and replace” methods for damaged sewer and drain pipes can cost upwards of $50,000 and take 8 weeks of disruptive work for an average home.
Drain relining offers a modern alternative that can save both your landscape and your wallet. This trenchless technology creates a new pipe within your existing damaged pipe without extensive digging.
While the upfront cost might seem significant, when you factor in the avoided expenses of excavation, landscaping restoration, and potential temporary housing during lengthy traditional repairs, drain relining often emerges as the more economical choice.
Most homeowners choose relining because it can be completed in just 1-3 days with minimal disruption to your property and daily life. The new pipe liner is also designed to last up to 50 years, often with warranties ranging from 25-50 years.
Important drain relining costs terms:
– sewer pipe lining cost
– trenchless pipe repair
– main line plumbing repair cost
What Is Drain Relining & How Does It Work?
Ever wondered how plumbers fix pipes without turning your yard into an excavation site? That’s the magic of drain relining – a modern plumbing miracle that saves your landscape and your sanity!
Drain relining creates a brand-new pipe inside your existing damaged one. Instead of the old-school “dig and replace” method, we need just one or two small access points to work our magic. No more torn-up gardens or broken driveways!
The most popular approach we use at AS Plumbing and Mechanical is called Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining. Think of it as giving your old pipes a durable, seamless inner sleeve. We insert a flexible tube saturated with special resin into the damaged pipe, inflate it to press against the walls, and then let it cure and harden.
“It’s like creating a pipe within a pipe,” as our lead technician often explains. “And believe it or not, this new liner is actually stronger than many traditional pipes and can add 50+ years to your drainage system.”
Here’s what happens during a typical drain relining job:
- We perform a detailed camera inspection to map out exactly where the damage is
- High-pressure water jets blast away any debris, roots, or buildup
- The resin-soaked liner gets inserted into your existing pipe
- We inflate the liner so it presses firmly against your old pipe walls
- The resin cures (either naturally or with heat/UV light), creating a smooth new pipe
- A final camera inspection confirms everything looks perfect
For pipes that are beyond repair with standard relining, we might recommend pipe bursting instead. This technique breaks the old pipe outward while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place.
Pros & Cons of Drain Relining
Drain relining has transformed how we approach pipe repairs, but like any solution, it has its strengths and limitations.
On the bright side, your property stays intact! No more ripping up landscaping or breaking through concrete. Jobs that once took weeks now wrap up in 1-3 days. When you factor in all the costs of traditional excavation plus restoration, relining typically saves you serious money in the long run.
The new pipe is actually stronger than before and resistant to root intrusion and corrosion. With its smooth, jointless interior, water flows more efficiently. It’s also more environmentally friendly since there’s minimal soil disturbance and waste. Plus, most companies (including us!) offer warranties up to 50 years.
One happy customer from Rancho Cucamonga told us: “I was devastated thinking my beautiful garden would be destroyed to fix our sewer line. The drain relining option saved not only my garden but also thousands in landscaping restoration costs. The whole job was done in a day!”
There are a few downsides to consider, though. The upfront cost is higher than a simple spot repair (though still lower than full excavation). Your pipe diameter will be reduced by about 6%, though this rarely affects performance. And unfortunately, completely collapsed pipes or severe misalignments can’t be relined – they still need traditional repairs.
Is Your Pipe a Candidate?
Not every pipe problem can be solved with relining. Here’s how to know if your pipes are good candidates:
Drain relining works beautifully with most common pipe materials including cast iron, clay, PVC, concrete, Orangeburg, and asbestos-cement pipes. The ideal scenario is a pipe with partial damage – think cracks, leaks, or pesky root intrusion – but that still maintains its general shape.
Your pipes need to be accessible for cleaning and inspection, with diameters typically between 1.5 and 48 inches (most residential pipes are 4-6 inches). The process works best when your pipes don’t have too many sharp bends or transitions.
When might relining not be your best option? If sections of your pipe have completely collapsed, have severe misalignments, offset joints, or extensive sagging (what we call “bellying”), traditional repairs might be necessary.
The only way to know for certain is through a professional CCTV inspection. At AS Plumbing and Mechanical, we provide thorough camera inspections to map the damage and determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Want to learn more about your options? Check out our detailed guide on Trenchless Sewer Line Repair.
Drain Relining Costs & Key Cost Factors
Ever wonder what actually goes into the price of fixing your pipes without digging up your yard? Drain relining costs typically range from $80-$250 per foot (or $400-$1,000 per meter in Australia), but there’s much more to the story than just a simple price range. Let me walk you through what really affects your bottom line when it comes to this modern pipe repair method.
