Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining Explained

What is Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining?

Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) is an innovative, trenchless method for repairing damaged or deteriorating pipes without the need for extensive excavation. This technique involves inserting a flexible felt sleeve over a rubber bladder, impregnated with epoxy resins, into the damaged pipe.

Once in place, the liner is expanded using air pressure or water pressure to fit snugly against the inner walls of the existing pipe. The resin is then cured, typically using ambient temperature, heat or UV light, to create a new, durable pipe within the original structure.

CIPP technology is widely employed by CIPP companies to minimise disruption and reduce costs compared to traditional pipe replacement methods. While it’s an incredibly efficient process, it’s important for CIPP workers to follow strict safety protocols, particularly at CIPP manufacturing sites, to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

For instance, measures are often taken to manage hazardous air pollutants that can be released during the curing process. This makes CIPP not only a practical solution for homeowners and businesses but also a carefully controlled process that aligns with environmental standards.

The CIPP Process Explained

The cured-in-place pipe lining process involves several precise steps to ensure a seamless repair. Here’s an overview of how it works:

Inspection and Assessment

Before starting any work, professional plumbers inspect the damaged pipe using advanced drain cameras. This step identifies cracks, leaks, or blockages, and all areas of access required, allowing technicians to determine whether CIPP lining is the best solution.

Cleaning the Pipe

Once the pipe has been assessed, it is thoroughly cleaned to remove debris, tree roots, and any other obstructions. This ensures the CIPP liner adheres correctly and no contaminants compromise the repair.

Lining the Pipe

A flexible felt sleeve liner coated with a epoxy resins is inserted into the pipe. The liner is carefully positioned to cover the damaged areas. Using air or water pressure, the liner is inflated so that it conforms to the shape of the original host pipe.

Curing the Liner

The resin pipe lining is then cured using some form of agent to harden the liner into a robust new pipe. Ambient temperature, ultraviolet light, hot water, or steam-cured CIPP installations ensure the cured liner bonds securely to the interior of the existing pipe.

Final Inspection

After curing, the internal bladder is deflated and removed and the newly lined pipe is inspected again to verify that the repair has been successful and that all issues have been resolved.

With this precise process, cured-in-place pipe lining offers a reliable solution to pipe repairs with minimal disruption. 

Benefits of Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining

CIPP lining offers a host of benefits compared to traditional pipe replacement methods. These include:

Cost-Effectiveness

CIPP eliminates the need for costly excavation and restoration work. By working within the existing pipe, it significantly reduces labour costs and saves on materials, making it a more budget-friendly option to repair pipes.

Minimal Disruption

Traditional pipe repair often involves digging up lawns, driveways, or pathways. CIPP, however, requires only small access points, ensuring that the surrounding area remains intact. This makes it ideal for residential homes, commercial properties, and strata-managed buildings needing to repair aging pipes.

Long-Lasting Durability

The cured-in-place pipe liner forms a seamless, jointless structure that is highly resistant to cracks, leaks, and root intrusion. With proper installation, it can last for decades, providing peace of mind and reducing the need for future repairs of existing pipelines. Our Nuflow solution has a 100-year life expectancy and comes with a 50-year insurance-backed product warranty.

Eco-Friendly Solution

Since there’s no need to remove and dispose of old pipes, CIPP is a more environmentally friendly choice. It reduces waste and lowers the carbon footprint of repair projects. 

Versatility

CIPP can be used to repair a variety of pipe materials, including but not limited to clay, PVC, and cast iron, making it a versatile option for different applications.

Cured-In-Place Pipe Applications

Cured-in-place pipe lining is suitable for a wide range of applications across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Here are some common scenarios where CIPP is the ideal solution:

Residential Properties

Homeowners often face issues with cracked sewer pipes, root intrusion, or aged stormwater drains. CIPP provides a fast and non-invasive way to restore these systems, with comprehensive drinking water pipe repairs and stormwater pipe rehabilitation.

Commercial and Industrial Sites

Businesses and industrial facilities require efficient plumbing systems to maintain operations. CIPP repairs can be carried out without significant downtime, ensuring business continuity.

Strata and Assessment

For shared or multi-dwelling properties, pipe repairs must be handled with minimal inconvenience to residents. CIPP ensures quick, reliable repairs that meet these requirements.

Whether you’re dealing with a blocked stormwater drain or a deteriorated sewer line, CIPP is a practical and effective solution for modern plumbing issues.

This article was bought to you by SCA (WA) sponsor Tunnel Vision.