How Long Does CIPP Lining Last?

When a pipe becomes damaged, whether it’s integral to the supply of water to domestic properties, or responsible for removing waste from a commercial site, finding the right solution requires efficiency and quality.

While replacing damaged pipes was once considered the gold standard in effective engineering, the rise of trenchless pipe repair has created a new frontrunner: pipe rehabilitation using CIPP solutions.

CIPP refers to Cured-In Place Pipe rehabilitation – a market in which Insituform thrives, having created the very first felt pipe liners back in 1971, that are still recognised as the industry standard today.

However, for a solution to be considered both effective and high in quality, it needs to deliver results that last. This leads us to ask, how long does CIPP lining last, and what are the factors that impact its lifespan?

How do CIPP Liners Work?

CIPP liners are formulated using a special felt material, made from up to 75% recycled material. This felt is embedded with a resin which, when activated using hot steam or water, fixes itself to the inside wall of the pipe and creates a brand new layer.

Due to the remote activation of this resin and the convenient design of the felt liners, CIPP solutions can be fed into a damaged pipe from an engineer’s position above ground. Every step of the process can then be carried out without excavating the pipe, making this the epitome of a trenchless solution – keeping water and waste inside the pipe, and external roots and debris out.

The Lifespan of CIPP Pipe Lining

The best way to track the lifespan of CIPP liners, and most importantly the pipes that have been repaired using this technology, is to look at how long rehabilitated pipes have remained in full circulation.

Believe it or not, the very first pipe to be repaired formally using Insituform’s CIPP liners, back in 1971, is still in full use today. This gives Insituform liners a lifespan of at least 50+ years – and counting!

The question is, which factors need to be set in stone for this optimum lifespan to be matched or even surpassed by future projects?

The Importance of Proper Installation and Maintenance

As the founding company behind CIPP liners, Insituform combines access to the product with professional development opportunities and training programs.

Recognising that a trenchless solution is only as good as the installation quality and technique, the company offers product and on-site training, ensuring every local engineering firm and council receives tailored guidance to meet their specific needs.

This is because for the product to meet its optimum lifespan of 50+ years, it needs to be installed properly and with a comprehensive approach to maintenance. Training conducted by Insituform goes beyond the basics and covers the fundamentals of safety, product knowledge, installation processes, technology insights, and essential dos and don’ts.

Armed with this information, engineers can ensure that they mitigate the impact on the environment when installing the product so that the rehabilitated pipes are well-placed to last for many decades to come.

Leading Solutions for the Global Market

With Insituform positioned as both the founding company and the leading supplier of CIPP felt liners for large and small projects, clients can rest assured that they get quality with every liner product.

But with the lifespan of the product only as effective as the team behind its installation, getting the right approach to this trenchless technique is crucial. That’s why, at Insituform, our leading products are matched by training and comprehensive support for clients across the globe.

To find out more about the training we offer and how we support all our clients in maximising the lifespan of their rehabilitated pipes, head to our Training page or get in touch directly.