Key Factors Affecting Drain Relining Costs
Think of pipe size as the first big factor in your quote. Just like buying clothes, bigger sizes need more material! Pipe diameter makes a huge difference – those 3-4″ residential pipes might run you $125-$200 per foot, while commercial buildings with 8″-12″ pipes could cost $250-$500 per foot. Industrial-sized 14″-24″ pipes? You’re looking at $400-$700 per foot.
The length of your pipe matters too, but here’s some good news – longer jobs often cost less per foot. It’s like buying in bulk! Short repairs under 50 feet usually come with higher per-foot rates, while projects over 200 feet benefit from economies of scale. For example, that 3″ pipe might cost around $200 per foot for small jobs but drop to $125 per foot for extensive 3,000+ foot projects.
Your pipe’s condition plays a huge role too. Think of it like preparing a wall before painting – the worse the starting condition, the more prep work needed. Heavily scaled or root-filled pipes require extra cleaning ($250-$600), root removal ($300-$800), or dealing with severe scaling (adding 15-25% to your total).
“The biggest misconception homeowners have is comparing per-foot prices without understanding the setup costs,” our operations manager often tells customers. “Even a small 5-foot section requires the same equipment, trained technicians, and setup time as a larger job.”
Access difficulty can really impact your bill. Deeper pipes, lines running under structures, or pipes in multi-story buildings all require special equipment and more labor hours. Similarly, each junction or bend in your pipe system needs special attention, with junction reinstatement running $750-$850 each and custom Y/T liners costing $1,000-$1,500.
Perhaps most important to understand is the minimum job size. No matter how small your repair, there’s a price floor because of basic equipment mobilization ($2,500-$3,000) and specialized equipment costs ($3,000-$5,000 minimum charge).
Typical Cost Ranges
Let me break down what real homeowners typically pay for common projects:
For residential work, small sectional repairs under 50 feet usually run $3,000-$4,000. A standard 3-bedroom home needing 50-75 feet of relining might cost $6,000-$12,000, while a full sewer lateral at 90 feet approaches about $18,000. Nationwide, the average project costs around $2,900, with most jobs falling between $1,900-$6,000.
Commercial projects follow a different scale. Those 8″-12″ pipes cost around $500 per foot for the first 200 feet, then drop to $250 per foot for 200-1,000 feet, and can go as low as $75 per foot beyond 1,000 feet. Larger 14″-24″ pipes start higher at $700/ft for shorter runs but can drop to $150/ft for extensive projects.
We recently completed a project in Upland that perfectly illustrates the value proposition. A customer with a 75-foot sewer line running under an expensive stamped concrete patio paid $11,500 for relining. The traditional excavation quote? A whopping $28,000 plus another $9,000 for concrete restoration. That’s a $25,500 difference!
For even more detailed pricing information, check out our comprehensive guide on Sewer Pipe Lining Cost.
Hidden & Additional Expenses
When budgeting for your project, don’t forget these potential extra costs that can catch homeowners off guard:
Before we even start relining, you might need a camera inspection ($175-$350, sometimes up to $1,350 for complex systems), hydro-jetting to clean the pipes ($250-$800), or descaling to remove buildup ($300-$1,000).
Permits and regulations vary widely by location. Standard permits typically run $50-$200, but council permits for work affecting public property start at $1,750, and road closure permits can cost a shocking $2,000 per lane per day. There’s real science behind these permit fees, as outlined in this research from Sydney.
Some situations require additional services like traffic control ($850 per day), bypass pumping for active commercial lines ($1,000-$3,000 daily), or emergency service premiums (20-50% above standard rates).
Though relining minimizes landscape damage, some restoration costs might still apply if access points require digging: lawn replacement ($500-$1,000 per pallet), landscaping (up to $1,000 per square meter), or driveway/patio repair ($3,000-$10,000).
At AS Plumbing and Mechanical, we pride ourselves on transparent, all-inclusive quotes. We don’t want you facing surprise charges halfway through your project.
Cost Estimator Formula
Want a ballpark figure before calling us? Industry professionals often use this formula:
Cost = Pipe Length × Pipe Diameter × Depth × Network Complexity + Base Fee
Each factor matters: pipe length (in feet or meters), pipe diameter (larger = higher cost), depth (deeper = harder access), network complexity (bends, junctions, access issues), plus a base fee covering mobilization and minimum charges.
For example, imagine a 50-foot, 4-inch pipe at standard depth with a few bends. The calculation might look like: 50 feet × $150 per foot × 1.0 (standard depth) × 1.2 (moderate complexity) + $2,500 base fee = $11,500.
