When it comes to pipe repairs, there are several different ways to tackle the issue, including the widely used CIPP method. You might have heard of CIPP (cured in place pipe) but aren’t sure what it entails. In our article, we explain how CIPP works, how it differentiates from slip lining and its main advantages in pipe repair.
What is Cured in Place Pipe?
Cured in place pipe, widely known as CIPP, is a non-invasive method to repair pipes achieved by inserting a resin-infused felt lining (usually using air or water pressure) into a pre-existing damaged pipe. This lining is exposed to a curing agent to fuse it to the original pipe, with any final residue cut away. This results in a continuous, non-corrosive pipe-within-a-pipe and the restoration of structural integrity.
What is Cured in Place Pipe used for?
CIPP is a widely used method that is incredibly versatile. Pipes undergo wear and tear over time and eventually start to corrode, causing leaks, which can interrupt services and pose a public health risk, making swift repairs essential.
CIPP can be used to repair structurally damaged pipes between 0.1M and 2.8M in diameter in homes, water company sewers, water culverts, industrial and chemical plants and more. It requires specialist training and high levels of precision, so must be performed by professional drainage engineers.
What are the Benefits of Cured in Place Pipe?
CIPP is a widely-used method of pipe repair popular with engineers, as it has a wealth of benefits:
Non-invasive
This is a trenchless repair method that requires no excavation work, meaning disruption is kept to a minimum and the surrounding area left undisturbed. Small entrance and exit holes are dug to feed the resin lining, which is guided through the pipe with a small camera. The method is popular with homeowners who would rather avoid excavating their lawn or bathroom to achieve pipe rehabilitation.
Fast Pipe Rehabilitation
A faster method of restoring the structural integrity of pipes, CIPP has a lower impact on local infrastructure and quickly restores services. Most CIPP treatments can also be completed on the same day.
Effectively Seals Leaks and Cracks
If a pipe is compromised, contaminated water can seep into the surrounding environment, damaging the soil and local ecosystem. CIPP is proven to effectively repair leaks and cracks, forming a waterproof lining to the original pipe.
No Impact on Water Flow
The diameter of the new internal pipe will be similar to the original, so the water flow will not be adversely impacted – helping to prevent future blockages.
Protects Against Invasive Roots
Pipes can be displaced and damaged by invasive roots; however, CIPP forms a hardened bond against the original pipe, making it far more difficult for roots to penetrate.
What is the Difference Between Cured in Place Pipe and Slip Lining?
You might have heard of the slip lining method of repairing pipes and wonder what the difference is between this and CIPP. Rather than binding a resin-infused felt liner inside a damaged pipe to essentially create a new pipe, slip lining involves inserting a smaller made-to-measure pipe inside to seal cracks and leaks.
The main advantage of slip lining is that it is suitable for pipes of almost any size, as well as pipes that are straight or have segmented parts. However, the CIPP method can better tackle awkwardly shaped pipes and has better flow capacity.
Cured in Place Pipe: Final Thoughts
We hope our guide has helped you understand the processes involved in CIPP and its main benefits in pipe rehabilitation. Remember, the team at Draintech are drainage experts who can assist you with drain repairs a range of issues affecting your pipes – get in touch today to find out more.
