As a property owner, pipe repairs and replacements can deal a major blow to your bottom line. The costs add up quickly when you factor in pipe materials, excavation, restoration work, potential property damage, and more. Pipe relining provides a budget-friendly alternative that can save you tens of thousands of dollars compared to full replacement. However, as per experts like Thereliningcompany.com.au costs can still vary dramatically depending on factors like pipe size, materials, contractor rates and project scope. Use the following tips to keep your pipe relining cost under control:
Scope Out the Entire Job Upfront
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Get Multiple Bids
Prices among contractors can have wide ranges, even for the same scope of work. And while pipe relining is very cost-effective, the totals are still considerable. That’s why getting 3-5 project quotes is essential. Provide each contractor the full project details and requirements to ensure they bid on the same scope. While you don’t necessarily need to take the lowest bid, having multiple data points allows you to better gauge fair market pricing and avoid getting overcharged.
Opt for Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is the go-to pipe relining method due to its cost-effectiveness and performance reliability. The process involves soaking a felt tube coated with special epoxy resin and inserting it into the damaged pipe. The tube expands against the pipe walls, then the epoxy cures under heat or UV light to harden into a smooth new inner pipe. Skipping expensive excavation and simplifying restoration makes CIPP the most budget-friendly repair approach. Just be sure to get your contractor’s expertise specifically with CIPP lining.
Consider Pipe Size Strategically
One major cost factor is pipe diameter, as larger pipes require more lining material and logistical work. Evaluate if you can downsize pipe diameters where functionality allows. For example, if a 6” kitchen sink drainage pipe is deteriorated but a 4” pipe suffices, significant material savings result. Just be careful not to restrict flow rate and capacity needs. Strategically optimizing pipe sizes without causing new headaches can yield big cost reductions.
Address Multiple Issues at Once
If you have existing plumbing issues in multiple parts of your property (or anticipate some coming up soon), have these all quoted together in one project. Multi-area pipe repairs quoted together generally cost less per linear pipe foot than handling the jobs separately. Mobilization, set up costs, access work, multi-project discounts, and contractor familiarity with your property can all add up to major per-job savings versus a piecemeal approach.
Conclusion
Pipe relining provides immense cost savings over replacement already, preventing excavation, new pipe materials, finish work and more. But some projects still total tens of thousands in spend. Follow these tips when procuring contractor quotes and scoping your project to keep your pipe relining costs as efficient as possible. Careful upfront planning and getting multiple informed bids are critical for getting the highest value at the lowest overall price.