Quick Answer
Pipe lining (CIPP) involves installing a brand-new pipe with resin inside of your existing pipe. Pipe bursting involves breaking the pipe and replacing it with a brand new pipe. Pipe lining will generally be less expensive, and is suitable for pipes that are not collapsed or severely damaged, and will not enlarge the pipe, while pipe bursting will generally cost more, but may be used on pipes that are collapsed or severely damaged, and can enlarge the pipe. They are both trenchless, meaning minimal damage to your lawn, driveway and landscaping.
When facing a recurring sewer pipe clogged, root intrusion, or a plumber saying it’s time for a trenchless sewer line replacement, here’s a breakdown of which method is best for your situation and how much it will cost throughout the GTA.
What Is Pipe Lining?
Pipe lining, also known as Cured-In-Place pipe (CIPP) or pipe relining, is the rehabilitation of a damaged pipe from the inside out. A flexible liner is inserted into the existing pipe, inflated to force the liner against the pipe walls and cured (heated, UV or air) to become a smooth, seamless new pipe inside the old pipe.
How pipe lining works, step by step:
- CCTV inspection – A camera confirms the pipe still holds its round shape and is a good candidate for lining.
- Cleaning – Hydro-jetting clears roots, scale, and debris so the liner can bond properly.
- Liner insertion – The resin-saturated liner is pulled or inverted into the pipe.
- Curing – The liner hardens into a new, jointless pipe.
- Final camera inspection – Confirms the lining is smooth and fully sealed.
Most of your yard or driveway will not be affected by a well-installed sewer pipe lining job as only one small access point is needed.
What Is Pipe Bursting?
Pipe Bursting is one of the complete pipe replacement techniques that does not necessitate the digging of a long trench. A head is pulled through the old pipe, causing it to burst outwards into the surrounding soil, and a new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is pulled in directly behind the old pipe.
Pipe bursting works best when:
- The old pipe has collapsed or sagged (a “bellied” line)
- The pipe is severely corroded, cracked, or crushed
- You want to increase the pipe’s diameter for better flow capacity
- The pipe material is beyond saving (badly deteriorated clay, Orangeburg, or cast iron)
Unlike pipe lining, the condition of the existing pipe is not an issue as it will be replaced completely by pipe bursting.
Pipe Lining vs. Pipe Bursting: Comparison Table
| Factor | Pipe Lining (CIPP) | Pipe Bursting |
| Best for | Cracks, minor corrosion, root intrusion (pipe still round) | Collapsed, crushed, or severely deteriorated pipes |
| Access points needed | 1 (usually) | 2 |
| Changes pipe diameter? | Slightly reduces it | Can increase it |
| Typical lifespan | 50+ years | 50–100 years |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
| Works on collapsed pipes? | No | Yes |
| Disruption level | Minimal | Low-moderate |
| Turnaround time | A few hours to one day | One to two days |
Cost Comparison: Pipe Lining vs. Pipe Bursting in Canada
What is the price of trenchless pipe repair? Both types of methods in the GTA are usually between $80 to $250 per linear foot, and project costs are usually anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000 and vary based on pipe length, depth, and access. The pipe bursting job is generally on the high end, due to the need for more equipment, access pits and new pipe material for the entire run.
Typical Ontario pricing breakdown:
- Pipe lining / sewer pipe lining: roughly $80–$250 per linear foot; most residential jobs total $3,000–$10,000
- Pipe bursting: roughly $60–$200+ per linear foot; full residential jobs often run $5,000–$12,000, and can exceed that for longer or deeper lines
- Sewer line inspection (camera): $150–$500
- Sewer line cleaning / hydro-jetting: $300–$600 before lining or bursting
Remember, the sewer line repair cost always varies with the length of pipe, depth of pipe, soil conditions, and the number of access points a crew requires. Only an accurate quote from a camera inspection is accurate, do not accept a firm price without a camera inspection.
Key Takeaway: Pipe lining is typically the less expensive option for pipelines that are still structurally sound. When pipe is broken, pipe bursting will be more expensive, but may be the only viable solution.
Pipe Lining vs. Pipe Bursting: Pros and Cons
Pipe Lining Pros
- Lower upfront cost for most residential jobs
- Only one access point needed
- Fast often completed in a single day
- Seamless liner resists root intrusion and corrosion
Pipe Lining Cons
- Slightly reduces the pipe’s inside diameter
- Won’t work on collapsed, badly bellied, or crushed pipes
- Requires a clean, structurally sound host pipe
Pipe Bursting Pros
- Handles fully collapsed or severely damaged pipes
- Can increase pipe diameter for better flow
- New pipe is unaffected by the old pipe’s condition
- Long service life
Pipe Bursting Cons
- Higher cost due to equipment and materials
- Requires two access pits (slightly more digging)
- Vibration from the bursting head isn’t ideal near very old, fragile foundations or nearby utility lines
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Skipping the camera inspection and accepting a quote based on guesswork
- Choosing lining for a collapsed pipe it simply won’t hold
- Ignoring winter freeze risk GTA homeowners dealing with plumbers frozen pipes situations should have any exposed or shallow lines inspected before the cold season, since freeze-thaw cycles accelerate cracking in already-weak clay and cast iron
- Delaying repair after repeated backups a sewer pipe clogged more than once or twice a year is usually a symptom of a structural issue, not just debris
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is pipe lining or pipe bursting cheaper?
For most residential repairs, pipe lining is typically less costly than most other pipe repair methods, as it requires less excavation and material. If a pipe has collapsed or cannot structurally hold a liner then pipe bursting will be required, and it will be more expensive.
2. How long does trenchless sewer line replacement take?
Most trenchless sewer line replacement jobs are completed in one to two days, compared to a week or more for traditional open-trench excavation.
3. Can pipe lining fix a collapsed pipe?
No. Pipe lining needs the host pipe to still hold its round shape. A fully collapsed or badly sagging line requires pipe bursting or, in rare cases, traditional excavation.
4. How do I know which method I need?
A sewer line inspection using a CCTV camera is the only reliable way to know. It shows whether your pipe still has structural integrity (lining candidate) or has failed (bursting candidate).
5. How often should I get a sewer line inspection?
Homes with mature trees, clay or cast iron laterals, or recurring backups should have a camera inspection every 2–3 years, or any time you notice slow drains, gurgling, or a sewer pipe clogged more than once in a season.
Why Homeowners Across the GTA Trust BOS Plumbing and Drains
There is no way of making the decision between pipe lining or pipe bursting without an expert’s eye on the actual condition of your pipe. BOS Plumbing and Drains has been working in Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Milton, Niagara, Cambridge, Brampton, Etobicoke and GTA for more than 20 years diagnosing and fixing drain and sewer problems for homeowners.
From sewer line inspection, sewer line cleaning, trenchless pipe repair, drain snaking, hydro-jetting and emergency plumbing calls for pipes frozen over in the winter months, our team has you covered. To ensure you are not being over-charged and get an accurate quote for lining, bursting or cleaning, we always begin each project with a camera inspection.
Looking for sewer line repair near me and needing a no-nonsense quote for the job and answer to your question about the method you’ll need for your pipe, BOS Plumbing and Drains has got you covered with fully licensed technicians who take every property as their own.
Conclusion
Both pipe lining and pipe bursting will work and will not require a full yard excavation. Ultimately, it’s all about what condition your current pipe is in. A camera inspection eliminates the uncertainty and a reputable local plumber will always suggest the easiest and least invasive solution that will solve the issue.
Looking to discover which trenchless approach your pipes require? Call on BOS Plumbing and Drains to get a quote on a camera inspection with a clear and honest estimate, no dig required.