This formula gives you a starting point, but for an accurate quote custom to your specific situation, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection. Every home is unique, and we’d love to help you understand exactly what your project will involve.
To learn more about trenchless options and costs, take a look at our detailed guide on Trenchless Pipe Lining Cost.
Drain Relining vs Traditional Pipe Replacement
When facing pipe problems, homeowners often wrestle with a crucial decision: opt for modern trenchless drain relining or stick with traditional dig-and-replace methods? Understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice that saves both money and headaches.
Cost & Time Comparison
I’ve seen the relief on homeowners’ faces when they learn about the differences between traditional excavation and trenchless relining. The numbers tell a compelling story.
Traditional excavation isn’t just about replacing a pipe – it’s about dealing with the aftermath. Most standard jobs run between $4,000-$13,000, but extensive work can skyrocket to $50,000-$60,000. The pipe replacement itself costs about $50-$250 per foot, but then come the hidden expenses: $7,500-$10,000 for landscape restoration and potential hotel stays while your home is torn apart ($125-$300 per night adds up quickly!).
The real kicker? Traditional methods can disrupt your life for 2-8 weeks. Imagine heavy equipment tearing through your yard, jackhammers breaking up your driveway, and piles of dirt everywhere. One customer described it as “looking like an archaeological dig site” – not exactly what most homeowners want.
By contrast, trenchless relining offers a much gentler approach. Drain relining costs typically range from $1,900-$6,000 for standard jobs (averaging around $2,900), with more extensive work maxing out around $20,000. The per-foot cost runs between $80-$250, with an average of about $160 per foot. But here’s the beautiful part – most jobs wrap up in just 1-3 days with minimal disruption to your property and daily life.
I recently worked with a family in South Florida that perfectly illustrates this contrast. Their 2,000-square-foot home had 90 feet of cast-iron drains under the slab that needed replacement. The traditional quote came in at $50,000 with an 8-week timeline, plus hotel and storage costs. Our trenchless solution? $18,000, completed in just 3 days.
“The math simply made sense,” the homeowner told me afterward. “We saved over $30,000 and didn’t have to live in a hotel for two months while our home was torn apart.”
For restaurant owners and other businesses, the savings can be even more dramatic. A restaurant owner in Riverside shared: “The quote for traditional replacement would have closed us down for three weeks. With relining, we were back in business the next day—the savings in lost revenue alone paid for the entire project.”
When Digging Still Makes Sense
Despite the many advantages of trenchless methods, I’m always honest with customers about situations where traditional excavation might actually be the better option.
Completely collapsed pipes present the biggest challenge for relining. When pipes have fully collapsed, there’s simply no viable pathway for the liner to travel through. Similarly, severely misaligned pipes with major offsets or bellies may require excavation to properly correct the underlying structural issues.
For very shallow pipes that are near the surface and easily accessible, traditional digging might cause minimal disruption while potentially costing less. Budget constraints can also be a factor – in some cases, a small sectional excavation might actually cost less than meeting minimum relining charges, which typically start around $3,000.
Finally, if you need a complete system redesign where the existing layout requires significant changes, traditional methods might make more sense. Sometimes your plumbing layout itself is the problem, not just the pipe condition.
“We’re honest with our customers,” I tell people all the time at AS Plumbing and Mechanical. “If we believe traditional methods would be more cost-effective or appropriate for their specific situation, that’s what we’ll recommend. Sometimes a small dig to fix a collapsed section combined with relining the rest provides the best value.”
For commercial properties with complex systems, we often recommend a hybrid approach that minimizes disruption while addressing all issues effectively.
Learn more about when trenchless methods make the most financial sense in our detailed guide on Trenchless Pipe Lining Cost.
Lifespan, Insurance, Warranties & Choosing a Contractor
When you invest in drain relining, you want to know your money is well-spent on a solution that lasts. Let’s talk about what you can expect long-term, how to protect your investment, and how to find a contractor who won’t let you down.
Lifespan & Warranty Expectations
Good news—modern drain relining isn’t just a quick fix. When done right, it creates a remarkably durable new pipe that can outlast many of us!
Modern relined pipes typically last 50+ years, with some manufacturers boasting laboratory tests suggesting up to a century of use. That’s not just marketing talk—the epoxy resin creates a pipe that’s actually four times stronger than standard PVC.
“The beauty of these liners is they form a completely seamless pipe with no joints for roots to exploit,” explains our senior technician at AS Plumbing and Mechanical. “Once that resin cures, you’ve got a super-strong pipe that stands up to all the usual suspects—roots, corrosion, ground movement—you name it.”
