How to Safely Use CIPP for Potable Water Supply Repairs

Our current water infrastructure is reaching the end of its service life, leaving plumbing and pipe repair companies in need of affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly repair options. And while many conventional methods for pipe repair can offer one or two of these needs, there are few options that offer all three simultaneously.

CIPP repair works exceptionally well for sewer pipe repairs. But is it just as suitable for water mains, drinking water, and potable water supply lines? Using CIPP for potable water supply repair is possible, with the right process in place.

Top Concerns with CIPP for Potable Water Supply Repairs

CIPP repair’s less invasive approach to pipe repair and replacement gives it some considerable benefits over both conventional trenching and many trenchless methods, but the resins used in cured-in-place pipes release chemicals that could be harmful. But the threat of contamination stems more from methodology than chemical makeup.

Styrene, VOC, and SVOC Contamination

The most significant concern with CIPP for potable water supply repairs is styrene contamination. Along with other volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs), styrene poses a serious health risk in higher concentrations. It can result in drink water contamination, odor complaints, and fish kill if improperly handled.

Improper Waste Disposal

In most cases, styrene contamination starts with improper disposal of waste materials. From excess uncured resin to cure water, installations that don’t take extra care in properly disposing of materials and byproducts are often at the root of contamination problems. Uncured resin will continue releasing VOCs and styrene long after the installation is complete, and discharging cure water into sanitary sewers or storm drains can lead to waste water treatment plant disruptions and groundwater issues.

Liner Permeability

Some pipe liners may be minimally permeable, depending on the material and fabrication, leading to unintended leaching into soil. If the liners allow any uncured resin to escape through cracks or holes in the host pipe, there could be future issues with exposure to VOCs.

Insufficient Curing

CIPP resins are designed to harden completely, but the curing process may be inhibited by ambient temperatures and improper installation techniques. Insufficient curing allows styrene to continue escaping from the resin long after the installation is done. It can also lead to leaks and future breaks in the pipe, causing more problems in the future.

Solutions for CIPP Repair Concerns

Despite these concerns, it is possible to use CIPP for potable water repairs when the proper preparations and precautions are taken. The concern for water contamination is almost exclusively due to issues with the methods used to install the pipe liners rather than the materials used in CIPP repairs.

Better Curing Standards and Protocols

The CIPP industry requires certain basic safety measures be met for resins, but those standards do not define curing times, methods, or safeguards. As the industry continues to grow, however, such standard methodologies will need to be developed and defined. When resins are cured properly, post-installation styrene contamination risks decrease.

Extra Safety Precautions for Cure Water

In several states, including California, more stringent safety precautions have already been implemented. One of these precautions is the use of impermeable liners both upstream and downstream from repair sites. By preventing cure water infiltration into groundwater and soil, CIPP repairs become less risky for the general public. The regulations still vary widely from state to state, but this may change in the future.

Proper Waste Disposal

When using CIPP for potable water supply repairs, companies should take extra precautions to dispose of waste materials. Uncured resins cause serious issues, so leaving these materials on-site could result in significant contamination. Repair technicians should remove and dispose of any waste materials properly, including cure water, excess uncured resin, and extra liner materials.

Non-Styrene Resins

Many resins are either vinyl ester or polyester resins, but both of these types of resins tend to release greater amounts of styrene. As an alternative to these resins, CIPP repair companies can opt for styrene-free epoxies. This simple change can reduce a great deal of the concern around using CIPP for potable water supply repairs.

T3 Lining Supply: Your Small Business Partner for CIPP Lining Supply and Repair

Starting a CIPP repair business isn’t easy on your own. And making sure you’re getting the process correct is essential for safe CIPP repairs when working with potable water supplies. You need to choose the right supply company and the right training program.

At T3, we’re both. We’re a family company with a heart for small businesses, and we stand beside you every step of the way. From your first installation to your one-hundredth, our team makes it possible for your team to be successful every time.

Better Materials

We don’t believe in cutting-edge technology without proving its abilities in the field. Every resin and liner we offer goes through rigorous testing, benchmarking, and quality assurance. The result is that our customers know exactly what their materials are capable of doing, and our team knows exactly how to help your business when you run across challenges.

Better Training

T3 believes in custom-tailored training to meet you where you are. We train your whole team in one of our two warehouses, or we come to you to train on the job site. Our team members come with decades of real-world experience, and we help you see how CIPP is done, as well as providing you with opportunities to train directly with the equipment and materials you’ll work with daily.

Better Support

The industry standard for support is little more than warranty claims. At T3 Lining Supply, we believe a pipe lining supply company needs to be ready to prove the viability of their products through real-time support. Your team can call us any time, any day, and get a live expert to walk them through any issue they encounter. As long as you’re working with us, you’re part of the T3 family—and family takes care of family.

Ready to start offering CIPP repair for your customers? Reach out today to see how working with T3 makes your business stronger!