Underground pipe damage can be a major headache for homeowners, especially if you’re not sure which repair method is right for your home. You might have heard of pipe relining and dig-and-replace as common solutions, but knowing which one to choose depends on your home, your pipes, and the ground conditions around you. In this post, we’ll walk you through both repair options and how they work. You’ll also learn which method is better suited to common issues in Ipswich, like blacksoil movement, tree root intrusion, and ageing pipes.
Why Pipes Usually Fail in Ipswich
Pipe problems are common across many parts of Ipswich, especially in older suburbs. Several factors can cause pipes to crack, shift, or collapse over time:
1. Reactive Blacksoil
Many homes in Ipswich sit on highly reactive blacksoil, which expands during wet weather and contracts during dry spells. The movement puts pressure on underground pipes, causing them to crack or shift out of place. If this continues, pipe joints can separate or collapse entirely.
2. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are constantly hunting for moisture, and cracked or unsealed pipes give them a way in. Once roots reach the pipe, they can spread quickly and block the flow. The growing pressure often causes breakage of full collapse.
3. Ageing Infrastructure
Many older homes still have original clay or earthenware pipes from decades past. These materials aren’t built to withstand the soil pressure and movement compared to modern pipe materials. As the years go by, they become brittle and much more prone to failure.
4. Accidental Damage
We also receive a far number of calls from customers who have accidentally destroyed pipes whilst digging in their yard. That’s why we always suggest that you visit Before You Dig (formerly known as Dial Before You Dig) and access free site plans of your property to identify where plumbing and other utilities are located on your property before you conduct any digging or earthworks.
Pipe Relining vs. Dig-and-Replace: Which One is Right for You?
Option 1: Pipe Relining
Pipe relining is a trenchless repair method that fixes damaged pipes from the inside. It works by inserting a flexible liner soaked in resin into the existing pipe through an access point. Once cured, the liner forms a solid and seamless pipe inside the original one, sealing cracks and blocking root entry without digging.
This method is ideal if the pipe is mostly intact but has cracks, gaps, or root intrusion. It’s commonly used in homes where pipes run underneath house slabs, sealed patios, or driveways, and excavation would be too disruptive or expensive.
Pros:
- No digging required and minimal disruption to surrounding area
- Fast process, often completed within the day
- Creates a durable, jointless pipe resistant to future root intrusion
- Great for homes with hard-to-access areas
Cons:
- Higher cost per metre than traditional replacement
- Not suitable for pipes that have fully collapsed or are severely misaligned
- Doesn’t address soil movement or realignment
Option 2: Dig-and-Replace
Dig-and-replace is the traditional method of repairing damaged pipes through excavation, where the affected section is dug up and replaced with new pipework. It involves digging a trench to access the faulty pipe, removing the damaged sections, and replacing them with new pipes that meet current standards. Once the repair is complete, the area is backfilled and any disturbed surfaces are restored.
This method is best for situations where the pipe is severely damaged, collapsed, or misaligned. It’s also useful when the surrounding soil needs to be stabilised or when there’s a need to inspect the full extent of ground movement. While relining can be effective in certain cases, some repairs call for full excavation due to access issues, deep pipe locations, or unstable soil,
Pros:
- Suitable for pipes that are fully collapsed, dislodged, or corroded
- Allows full visual inspection of the pipe and the surrounding ground
- Often more affordable for short or easily accessible pipe runs
Cons:
- Major disruption to lawns, gardens, concrete, or driveways
- Slower process with potential weather-related delays
- May involve extra costs for site restoration
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to pipe repairs. It really depends on what kind of damage you’re dealing with, how easy it is to access the pipe, and what’s sitting above it. If your pipes are mostly intact and run underneath things like driveways or gardens, relining is usually the least disruptive option. But if the pipe has collapsed or shifted out of place, digging it up and starting fresh might be the better fix in the long run.
If you’re not sure what’s going on, the easiest way to get clarity is to call in a local Ipswich plumber. They can send a CCTV drain camera to check the condition of your pipes from the inside, then walk you through your options in plain terms. A good plumber won’t just look at the pipe itself. They’ll also consider how it affects the rest of your property and help you weigh up the costs, disruption, and long-term benefits. Getting expert advice early can give you confidence in the next steps and help you avoid unnecessary repairs.
Get the Right Fix for Your Pipes
Whether you’re dealing with cracked drains, tree root damage, or a full pipe collapse, choosing the right repair method is key to avoiding bigger problems later on. Both pipe relining and dig-and-replace methods have their place, and it all comes down to your specific setup, the condition of the pipes, and how much disruption you’re prepared to manage.
Before you commit to anything, it’s worth getting a professional opinion. We can inspect your pipes with a CCTV drain camera, show you what’s happening underground, and explain the options in straightforward terms. Whether the best fix is relining or full replacement, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your home.
If you’d like to book an inspection or have a quick chat, you can get in touch with our team by calling (07) 4515 0062.
