Cured-in-place-pipe, or CIPP, is a method of trenchless piping that uses a resin-soaked liner to repair leaks and cracks in water and sewer lines. Trenchless pipe repair avoids the mess and expense of traditional pipe repair, is very effective, and can increase a pipe’s flow capacity.
This guide explains the benefits, costs, limitations, and suitability of CIPP pipe lining as opposed to traditional pipe repair methods. CIPP is ideal for repairing or rehabilitating aged, damaged, or failing pipes without destroying the surrounding landscape.
Quick Takeaways
- CIPP avoids the mess and destruction associated with traditional pipe repair
- Suitable for most types of residential drainage systems, sewer lines, storm drains, water lines
- Only suitable for pipes that aren’t collapsed or missing large sections
- Lifespan is typically 50-100 years
- Requires a camera inspection
- Protects driveways, landscaping, patios, sidewalks
What Types of Pipes Can CIPP Repair?
CIPP can be used for most types of pipes, including:
- Cast iron
- Clay
- Concrete
- Corrugated metal
- Galvanized steel
- PVC
The primary requirement for CIPP is that the pipes are in relatively good repair except for minor cracks or leaks, but that there are no missing sections.
How Does CIPP Pipe Lining Work?
The CIPP process is as follows:
- Camera inspection to determine the condition of the pipe
- Clean/descale the pipe
- Insert the liner
- Expand the liner to fit the host pipe
- Cure the liner using either steam, hot water, or UV light
- Perform final camera inspection
- Reinstate branches as necessary
What Are the Types of Curing Used?
Three curing processes can be used for the liner. Each type has advantages and is best for specific situations.
Hot water cure
This is the original method for curing CIPP liners. It involves inserting a resin-soaked flexible liner into the pipe and inflating the liner with cold water. Hot water is then strategically and continuously inserted until the resin is fully cured.
Cold water is then used to cool the liner. This method is more suitable for longer pipes and those with a larger diameter. It uses a large volume of water and can cause odors. Disposal of the cure water in an environmentally safe method is also a factor.
Steam Cure
Steam cure is a more advanced curing method for CIPP, and is best for small to medium-sized pipes. The procedure for steam curing starts with inserting the liner and using compressed air to press it against the inside walls of the pipe.
Then, steam is used to heat the resin evenly, press it against the damaged pipe, and transform the two into one solid pipe. Curing temperature is between 110 and 120 degrees C, and the process takes about an hour. Temperature sensors monitor compliance with manufacturer specs.
UV Cure
The UV cure method is the fastest way to complete CIPP, taking as little as ten minutes, depending on the circumstances. Since the curing process only begins when the UV light begins, working time can be substantially longer. The UV cure isn’t reliant on weather conditions and is the least disruptive of the curing processes.
What Are the Benefits of CIPP Lining?
CIPP pipe lining has become very popular for many reasons, such as:
- Lifespan of between 50 and 100 years
- No major excavation needed
- Works for most types of pipe
- Preserves surrounding areas and landscaping
- Improves flow rate
- Reduces inflow and infiltration
- Appropriate for both residential and commercial applications
- Faster than traditional methods
Are There Limitations to CIPP Pipe Lining?
Sometimes, CIPP may not be the best solution for cracked or leaking pipes, such as when:
- Pipes are collapsed, missing large segments, or severely deformed
- Pipes are misaligned and have major offsets
- There’s restricted access for heavy equipment
- Code or permitting doesn’t allow it
- Host pipes have heavy structural damage
How Does CIPP Pipe Lining Compare to Traditional Dig-and-Replace Methods?
One of the primary differences is the impact on the local landscaping and environment. CIPP has minimal impact, whereas traditional methods can destroy landscaping, pipes, and water usage for extended periods.- CIPP takes considerably less completion time than traditional dig-and-replace methods, with most projects taking less than one day.
- Although the cost per linear foot is higher for CIPP, the overall project cost is usually less due to the decreased time, labor, and equipment required, and the subsequent repair of the surroundings afterward. Therefore, the CIPP is usually less expensive.
- CIPP may not provide the structural integrity needed, so sliplining or another method may be a better choice.
- Lifetime results are contingent on several factors, such as the quality of materials used and the quality of the installation, as well as the condition of the pipe when it’s repaired. However, longevity estimates are similar for both CIPP and traditional methods when all other factors are similar. Maintenance and location also affect longevity.
