When to Use CIPP Lining

CIPP lining is a common solution for damaged pipelines, restoring pipes to full use without the need for costly and time consuming excavation and replacement.

But while some underlying damage makes itself known on a surface level, causing flooding and other issues to occur and impact local areas, in some cases the extent of underground pipe damage may not be as clear.

Which leads us to a question – when should you be looking to use CIPP lining?

Applications of CIPP and When it Becomes Necessary

CIPP stands for Cured-In-Place Pipe and is a solution which rehabilitates and brings damaged pipelines back to life through the installation of a new layer of material.

A felt, formulated and designed by our leading manufacturers at Insituform, is fed into the damaged section of pipe – embedded with a resin which is then activated through the release of hot water or steam. The resin affixes itself to the inside wall of the damaged pipe, creating a new layer which not only holds water and/or drainage in, but keeps external debris out.

Aside from the obvious benefit of reinstating the pipe’s core function, CIPP enables this repair work to be carried out remotely – that is, without excavating and exposing the pipe to engineers. This saves both time and money when it comes to managing the project, with CIPP able to restore a pipe to full function within hours rather than the usual days or weeks it takes to replace a pipe.

Common Signs of a Damaged Pipe

Just some of the common signs reported by CIPP users include surface water, poor drainage, and issues with their water systems across local residences and commercial buildings. Unpleasant smells, a drop in local water pressure, and localised flooding are other issues that may be reported if a pipeline or drainage system becomes damaged.

If your local area experiences pipe damage underground, whether it be relating to water supply or drainage, an efficient response is critical. Leaving a damaged pipe for too long can result in costly damage to both the rest of the pipeline and surrounding infrastructure – requiring even more in the way of repair work and disruption.

Of course, the difficulty comes in dealing with pipe networks that are buried deep underground. And that’s when CIPP lining comes into its own.

The Benefit of CIPP over Traditional Pipe Replacement

The overriding benefit of CIPP lining as a pipe rehabilitation solution is the way it facilitates an efficient yet effective repair process.

Because CIPP liners can be fed into the pipe and activated remotely, engineers do not need to dig up or expose the pipeline to groundworkers. Rather, the correct felt can be identified based on the diameter and core function of the pipe, and then fed into that pipe network with ease.

As such, CIPP lining solutions can and should be employed to repair any pipe that is firmly set underground, in areas where you want to minimise disruption to local residents, business owners, and commuters.

Should You Use CIPP to Strengthen an Old Pipe?

If you take anything about Insituform and our CIPP felt liners from this article, it should be the outstanding strength that the cured resin brings to an existing pipe. The first pipe to ever be rehabilitated using CIPP is still in full working order today, more than 50 years later – highlighting the incredible strength and durability of a successful installation.

With that said, are there occasions where pipes should be rehabilitated before they become damaged?

The end result of a CIPP lining doesn’t just bring strength to the walls of the pipe – it also smooths the inside surface to facilitate a better flow of water or waste. Because of this, some clients seek out the benefits of CIPP before pipes are damaged – re-stabilising pipes from the inside by rolling out the lining one section at a time.

This minimises the risk of damage and can secure a longer lifespan for local pipes and drainage networks – though it does require investment and the need for a professional installation or thorough training in how to employ and use CIPP liners efficiently.

If CIPP liners are something you want to learn more about, or you know you need to restore some strength and stability in your pipe network, then Insituform is here to help. Give us a call to connect with a member of the team, and to discuss your specific project needs.