Skip to main content

In this article

    How does drain lining work?

    13th May 2022

    Drain relining is one of the ways we can repair damaged drainage pipes. It works by fixing a new pipe, called a lining, into an existing damaged pipe without needing to dig them all up and re-run across your entire drainage system. Bit by bit the lining slowly moves along the existing pipes until it covers the entire damaged area, once the liner is in place, an airbag within the liner is inflated, pushing the liner out to the diameter of the pipe.

    It’s a beneficial way of fixing your damaged drains and ensures long-lasting structural reliability and prevents further deterioration of the drains, as the drain lining usually has a durability of over 50 years.

    Benefits of drain lining 

    • There is no excavation or destruction to any surrounding area.
    • It can be used for horizontal, vertical, and lateral pipes.
    • It’s more cost-effective than pipe replacement by excavation.
    • It stops cracks, erosion, and leaks, whilst preventing and combating root intrusion.
    • It can line all pipes no matter how many bends there are.
    • It increases the capacity of the pipe for flow.
    • You only need to line the area that needs repair, and not necessarily the whole length of the piping.
    • It’s more time-efficient, jobs that would normally take days can be done in hours.

    When To Reline Drainpipes

    • Unpleasant smells in the garden.
    • Hearing the constant sound of running water, even when the taps are turned off.
    • Unexplained wet floors in your house.
    • Vermin, such as rats, being in the garden could be a sign of leaking drainage pipes.
    • Sometimes a higher cost for your water can indicate damaged pipes.
    • Having rust or debris in your water.
    • Unexplained cracks in your walls.
    • Presence of sludge in the bath or shower.
    • Unusual growth in vegetation.

    These are just some of the signs to look out for. If you suspect your drains could be damaged, check out our 9 signs you need to call a drain specialist or contact our drain repair specialists.


    Get in touch

    Contact our friendly and professional team via form, phone or email for any drainage issues you may have.

    From blocked drains to septic tank repairs and replacements, we're here to help. We have over 25 years of experience and offer 24/7 emergency callouts.


    Cotswold Drainage Ltd were very organised, punctual and efficent with both the septic tank emptying and also the CCTV survey. I cannot fault them and both the guys who we dealt with on the day were such great advertisements for the company. A pleasure to deal with all round.
    - Rob Merson
    Excellent service, the operator was knowledgeable and had a couple of ideas about our tank. Very happy to recommend them.
    - Adrian Cox
    - Sue Court
    Throughly recommend Cotswold Drainage. We’ve used them for a number of things (cctv survey, service and tank cleaning) and always had an excellent service. Everyone attending is friendly and explains what they are doing, why and, if necessary, whether extra work is involved and any additional costs. Will be using for annual service and clean of treatment plant going forward over other providers.
    - Kay Louise Percival
    Very good company to deal with, helpful, efficient and good at what they do, Highly recommend Stu and the team
    - Barry Williams
    Very impressed from start to finish. A well established & efficient company with polite & well trained staff. It's what you always hope for but rarely get these days. Very pleased so far with what's been & I won't hesitate to contact you in the future for more drainage treatment.
    - Paul Maund
    Can’t recommend Cotswold Drainage enough. They were super responsive and came out to us on a bank holiday weekend to fix a blockage. Adrian is a huge credit to their company - he was so knowledgable, friendly and professional. You’ll be our first port of call in the future!
    - Jennifer Reay
      Please let us know your name.
      Please let us know your email address.
      Invalid Input
      Invalid Input
      Please let us know your message.

      Related Articles

      How to Fix a Broken Drainpipe

      5 Ways to help you maintain your drain health in the home

      I’m not sure the blockage is on my property. How can I find out?