Most reputable companies back their work with 25-35 year warranties, while premium providers might offer 50-year or even lifetime guarantees. These warranties typically cover the structural integrity, water-tightness, and resistance to root intrusion.
When we finish a relining job, we always provide a final camera inspection video so you can see the completed work and keep it as documentation for your warranty.
Are Relined Pipes Covered?
Let’s talk about a question that catches many homeowners by surprise: “Will my insurance cover my relined pipes?”
Standard homeowners insurance policies typically don’t cover sewer line repairs or relining as a default. These policies focus on sudden, unexpected damage to your home—not gradual pipe deterioration.
However, you have options:
Sewer line endorsements can be added to many policies for an additional premium. These specialized riders specifically cover service line repairs, including relined pipes in many cases.
If you’re considering relining, it’s worth calling your insurance agent to discuss coverage options. Some forward-thinking insurance companies now recognize that proactive relining prevents costlier emergency situations down the road.
When dealing with insurance claims, documentation is your best friend. Keep detailed records of any camera inspections, past repairs, and maintenance. Having professional assessment from a licensed plumber can significantly boost your chances of claim approval.
“We’ve helped dozens of homeowners steer the claims process,” says our customer service team. “Sometimes it’s just about knowing how to properly document the damage and communicate with the adjuster.”
Picking the Right Pro & Getting Quotes
Choosing who will handle your drain relining project might be the most crucial decision in the entire process. A job done right will serve you for decades—a job done poorly might need to be redone entirely.
Start by verifying the basics: proper licensing, insurance coverage (both liability and workers’ comp), and specific training in drain relining technologies. This isn’t general plumbing work—it requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Experience matters tremendously with drain relining. Ask potential contractors how many similar projects they’ve completed and request before-and-after photos of previous work. Don’t be shy about asking for references from past customers with similar projects.
Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true—they usually are. Quality drain relining requires proper preparation, premium materials, and skilled labor. Unusually low bids often indicate corners being cut, whether in materials, preparation, or warranty coverage.
A trustworthy contractor will:
– Provide a free camera inspection before quoting
– Break down all costs clearly in writing
– Explain their specific relining method and why they use it
– Detail how they’ll handle pipe junctions
– Offer a clear, written warranty
– Provide post-installation video proof of quality
“The questions customers ask tell me a lot about how educated they are on the process,” shares our owner at AS Plumbing and Mechanical. “Smart customers ask about junction reinstatement, preparation procedures, and warranty details—not just the bottom-line price.”
When getting quotes, make sure they include the base setup fee, per-foot costs, any junction work needed, permits, and clean-up. The more detailed the quote, the fewer surprises you’ll face later.
A quality relining job might cost more upfront but save thousands over time by avoiding repeat repairs or premature failure. When you consider the drain relining costs against the decades of trouble-free service you’ll receive, the value becomes clear.
For more detailed guidance on finding the right service provider for your specific needs, check out our comprehensive guide on Sewer Line Repair Service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drain Relining Costs
How much does drain relining cost per foot?
When budgeting for your project, understanding the drain relining costs per foot helps you prepare for the investment. For most homes, you’ll typically pay between $80-$250 per foot, with the national average hovering around $160 per foot.
Commercial buildings face higher rates, usually $175-$225 per foot, while larger industrial pipes (8″-24″ diameter) can cost anywhere from $250-$700 per foot.
One thing that surprises many homeowners is that regardless of how small your project might be, most companies (including us at AS Plumbing and Mechanical) have minimum charges between $2,500-$3,000. This covers bringing specialized equipment to your property and setting everything up properly.
Your final per-foot price depends on several factors:
– The size of your pipes (bigger pipes need more materials)
– How damaged your pipes are (heavily scaled pipes need extra work)
– How easy it is to access your pipes (pipes under concrete cost more)
– The total length being relined (longer jobs may qualify for bulk discounts)
How long will a relined pipe last?
Good news! When professionally installed, your relined pipe should last at least 50 years, with many manufacturers testing their products to last a century or more. Most companies back this up with serious warranties ranging from 25-50 years, and some premium services even offer lifetime guarantees.
“I tell my customers to think of it as a one-and-done solution,” shares our senior technician. “The epoxy resin creates something that’s actually stronger than the original pipe in many cases.”
These modern liners create a seamless pipe without joints (where most problems typically start). They resist root intrusion, don’t corrode like metal pipes, rarely crack, prevent scale buildup, and stand up to household chemicals that might damage other materials.
This is especially valuable when replacing aging clay or cast iron systems that were never designed to last as long as today’s materials.