- Disruption to property and environmental impact are significantly less with CIPP than with traditional methods. CIPP requires no excavation, so there’s no landscaping to repair, no concrete to replace, and virtually no service disruption, as is the case with traditional methods.
What’s the Lifespan of CIPP Pipe Lining?
Most CIPP pipe lining lasts for 50 to 100 years. Factors that can influence the lifespan include the maintenance of the pipes, the type of pipe in place, the location, the resin quality, and the curing method. However, it’s far less inconvenient and expensive than replacing a cracked pipe with either PVC or cast iron.
Replacing cast iron pipe costs between $10 and $20 per linear foot for the pipe alone. This doesn’t include the labor to install it or any equipment rental costs.
PVC replacement cost is between $0.50 and $8 per linear foot, depending on the Schedule used. Again, this is for materials only and doesn’t include labor or equipment rental costs.
CIPP pipe repair generally runs between $80 and $250 per linear foot, and the average project cost is around $9,000. However, no trenching equipment is needed, there’s little to no property damage, and service disruption is minimal as most CIPP projects are completed within one day.
When is CIPP Pipe Lining the Best Option?
CIPP can be the best solution if you have any of the following problems:
- Cracked pipes that are otherwise intact
- Corroded or leaking pipes
- Ground movement
- Root intrusion
- Pipes under driveways, homes, landscaping, or roads
- Municipal, industrial, or residential applications
When Is CIPP Not The Best Option?
There are times when traditional methods of pipe repair should be used, such as when:
- The pipe is missing large sections
- The pipes are collapsed, shifted, or severely misaligned
- There are accessibility issues
- Repairs require full upsizing
- There is chemical exposure or contamination
What are the Environmental and Structural Benefits of CIPP?
CIPP provides many benefits to the environment, such as:
- Energy-efficient curing options
- Less excavation and large truck traffic
- Reduced waste
- No soil dumping
- Renewed structural strength
- Increased flow capacity
How are the Pipes Inspected Before CIPP?
- A small camera will be inserted in the pipe and will take pictures of the inside of the pipe. This provides an accurate view of the repairs needed.
- Grading severity measures the structural integrity of the pipes before and after the CIPP procedure.
- The camera will locate damaged sections, which will indicate any areas that are damaged beyond feasible CIPP repair.
- The camera will indicate whether CIPP is the best rehabilitation method or if another trenchless method, such as sliplining or pipe bursting, would be a better option.
FAQ: CIPP Pipe Lining
Does CIPP reduce my pipe’s diameter?
Yes, but only marginally due to the thinness of the liner. There should be no noticeable difference in water pressure or flow rate.
How long does CIPP lining last?
The CIPP lining usually lasts between 50 and 100 years.
Is CIPP safe for drinking water lines?
CIPP is considered safe for drinking water when the liner is properly installed. CIPP liners are required to comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 61, which means the materials are safe to use for human consumption.
Which pipe materials can be lined with CIPP?
CIPP can be used with most types of pipe, including cast iron, clay, concrete, corrugated metal, galvanized steel, and PVC.
Can CIPP fix root intrusion?
Yes, CIPP is very effective at resolving root intrusion in water and sewer pipes.
Will CIPP work if my pipe is badly cracked?
Yes, CIPP can work well on a badly cracked pipe as long as the pipe has retained its structural integrity.
How long does a CIPP installation take?
Typically, a CIPP installation can be completed within one day.
What is the difference between CIPP and slip lining?
CIPP uses a thin, resin-saturated liner that adheres to the shape of the pipe. A slip liner uses a prefabricated liner that’s a smaller diameter than the existing pipe. Both are trenchless methods with specific, targeted applications.
How do I know if CIPP is the right solution for my property?
To learn more about CIPP and whether it’s the best solution for your pipe rehabilitation needs, you need a professional opinion. CIPP is one of the most widely used trenchless methods and may be the solution you need.
Call Today for Expert CIPP Pipe Lining Services
CIPP is a long-lasting, non-invasive, cost-effective pipe rehabilitation method. It’s one of the most widely used trenchless technologies for modern sewer and drain restoration.
If you live in Bradenton, FL, or the surrounding areas and need trenchless pipe restoration, call us to schedule an appointment with one of our punctual plumbers. Whether you need a camera inspection, a recommendation, or an estimate, our punctual plumbers can help you.