Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Repiping

David “Rudy” Rudisill January 26th, 2026

When aging or failing sewer and drain pipes begin to cause leaks, unpleasant odors, pest problems, and recurring problems that cannot be corrected by other means, property owners face a critical repair decision: Epoxy pipe lining vs. repiping.

Both repair options can deliver long-term reliability, but they differ significantly in terms of cost, disruption, timeline, and suitability, depending on the condition and use of your building.

At Pipe Restoration Solutions (PRS), we specialize in helping homeowners and property mangers make the right choice for their specific needs, so they can count on their property’s sewage and drain lines for years to come.

Quick Overview: Comparing Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Repiping

Epoxy Pipe Lining (AKA CIPP, Cured-In-Place Pipe)
A trenchless restoration method where an epoxy-saturated felt liner is pulled into place using existing access points. A rubber bladder is then inflated, pressing the liner securely against the pipe wall. Within just a few hours, the epoxy cures and hardens. The bladder is removed, leaving behind a smooth, seamless “new” pipe inside the old one.

Traditional Repiping
The complete removal and replacement of old pipes with new materials. Repiping involves a significant amount of labor, often requiring excavation of the wall, slab, or yard for access.

Learn more about trenchless vs traditional sewer pipe repair.

	Epoxy Pipe Lining	Traditional Repiping
Installation Method	Trenchless CIPP, access through cleanouts, roof vents, or toilets	Full excavation through walls, floors, landscape, or slabs
Timeline	1–3 days for residential homes	2–3 weeks (or longer for larger projects)
Property Disruption	Utilizes existing access points; often requires no demolition	Major demolition; walls, floors, landscaping removed
Occupancy	Building stays occupied	Often requires partial or full vacancy
Pipe Lifespan	50+ years	50+ years
Corrosion Resistance	Epoxy liners prevent future corrosion and root intrusion	PVC pipes do not corrode and prevent root intrusion
Warranty	Up to 50-year manufacturer-backed warranties	Typically 10–25 years, depending on the material
Materials	NSF-certified, corrosion-resistant epoxy liners	PVC
Environmental Impact	Minimal waste; existing pipes reused	Old pipes are removed and sent to the landfill
Permits Required	Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction. All required permits are obtained in accordance with applicable local regulations	Extensive permits and inspections
Project Cost	Often lower overall due to faster turnaround, less downtime, and minimal property damage	Higher labor and restoration costs
Risk of Structural Damage	Very low	Higher risk due to demolition
Access Requirements	Ideal for limited or hard-to-reach piping	Requires full physical access to pipes

Long-Term Performance of Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Repiping

Both epoxy lining and repiping can last more than 50 years. The key difference lies in how they age.

Epoxy pipe lining creates a seamless, corrosion-resistant, joint-free barrier
Repiping, especially with metal, reintroduces joints and materials that may eventually corrode or degrade again. This limitation does not apply when PVC piping is utilized.

For buildings where corrosion is the primary issue, epoxy often provides superior long-term stability.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choose Epoxy Pipe Lining When:

The building is occupied, and minimizing downtime is a priority
Pipes are structurally intact but corroded or leaking
Access is limited (high-rises, slabs, historic buildings)
You want minimal disruption and faster completion
Environmental impact is a concern

Choose Repiping When:

Pipes are collapsed, severely misaligned, or missing sections
You are already planning a full gut renovation
Pipe diameter changes or rerouting is required
Local codes mandate full replacement

Four Real-World Scenarios & Recommendations

1. Occupied High-Rise Apartment Building

Problem: Pinhole leaks in aging cast iron sewer pipes
Recommendation: Epoxy pipe lining
Why: Tenants remained in place, no wall demolition, project completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional replacement
Outcome: 50-year service life, zero tenant displacement

2. Historic Hotel with Limited Access

Problem: Slow shower drains in guest rooms due to cast iron corrosion
Recommendation: Epoxy pipe lining
Why: Preserved historic finishes and avoided invasive construction
Outcome: Pipes restored without shutting down operations

3. Single-Family Home Undergoing Full Remodel

Problem: Old cast iron pipes and planned layout changes
Recommendation: Repiping
Why: Walls already open; rerouting needed
Outcome: New plumbing layout installed efficiently during renovation

4. Commercial Warehouse with Collapsed Sewer Line

Problem: Structural sewer pipe failure under the slab
Recommendation: Camera inspection to assess the extent of damage
Why: Collapse may make lining impossible in certain areas
Outcome: Hybrid solution; repiping the collapsed area, epoxy lining the rest

Cost Considerations for Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Repiping

While repiping may seem straightforward, hidden costs, like the following, can add up:

Drywall repair
Flooring replacement
Landscaping restoration
Extended downtime or lost revenue

Epoxy lining consolidates costs into a single, predictable scope, often making it the more economical option overall compared to traditional pipe replacement.

Final Verdict: Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Repiping

Both solutions can deliver decades of performance, but the real difference lies in the level of disruption, speed, environmental impact, and suitability for occupied buildings. Epoxy lining excels when preservation and efficiency matter, while repiping is often necessary for extensive pipe damage or major redesigns.

At Pipe Restoration Solutions, we conduct a thorough camera inspection of your pipes, then balance our findings with your building’s use and long-term goals. We’ll use these details to recommend the best solution based on our decades of experience.