A Smarter Way to Fix Damaged Drains
When your drainage system starts acting up, it’s easy to assume the worst that your garden or driveway will need digging up to access underground pipes. But in many cases, there’s a better solution: drain lining repair.
Drain lining is a non-invasive, cost-effective method of repairing damaged pipes without excavation. It’s an increasingly popular approach for both residential and commercial properties. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what drain lining is, why it’s necessary, how the process works and why hiring a professional makes all the difference.
Why Drain Pipes Fail Over Time
Underground drainage pipes are built to last, but they’re not indestructible. Over time, a number of factors can lead to cracks, blockages, or even complete failure. Natural ground movement, soil pressure, ageing materials and nearby tree roots can all cause wear and tear on a pipe’s structure.
Older systems, especially those made of clay or cast iron, are particularly vulnerable. Pipes installed 30 or 40 years ago might have deteriorated to the point where they leak, sag, or become misaligned. Even PVC and plastic pipework can shift at the joints or crack under load or impact. The result is often slow drainage, persistent blockages and signs of water ingress around the property.
This kind of damage doesn’t always mean you need to dig out and replace the entire drain system. That’s where drain lining becomes a practical and efficient solution.
What Exactly Is Drain Lining Repair?
Drain lining, sometimes called CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe) repair, is a trenchless method of rehabilitating existing pipes from the inside. Instead of removing the damaged pipe, a flexible liner coated with resin is inserted into the pipe and then cured in place. Once hardened, this liner forms a strong, seamless pipe within the original one, sealing any cracks, gaps, or holes.
Think of it like fitting a new pipe inside the old one without digging, breaking ground, or removing flooring.
The process is typically used to repair:
Cracked or fractured pipes
Leaking joints
Corroded internal surfaces
Root-damaged sections
Localised collapse (if still structurally stable)
It works in pipes ranging from small household drains to larger commercial systems and even sewer lines. The liner can be installed in full lengths or as a patch repair, depending on the extent and location of the damage.
Drain Lining Repair
The Process
Drain lining may sound complex, but for a professional team, it’s a well-honed procedure. It usually starts with a CCTV survey, which involves sending a small camera through the pipework to assess the internal condition of the drain. This helps pinpoint exactly where the damage is and confirms whether lining is a suitable option.
Once the problem area is identified, the drain must be thoroughly cleaned usually using high-pressure water jetting to remove any blockages, debris, or scale. This step is crucial for ensuring the liner adheres properly.
Next, the resin-saturated liner is inserted into the drain. For longer sections, an air bladder is used to inflate the liner against the pipe walls, shaping it tightly into place. Depending on the resin used, the liner is then cured with ambient air, hot water, or UV light. Once the resin hardens, the pipe is effectively renewed from the inside.
The final step is another camera inspection to confirm that the repair has sealed the damaged areas and that the pipe is fully functional again.
Why It Pays to Call a Professional
While the concept might sound straightforward, drain lining is a specialist job. The materials, equipment and techniques require proper training and experience. DIY drain repair methods like plunging or chemical unblockers are only suitable for surface-level problems. They don’t address structural issues and can sometimes make things worse.
A professional drainage company will carry out a thorough inspection first. We use live video feeds to assess what’s really happening inside the pipework and provide a report with clear findings. If lining is suitable, we ensure it’s done to the correct specification, with the right materials and curing process for the pipe size and problem type.
At our company, we’ve completed countless drain lining repairs for both homes and businesses. Our engineers are trained in trenchless repair techniques and use only tested, industry-approved materials. We never recommend lining unless it’s the best option and if your drain is too damaged or collapsed for lining, we’ll guide you through the next best step, whether that’s patching, excavation, or replacement.
Why Drain Lining Makes Sense
Compared to digging up old pipes, drain lining saves time, money, and hassle. There’s no need to destroy driveways, disrupt your landscaping, or close off access to parts of your property. Most jobs can be completed in a single day and once installed, the new lining can last decades.
In many cases, customers come to us expecting a major excavation job, only to find out that their issue can be fixed with minimal disruption. That’s the value of modern repair methods they give you options that were unthinkable a few decades ago.
Need Help With a Damaged Drain?
Let’s Talk
If you’re experiencing frequent blockages, bad smells, or signs of water around your property, your drains could be damaged. Don’t wait until a minor problem becomes a major one. Plumbing Immediately is the safe choice in London.
We offer professional CCTV inspections and cost-effective drain lining repairs that get your system back to full working order quickly and cleanly.
No digging. No mess. Just reliable, long-term drainage solutions.
