CIPP Inversion Versus Pull-In-Place Pipe Lining: Which Method Is Better for Your Business?

Cured-in-place pipe lining provides one of the most versatile and long-lasting solutions for trenchless pipe repair. But not all CIPP repair is exactly the same. While both inversion and pull-in-place pipe lining fall under the same category of CIPP repair, the different methods used can make one more beneficial than the other, depending on the situation.

So how do you know which to choose? Here’s a full run-down of the differences between inversion and PIP pipe repair, where they work best, and which one could be a better investment for your trenchless repair business.

What Is Pull-In-Place Pipe Lining?

Pull-in-place pipe repair is a trenchless method used to repair damaged or deteriorated underground pipes without the need for extensive excavation. By utilizing existing access points, including cleanouts or sewer terminals, PIP lining utilizes a resin-impregnated liner to completely rebuild the interior of damaged pipes without the need for digging.

PIP repair can provide you with an alternative solution that minimizes disruption, saves time, and reduces costs. And these benefits pass on directly to your customers, making it a great option to increase business opportunities in your community.

How PIP Pipe Lining Works

Here's how the process of pull-in-place pipe repair generally works:

1. Initial inspection: Use CCTV to identify the exact location and nature of the problem, whether it's a crack, leak, or corrosion.

2. Pipe preparation: Clean the pipe using high-pressure water jetting, descaling, or chain knocking to remove debris, scale, and blockages. The goal is to create a smooth and clean surface for the repair material to adhere to.

3. Pipe lining installation: A flexible liner, typically made of resin-saturated felt or fiberglass, is inserted into the damaged pipe. The liner conforms to the shape of the existing pipe and adheres to its inner surface via air or water pressure.

4. Curing process: Once in place, the resin in the liner is either heat- or UV-cured, creating a durable and structurally sound pipe within a pipe. The curing process can take as little as 90 seconds, and up to several hours, depending on the resin used.

5. Final inspection and testing: Video inspection is used again to examine the integrity of the new liner and to verify that the pipe is now free from leaks and blockages.

Benefits:

• Minimal excavation, if any at all

• Cost-effective due to reduced timelines and less heavy machinery

• Long-lasting solution, up to 50 years of additional use

Drawbacks:

• Extensive damage may not be repairable through PIP pipe repair

• Training is necessary for proper installation

• Specialized equipment may take some time to learn

Inversion CIPP versus PIP Pipe Lining: What’s Your Best Choice?

The only way to determine the trenchless pipe repair method best suited for your business is to look at what your business regularly does for repairs. The different equipment requirements, time constraints, and crew availability challenges in your plumbing company are all important factors to consider. But in general, here are some crucial factors you’ll need to weigh before deciding between pull-in-place pipe repair equipment and inversion lining equipment.

Excavation Concerns

Both methods of CIPP lining repair offer a nearly dig-free alternative to conventional pipe replacement. This is especially true if there are access points on either side of the damaged pipes. By eliminating the need for extensive digging, you can expect faster, safer, and less expensive repairs that both your clients and your crews will appreciate.

Fast Curing and Reinstatement

CIPP technology is impressive when it comes to reinstatement. Depending on the resin used, your curing and reinstatement time can be anywhere from less than a working day to as little as an hour. And since both inversion and pull-in-place lining methods can utilize these same resins, they’re equally matched for fast turnaround times.

Inversion or Pull-In-Place CIPP Pipe Repair: Which is Better for My Business?

If you’re working with…	PIP Lining	CIPP Lining
Small Diameter Pipes (2” to 12”)	✅	✅
Large Diameter Pipes (greater than 12”)	❌	✅
Minor Damage	✅	✅
Moderate Damage	✅	✅
Pipes That Need Structural Integrity	✅	✅
Significant Time Constraints	✅	✅
The Need for Budget-Friendly Repair	✅	✅
Long Pipe Runs	✅	❌
Single-End Access	❌	✅
Limited Access or High Disruption Potential	✅	✅

Pipe Length and Diameter

Again, pull-in-place pipe lining and inversion CIPP repair both offer solutions in many different situations. Where space is limited, and where digging is simply not possible, these CIPP options can provide a solution other methods won’t. But there are some subtle separating factors in which jobs each can perform best.

The first factor is pipe diameter. Since both methods start with a resin-impregnated felt liner, the smallest diameter you can repair is around 2” in order to avoid flow restriction issues. But most pull-in-place pipe lining repairs range from 4” to 12” in diameter, a rather limited range. Inversion lining, however, has been successfully implemented on diameters up to 84 inches.

However, inversion lining is not as well-suited for long runs of pipe lining repairs as PIP lining. In most cases, inversion CIPP repair is designed for runs of less than 60 feet. Pull-in-place has been used in repairs more than twice that length, making it a better option for some large municipal contracts.

An Almost-Even Match

Despite some small differences in application, both pull-in-place and inversion CIPP lining offer similar advantages for pipe repairs. Your investment rests mainly on the need for servicing larger pipe diameters or longer pipe lengths. The only other deciding factor is the types of access points you have available.

Inversion lining repairs typically only require a single access point, with special equipment to cut any terminals or laterals after curing is complete. But for PIP repairs, you’ll need both an entry and exit access point in order to pull the liner into place. This makes inversion CIPP lining systems slightly more versatile than pull-in-place solutions.

Invest the Right Way with Leading Trenchless Technical Training and Equipment

Here’s the good news: no matter which system you choose, you can find quality training for your teams through T3. Our experienced team of professionals brings years of trenchless experience to your business so you can see immediate success for your new technology. We train on any and all equipment, brands, and methods, ensuring that you’ll get the most out of your training.

Want to book a training session or learn more about starting your own trenchless services? Reach out on our website or give us a call today!