Is drain relining noisy or disruptive?
If you’re worried about your home turning into a construction zone, you can breathe easy. Unlike traditional excavation that can turn your yard into a muddy mess for weeks, drain relining is surprisingly civilized.
“The difference is night and day,” explains one of our recent customers in Rancho Cucamonga. “My neighbor had traditional pipe replacement last year and couldn’t use their backyard for a month. Our relining was done in a day with just a small work area near the cleanout.”
The process involves:
– Small access points instead of long, deep trenches
– Equipment that runs at reasonable noise levels (think vacuum cleaner, not jackhammer)
– Minimal vibration throughout your home
– No heavy machinery tearing up your landscaping
– Brief water service interruption (usually less than a day)
Most homes can be completed in 1-3 days with minimal impact on your daily routine. If you’re running a business, we can often schedule work to minimize disruption to your operations.
Can I use my drains during the relining process?
You’ll need to be a bit patient during the process, but it’s not as restrictive as you might think. Here’s what to expect:
During the initial inspection and cleaning phase, you can still use other drains in limited ways. When we’re actively installing and curing the liner (typically 3-5 hours), you’ll need to completely avoid using water. After curing but before our final inspection, limited use is possible again. Once we’ve completed the project, you can return to normal use.
We’ll give you specific guidance based on your home’s plumbing configuration. For most families, the restrictions are a minor inconvenience compared to the weeks of disruption from traditional pipe replacement.
Are there any ongoing maintenance costs for relined pipes?
One of the hidden benefits of relined pipes is their low maintenance requirements. The smooth interior surface and lack of joints actually make them less prone to clogs and buildup than traditional pipes.
That said, we do recommend:
– Having a camera inspection every 5-10 years (just to be safe)
– Following normal drain care practices (no grease down the drain, please!)
– Calling a professional if you notice slow drains or unusual sounds
At AS Plumbing and Mechanical, we offer maintenance plans that include regular check-ups to keep your system flowing perfectly for decades. Think of it as preventative care that costs far less than emergency repairs.
Can drain relining be done in sections or must the entire line be relined?
You don’t always need to reline everything—we can often target just the troubled areas, which can save you money. We offer several approaches:
Patch relining works great for single-point damage, like when a root has created one specific crack. Sectional lining covers longer damaged portions while leaving intact pipe alone. Full-length lining provides comprehensive rehabilitation from end to end.
“We had a customer in Upland who was quoted $15,000 for complete relining, but after our camera inspection, we finded only one 10-foot section was damaged,” recalls our operations manager. “We did a sectional repair for $3,800 and saved them over $11,000.”
The right approach depends entirely on your specific situation, which is why we always start with a thorough camera inspection before recommending solutions.
For more detailed answers about drain relining and what might work best for your home, visit our comprehensive sewer repair services page.
Conclusion
When sewer problems strike, knowing your options and their drain relining costs can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches. While the upfront price tag might make you pause, the true value becomes crystal clear when compared with traditional dig-and-replace methods—especially when you consider your beautiful landscaping, minimal disruption to your daily life, and the speed of completion.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned:
Drain relining costs typically fall between $80-$250 per foot, with most homeowners spending between $4,000-$20,000 for their complete project. Even small jobs start around $2,500-$3,000 because of the specialized equipment and setup required. But remember—this investment creates a new, stronger pipe within your damaged one that will likely outlast many other components of your home.
The change happens quickly too. While your neighbors might spend weeks watching excavators tear up their yard, your relining project wraps up in just 1-3 days. And that new pipe? It’s built to last 50+ years with warranties that typically cover you for 25-50 years of worry-free drainage.
Here at AS Plumbing and Mechanical, we’re not just pipe professionals—we’re your neighbors. Our family-owned business serves Upland, Riverside, and surrounding communities with the kind of honest assessment and clear pricing we’d want for our own homes.
“When we come to your house, we’re thinking about what we’d recommend to our own parents or grandparents,” shares our founder. “Sometimes that’s relining, sometimes it’s a different approach—but it’s always the solution that makes the most sense for your specific situation and budget.”
Dealing with slow drains or worried about those aging pipes before they create an emergency? We’d love to help with a free camera inspection and straightforward consultation. Our team stands ready 24/7 for emergency services throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties, and we often have same-day appointments available.
Don’t let those drain problems wash away your savings or destroy your property. Modern, minimally invasive drain relining might be exactly the solution you’ve been hoping for.
Ready to learn more or schedule your consultation? Visit our sewer repair services page or give us a call today. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your home and your wallet.
