What Are the Limitations of CIPP Repair (And What Does It Do Best)?
CIPP lining is one of the most versatile and effective pipe repair methods available. It minimizes damage to surrounding streets, yards, and concrete. It extends pipe life by as much as 50 years. And it takes almost no time to complete.
But what are the limitations of CIPP repair? And do those limitations outweigh the benefits of adding CIPP lining services to your plumbing business?
What Are the Limitations of CIPP Repair?
Most pipe repairs are more than appropriate for cured-in-place lining, but there are a few limitations of CIPP repair that could require more invasive action. As long as a pipe retains at least some of its structural integrity, CIPP lining works. But if the pipe can’t withstand additional pressure, or if it’s already failed, alternatives need to be considered.
Collapsed Pipes
CIPP repair can’t fix collapsed pipes. In these cases, the inverted liner won’t be able to navigate the length of the collapse, and the air pressure to push the liner into the pipe isn’t enough to open it back up.
Instead, the pipe could be repaired with techniques like pipe bursting or directional drilling. These two methods require less trenching, but they only work well in open spaces. For residential repairs, the collapsed pipe may need to be completely replaced by digging it out.
| + | - | |
|---|---|---|
| CIPP Repair | Little to No Excavation; Fast Turnaround Times; Minimal Disruptions; Perfect for Small Spaces | Dependent on Pipe Condition; May Cause Odors in Small Spaces; Not Suitable for Small Diameters |
| Pipe Bursting | Uses Existing Pipe Footprint; Works for Any Pipe Condition; Minimal Excavation | Not Suitable for Small Spaces; Large Machinery Required; Can Damage Landscaping and Hardscaping |
| Directional Drilling | No Trenching; Not Dependent on Pipe Condition | Can Damage Properties; Not Suitable for Small Spaces |
| Spray-in-Place | Flexible Application; Minimal Pipe Diameter Reduction; No Trenching | Requires Structural Integrity of Host Pipe; Does Not Work with Small Diameter Pipes |
| Pull-in-Place | Minimal Trenching and Digging; Works Well in Small-Scale Applications | Not Suitable for Long Runs; Requires Structural Integrity of Host Pipe |
| Slip Lining | Completely New Pipe; Minimal Digging; Uses Host Pipe Position | Reduces Pipe Diameter; Limited Applications |
| Open Excavation | Completely New Pipe; Visual Confirmation of Work | Destroys Adjacent Landscaping, Hardscapes, and Infrastructure; Long Repair Timespan |
Major Corrosive Issues
If the host pipe is too damaged or corroded, CIPP repair won’t be able to fix the problem. Excessive corrosion and major cracking eliminates the structural integrity of the host pipe, so the pipe liner will end up breaking the pipe apart with the pressure needed to shape the liner into the pipe.
In these cases, slip lining may work better, since it doesn’t rely on the structural integrity of the host pipe. In the most extreme cases, though, even these repairs won’t work, and complete replacement may be necessary.
Pipe Bellying
CIPP repairs can’t change pipe bellies since the resin liner conforms to the shape of the existing pipes, slope and bellying problems included. When the slope needs to be corrected, full replacement is the only viable option.
What Can CIPP Lining Repair Fix?
Beyond these three conditions, there’s little CIPP repairs can’t address. With its fast cure time, watertight seals, and 50-year life expectancy, CIPP eliminates the need for trenching and replacing old pipes in nearly every case.
Cracked Pipes
CIPP repair is perfect for cracked pipes. So long as the pipe section still has structural integrity, inversion liners can repair cracks quickly and permanently. The air or water pressure used to inflate the resin-impregnated liner pushes it into the cracks securely to create an impenetrable seal.
Leaks and Minor Corrosion
Pinhole leaks and non-structural corrosion issues don’t require replacement if you choose CIPP instead of conventional repair. Hardened resin completely seals small leaks, and it can keep corrosion from traveling further into the pipe structure by keeping wastewater and other liquids away from the host pipe.
Root Intrusion
Clay and cast iron pipes frequently suffer damage from roots. But the CIPP repair process is ideal for eliminating root intrusions. By cleaning the compromised pipe, and then permanently sealing out future intrusions, even old pipes can see years of extended use. Roots can’t break through a properly installed resin liner, so it’s the perfect solution for residential sewer pipes that stretch under landscaping and concrete work.
Where Does CIPP Work Best?
CIPP is more than just sewer pipe repairs. With so many benefits and so few drawbacks, cured-in-place pipe repair works well in almost every application:
With all these markets available for CIPP repairs, it’s an easy win for your plumbing and pipe repair business.
The Benefits of Adding CIPP Repair to Your Business
Your customers will love having a pipe repair option that keeps their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods intact while improving vital infrastructure. But it’s more than just convenience you’ll be providing.
Fast Repairs
How fast are CIPP repairs? Think hours instead of days. Most CIPP repairs take one day to complete, with curing times as fast as 90 seconds.
Cost-Effective
Trenching is expensive, requires special machinery, and takes days (and sometimes weeks) to complete. CIPP repairs cut costs for both labor and equipment, making it more affordable than conventional replacement.
Less Rehab Work
Stop spending time replacing landscaping, concrete, and roadways. CIPP requires little to no digging, won’t destroy entire yards, and doesn’t require the city to block off streets to get the work done.
Minimally Invasive
Customers don’t have to shut down operations or move out of their homes with CIPP repairs. Even busy retail spaces can continue operating while your crews repair long runs of damaged pipes underneath the stores.
Environmentally Friendly
With less new material, fewer carbon emissions, and less waste, CIPP makes pipe repair a green process.
Wide Range of Applications
Without CIPP, you’re missing out on business opportunities within multiple industries. And it’s equally effective in both commercial and residential repair needs.
Why Partner with T3 for Your CIPP Needs?
From its versatility to its minimally intrusive process, CIPP lining services can expand your business into a whole new customer base. While the limitations of CIPP repair can disqualify a few specific repairs, its ability to address many issues without causing damage to adjacent lines, property, or public infrastructure makes it the best choice in most situations. If you’re ready to add a new service to grow your business, contact us today to see how T3 can help you out with the right tools to get started.
Equipment
Our industry-leading equipment makes repairs and installations simple, fast, and effective. With cutting-edge equipment from Renssi, you know you’re getting the best tools for your business.
Materials
Our proprietary resins, hardeners, lubricants, and liners keep your teams working smoothly and quickly. Repairs are better with high-quality materials like our Triple-T resins and liners.
Training
Whether it’s at our headquarters, online, or at your business, we’ll train your people so they know how to use the tools and materials correctly. Contact us to find out how our trenchless technical training advances your business by preparing your team with hands-on experience.
We’re ready to level up your business alongside you, from start to finish!
