When Should You Choose Pipe Relining Over Replacement in Spencer, OK?

For many Spencer homeowners, pipes are an out-of-sight, out-of-mind thing. Of course, you’ll certainly be thinking of the plumbing when something goes wrong – like when pipes crack or burst! A plumber may give you two options here: relining or replacement.

Below, learn more about pipe relining vs. replacement from our experienced plumbers in Spencer, OK.

How Does the Pipe Relining Process Work?

Wouldn’t it be handy if you could repair your property’s old pipes without ripping up your yard and floors? With pipe relining, that’s the whole idea.

Relining refers to a trenchless repair process, so it involves zero digging. The plumber will coat the interior of your pipes with a special resin that hardens, effectively forming a waterproof coating on the inside of the pipe. There are two types of relining:

• Cured-in-place relining: This application results in a thick coating and is the most common option suitable for wide pipes. The main downside is that you must limit your water use during the relining process. 
• Sprayed-in-place relining: This application creates a thinner coating. It is ideal for narrow pipes.

This coating seals the leak without the plumber needing to replace the entire pipe.

The Pipe Replacement Process Explained

When discussing pipe relining vs. replacement, digging is the main difference. Replacement involves completely removing and replacing a damaged section of pipe. Usually, that means the Moore plumber will have to access the pipe by creating a hole or two in your yard, floor, or walls, but the details will depend on the pipe’s location.

Once the plumber has installed the new pipe or pipe sections, they will need to connect them to the rest of your plumbing system. Ensuring the pipes are properly sealed is also important. Afterward, they may also have to repair any damaged areas around the pipes, so the work can be quite time-consuming.

Pipe Relining vs. Replacement: Pros and Cons for Homeowners in Spencer, OK

Is pipe relining or a replacement job best for your Spencer home? Let’s take a look.

Pipe Relining

The biggest benefits of pipe relining are the speed and cost compared to a full pipe replacement. Plumbers don’t have to dig up your yard, so they complete the process in a fraction of the time. You also won’t have to worry about disturbing underground utilities, such as sensitive gas lines.

In general, pipe relining works best for pipes that are still in somewhat decent condition, such as those with small cracks. Serious damage or plumbing that isn’t up to code will need replacement. If your pipes are narrow, relining may limit water flow or affect the pressure. 

Pipe Replacement

If your pipes sustain serious damage or deteriorate too much, you’ll want to stick with replacement. One of the biggest benefits of pipe replacement is that you have the chance to upgrade your property’s pipes to a more durable material. If your older pipes are prone to corrosion, you might want to swap them out for PVC for a few more decades of great plumbing in Blanchard, OK.

Pipe replacement does have several disadvantages, including being more expensive and time-consuming. During the pipe replacement process, you won’t be able to use the water, which is a major inconvenience if it takes a few days. You’ll also have to repair damaged yard areas or floors once the plumbers have finished installing your new pipes.