Infrastructure managers across municipal, utility, and industrial networks are facing the same challenge: ageing pipelines that need rehabilitation without the cost and disruption of full excavation. Cured-in-place pipe, commonly known as CIPP, is the trenchless technology that solves this problem. Insituform invented CIPP in 1971 when Eric Wood developed the first method of rehabilitating a pipe from the inside, and we have been manufacturing CIPP solutions ever since.
What Is Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP)?
CIPP is a trenchless method of rehabilitating an existing pipeline by inserting a resin-saturated liner into the host pipe and curing it in place. Once cured, the liner forms a structurally sound pipe-within-a-pipe that restores flow capacity and seals against both infiltration and exfiltration.
First developed in 1971, the technology has since become the most widely adopted form of trenchless pipe repair worldwide. CIPP lining is used across wastewater, stormwater, clean water, and pressurised systems, and applies to diameters ranging from small laterals through to large-diameter trunk mains.
For infrastructure managers evaluating rehabilitation options, CIPP offers a strong combination: structural renewal without surface excavation, reduced project timelines, and lower overall programme costs compared to traditional dig-and-replace.
How Does Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining Work?
The CIPP lining process follows a consistent sequence. A flexible liner, pre-impregnated with resin, is inserted into the host pipe using either inversion or pull-in methods. Once in position, the liner is inflated against the pipe wall and cured using heat (hot water or steam) or ultraviolet (UV) light, depending on the liner type.
After curing, the liner hardens to form a continuous, jointless pipe within the original structure. The result is a fully structural rehabilitation with no annular gap, tight-fitting to the host pipe profile.
Insituform manufactures a full range of CIPP liner solutions to cover every major application:
- CIPP Felt for gravity wastewater and stormwater rehabilitation
- InsituMain Pressure for pressurised clean water and potable mains
- iPlus Composite for high-strength, large-diameter structural lining
- iFlex Lateral for lateral connections and smaller-diameter branch pipes
- iPlus Glass for UV-cured installations where rapid cure times are critical
Each liner is manufactured at our facility in Wellingborough and supplied to contractors and engineers worldwide.
When to use CIPP for Pipe Rehabilitation
CIPP is specified across a broad range of infrastructure scenarios. The key benefit is that it allows for the repair of existing pipelines without the need for excavation, which is crucial when considering factors like cost, environmental impact, or surface limitations.
Here are some common applications for CIPP:
- Wastewater and stormwater sewers where infiltration, root intrusion, or structural deterioration has compromised the host pipe
- Clean water mains and pressurised pipelines requiring structural reinforcement or leak sealing
- Lateral connections linking properties to the main sewer network
- Pipelines beneath roads, railways, buildings, and populated areas where dig-and-replace would cause unacceptable disruption
- Large-scale municipal renewal programmes where hundreds of metres need rehabilitating within tight delivery windows
For engineers and asset managers involved in these projects, understanding which pipe rehabilitation method suits which application is essential for crafting a reliable specification.
What to Look for When Specifying CIPP
When it comes to specifying a CIPP project, starting with the right manufacturer is crucial. The liner is the heart of every installation, and its quality plays a significant role in determining how well it performs over time. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating CIPP manufacturers.
- Liner type suited for the application. Different applications like wastewater, pressure, lateral, and UV-cured require specific products. A manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range gives specifiers confidence, especially for mixed-asset programmes.
- Quality control standards. At Insituform, we apply 28 quality control checks for every single CIPP liner. Each liner is produced under ISO 9001 certification, ensuring full traceability from raw materials to dispatch.
- Recycled material content. Sustainability matters in modern infrastructure procurement. We use 75% recycled material within our flagship products.
- Supply chain reliability. We manufacture 1 million metres of CIPP lining per year on average, supplying projects worldwide. That manufacturing scale means consistent availability and reliable lead times.
- People and expertise. Our team operates with 0% staff turnover, except for retirement. The people manufacturing your liner today are the same specialists who have been refining the process for years. You can learn more about our approach and values.
For further context on selecting the right rehabilitation approach for your programme, see our engineer’s guide to pipeline repair.
Specifying CIPP with Confidence
Selecting a trustworthy CIPP manufacturer is essential for ensuring you receive a long-lasting product. Insituform has been a pioneer in CIPP technology for over 50 years, offering a full spectrum of liner systems suitable for any pipe rehabilitation application, all backed by our engineering expertise and quality assurance.
Explore our CIPP solutions to find the right liner for your project, or speak to our technical team for specification support.
