Drain Lining vs Excavation
How to decide between no-dig lining and dig-and-replace — guided by CCTV evidence, access, and long-term reliability.
Stuck choosing? Ask DrainageGPT to review your symptoms and likely survey outcomes for a quick nudge either way.
Quick comparison
- Lining: no-dig, seals many joints/cracks at once, smoother bore, limited by collapse/major offsets.
- Excavation: rebuilds levels/junctions, fixes collapses, higher disruption, cost depends on depth/surfaces.
What the CCTV survey decides
- Is the pipe intact enough for lining?
- Are there severe steps or collapses?
- How many bends, junctions, reinstatements?
- Any roots requiring cutting first?
Costs & practicalities
- Lining: cost scales with length/diameter and preparation.
- Excavation: cost scales with depth, length, access, and reinstatement.
- Hybrid: often best value when a short collapse is present within a longer defective run.
Long-term view
- Keep pre/post CCTV and drawings.
- After lining, avoid wipes/fats and consider periodic checks if roots were present.
- After excavation, monitor reinstated surfaces for settlement and re-check line/level if symptoms recur.
Related:
Drain Lining ·
Excavation & Drain Repairs