Why Drain Lining is Important

When drains fail, the consequences can be serious—structural damage to your property, recurring blockages, and even environmental contamination. Traditional drain repairs often require excavation, meaning gardens, driveways, or even flooring may need to be dug up. This can be messy, disruptive, and extremely expensive.

Drain lining, also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, provides a modern and less invasive solution. Instead of digging, a resin-soaked liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and cured in place. The result is a strong, watertight new pipe formed inside the old one—restoring performance, preventing leaks, and strengthening the system from within.

Benefits of Drain Lining

  • No-Dig Solution – Repairs are carried out internally, so there’s no need to dig up your garden, driveway, or floors, saving time and avoiding disruption.
  • Strengthens Existing Pipes – The liner bonds tightly to the inside of the existing pipe, reinforcing weakened areas and preventing further deterioration.
  • Prevents Leaks & Infiltration – Stops wastewater escaping into the ground and prevents groundwater or tree roots from entering the system.
  • Extends Pipe Lifespan – Lined pipes can last 50 years or more, providing a cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to full pipe replacement.
  • Smooth Internal Surface – The liner creates a seamless interior, reducing the risk of future blockages caused by rough or cracked pipe surfaces.
  • Environmentally Friendly – By avoiding excavation, drain lining reduces waste, minimises ground disturbance, and lowers the project’s carbon footprint.

In short, drain lining combines durability with convenience—delivering a long-lasting repair while sparing you the disruption of traditional excavation work.

When Should I Consider Drain Lining?

Drain lining is an excellent option when your pipes are damaged but still structurally intact. It can be used to restore performance, stop leaks, and prevent future failures in a wide variety of situations. You should consider drain lining if you are experiencing:

  • Cracks or Leaks – If water is escaping into the ground, you may notice damp patches in your garden, subsidence around manholes, or unexplained moisture near your drains. Lining seals cracks and prevents leaks.
  • Root Ingress – Tree and shrub roots naturally seek out water and can penetrate small gaps in pipe joints. Lining forms a tough barrier that prevents roots from entering and causing further damage.
  • Recurrent Blockages – If blockages keep coming back, it could be due to rough or damaged internal pipe walls catching debris. Lining smooths the interior, improving flow and reducing blockages.
  • Aging Drain Systems – Older clay, cast iron, or pitch fibre drains degrade over time. Lining extends their lifespan without needing full replacement.
  • Misaligned or Displaced Joints – Minor displacements can be bridged by a liner, restoring structural integrity and ensuring a watertight seal.
  • Protecting Before Problems Worsen – Even if your drains are only showing early signs of wear, lining them proactively can avoid emergency repairs later.

Our process always starts with a detailed CCTV drain survey. This allows our engineers to assess the full condition of your system and determine whether drain lining is the most effective solution. If lining is not suitable—for example, in cases of a fully collapsed pipe—we will advise you on the best alternative, such as targeted excavation and replacement.

By choosing drain lining where appropriate, you can achieve a strong, watertight, and long-lasting repair while saving time, money, and disruption compared to traditional methods.

Drain Lining vs Excavation

Not sure which repair is right for you? Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide:

Drain Lining (No-Dig)

  • ✅ Minimal disruption & no excavation
  • ✅ Fast turnaround (often same day)
  • ✅ Cost-effective for cracked/leaking pipes
  • ✅ Strengthens existing pipe & prevents leaks
  • ✅ Works with clay, concrete, cast iron & PVC
  • ❌ Not suitable for fully collapsed pipes

Typical duration: Same day or within 24 hours
Typical cost: Lower than excavation

Best for: Cracks, joint failures, root ingress, recurring blockages.

Traditional Excavation

  • ✅ Full pipe replacement possible
  • ✅ Suitable for severe collapses/missing sections
  • ❌ Disruptive: digs in gardens, drives & floors
  • ❌ Longer project times & higher reinstatement costs
  • ❌ Requires access permissions & traffic management (sometimes)

Typical duration: 1–3 days depending on site conditions
Typical cost: Higher due to excavation & reinstatement

Best for: Major structural failure where lining cannot bridge gaps.

How We Decide

We always carry out a CCTV drain survey first. If the pipe is intact enough to support a liner, we recommend no-dig drain lining as the fastest, least disruptive, and most cost-effective fix. If the pipe is fully collapsed or missing sections, we will advise on targeted excavation with clear timelines & costs.

What’s Involved in the Drain Lining Process?

Our process ensures minimal disruption and a permanent repair:

CCTV Drain Survey

We begin with a CCTV inspection to assess damage and confirm that lining is the right repair method.

Drain Cleaning & Preparation

High-pressure water jetting is used to clear blockages and debris, ensuring the pipe is ready for lining.

Liner Installation

A resin-impregnated liner is inserted into the drain and positioned to cover the damaged area.

Curing the Liner

Once in place, the resin within the liner is left to cure naturally. As it hardens, it forms a tough, seamless new pipe inside the old one. This creates a watertight and durable finish without the need for excavation or additional heating processes.

Final CCTV Check

A final CCTV inspection confirms the liner is perfectly installed and the pipe is fully restored.

Drain lining provides a permanent, cost-effective repair that avoids unnecessary excavation and keeps your property looking exactly as it did before the work began.

Drain lining in progress

Why Choose Clearmasters
for Drain Lining?

Trusted specialists with decades of experience

At Clearmasters, we specialise in no-dig drainage repairs that save you time, money, and disruption. Our drain lining service is carried out by experienced engineers using the latest techniques and high-quality materials to ensure a long-lasting result.

From residential homes to commercial sites, we provide tailored solutions that meet your needs and budget. With over 34 years in the industry, you can trust us to deliver reliable, efficient, and fully compliant repairs every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is drain lining?

Drain lining is a no-dig repair method where a resin liner is installed inside a damaged drain, forming a new, watertight pipe within the old one.

When is drain lining suitable?

It’s suitable for cracked, leaking, or weakened pipes but not for fully collapsed drains. A CCTV survey is always carried out first to check suitability.

How long does drain lining take?

Most lining jobs can be completed in a single day, depending on pipe length and condition. Larger or more complex systems may take longer.

How much does drain lining cost?

Costs vary depending on the size and condition of the drain, but it’s generally far cheaper and less disruptive than excavation and pipe replacement.

How long does a liner last?

High-quality liners are designed to last 50 years or more, giving you a permanent solution to drainage damage.

Does drain lining work on all pipe materials?

Yes, it can be used on clay, concrete, cast iron, and PVC pipes, making it suitable for most domestic and commercial drainage systems.