Spray-in-Place versus Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining: Which is Best for Your Business?
Of the many different pipe repair methods, spray-in-place pipe lining brings some of the most beneficial results outside cured-in-place pipe lining. But is it the best option for your pipe repair business?
What Is Spray-In-Place Pipe Lining?
Spray-in-place pipe lining, or SIPP lining, applies a thin coating to the interior of damaged pipes to repair and prevent deterioration. The lining is applied with robotic sprayers guided by CCTV inspections and assessments.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Spray-In-Place Pipe Lining
Spray-in-place pipe lining provides some clear benefits, but it also has limitations. The main factors determining its effectiveness are pipe diameter, pipe material, pipe use, and time constraints. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of SIPP lining’s benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits of SIPP Lining
Works in small-diameter pipes
Polyurea spray coating is VOC-free and safe for potable water
Minimal decrease in pipe diameter, with only 40 mils per spray layer
Flexible lining that allows for structure and ground settlement
Extends pipe life by 50 years or more
Minimally invasive, with almost no trenching required
Reduced repair time by as much as 50 percent compared to conventional dig-and-replace methods
Drawbacks of SIPP Lining
Thin lining may not provide enough protection against future damage
Application may take several passes for certain pipe sizes and conditions
Will strengthen existing pipes but does not provide full structural integrity
Host pipe must be completely clean and dry before the repair is performed
May experience delaminating since epoxy shrinks during curing
CIPP Versus SIPP: What’s Your Best Choice?
“...in most cases, both offer significant reductions in downtime, considerable cost savings, and less obtrusive labor requirements.”
CIPP lining, or cured-in-place lining, shares many of the benefits of SIPP lining. Instead of spraying a layer of sealer onto the pipe, CIPP repair methods use a liner soaked in epoxy or resin that is pulled or blown into the damaged pipe. Once there, the epoxy or resin is left to cure. This curing can be done via hot water, steam, or UV light, and the process can take anywhere from a few hours with hot water-cured epoxy to mere seconds with UV-activated resins.
No Digging Required
CIPP also requires little to no digging or drywall removal, and both SIPP and CIPP can significantly reduce repair times. The key differences in the application have more to do with the pipe itself than with the repair process.
Small Diameters, Minimal Repairs
Spray-in-place lining is better for smaller-diameter pipes since most cure-in-place lining methods reduce interior pipe diameter more. However, CIPP works better for more significant repair needs since it offers more structural integrity than SIPP lining.
Safe For Water Supply Lines
For potable water supply pipes, spray-in-place lining materials are toxin-free during and after curing. Some epoxy linings, as well as some resins, can produce VOCs during curing. While newer materials, including UV-activated resins, are considered safe for potable water, SIPP remains one of the top choices for municipal water supply repairs.
A Mostly Even Matchup
But, in most cases, either lining method will provide excellent results for sewer pipe repairs and water line rehabilitation. Both offer significant reductions in downtime, considerable cost savings, and less obtrusive labor requirements.
| If you're working with: | SIPP Lining | CIPP Lining |
|---|---|---|
| Small diameter pipes (less than 2") | ✅ | ❌ |
| Large diameter pipes (greater than 10") | ✅ | ✅ |
| Large municipal service pipes (2–10 ft) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Potable water pipes | ✅ | ✅ |
| Minor Damage | ✅ | ✅ |
| Moderate Damage | ❌ | ✅ |
| Pipes that need structural integrity | ❌ | ✅ |
| Pipes that need flexibility | ✅ | ❌ |
| No-VOC requirements | ✅ | ✅ |
| Significant time constraints | ✅ | ✅ |
| The need for budget-friendly repair | ✅ | ✅ |
| Limited access or high disruption potential | ✅ | ✅ |
Trenchless Pipe Repair Training and Equipment to Fit Your Needs
If your plumbing or repair company wants to add trenchless pipe repair to your list of services, you’ll need the right equipment and high-quality training to get the most out of your investment. That’s where T3 Lining Supply makes the difference.
Other pipe lining supply companies will sell you their equipment. Some may even train you on their machines. But at T3, we use our expertise and experience to help you use the tools that best fit your needs, not just the tools that make us the most profit. We’ll prepare your technicians for the field with training on any brand of equipment, and we can train for several trenchless pipe repair methods.
Even better, we offer on-site and off-site training, whether at one of our two physical locations, remotely, or in your hometown. Train where it works best for your team.
Boost your profits and confidence with T3’s industry-leading training, materials, and equipment. We make it easier for you to make your customers’ lives better. Start working with us today by getting in touch on our contact page.