CIPP lining is one of the most durable, convenient, and cost-effective methods to repair pipes. And now, with resin pipe lining, CIPP provides even greater benefits with less time spent performing the repairs. But how long does CIPP lining last? Well, the answer to that is a resounding “it depends.” We’ll talk about what you should expect for pipe lining lifespan and six essential ways to maximize the life of pipe lining.

How Long Does CIPP Lining Last?

When installed properly, CIPP lining will last 50 to 60 years for residential use, extending the pipe to as long as 100 years. The lifespan of CIPP lining can be shortened if installation is not done properly and if the pipes are used for industrial, high heat, or corrosive materials.

What Can Affect How Long a CIPP Lining Lasts?

While the lifespan of your pipes will be extended from the repair alone, resin pipe lining can make it even longer if you avoid these key issues.

Large, Intrusive Root Systems

One of the most common causes of sewer line problems is intrusive root systems. CIPP lining is an excellent solution for root damage, but if the underlying issue isn’t addressed, even sewer pipe replacement won’t prevent it from happening again.

Blocked pipe caused by ingress of tree roots.

When assessing a job, consider whether the landscaping over the damaged pipe will cause damage in the future. And if it’s a concern, talk with your customers about possible solutions to keep their sewer system fully operational.

Earthquakes and Seismic Activity

The CIPP lining lifespan in an earthquake-prone area won’t be as easy to guarantee compared to seismically stable regions. Simply put, if the ground is shifting, anything connected to the ground will do the same. Exterior pipes are especially susceptible to earthquake damage, but even internal plumbing can experience damage. Repairs are still possible, and they still work well. But your customers may need to repair their pipes more often, whether or not they use CIPP lining.

Pipe Use

“Corrosives, extreme heat, and industrial waste eat away at the resins and epoxies used for CIPP repairs”

Residential pipes are perfect for CIPP lining repairs. The standard diameters are within the best range for inversion liner repairs and usually carry water waste at relatively low temperatures. But if you’re working with industrial or commercial repairs, the CIPP lining lifespan suffers.

Corrosives, extreme heat, and industrial waste eat away at the resins and epoxies used for CIPP repairs more quickly. Some chemicals may even make it impossible to use certain lining materials. Check with your supplier when planning to provide CIPP services for nonresidential uses. They’ll have information on safety protocols, regulations, and lifespan expectancies for these types of applications.

CIPP Lining Curing

Always make sure you provide adequate time for your repair to completely cure. You might expect anywhere from 12 to 24 hours for many two-part epoxies, especially if you use an ambient curing process. With hot water and steam curing, the time it takes to completely harden decreases, sometimes down to just a few hours. But if the lining doesn’t cure before the pipe is recommissioned, your customer may run into some serious issues down the line.

Poorly cured CIPP lining repairs could result in bubbling and leaking between the lining and the original pipe. The lining may also slip or move, exposing damaged areas. And for industrial pipe repairs, the epoxy may not withstand high temperatures or caustic chemicals as well.

If you’re concerned about the curing time, using UV light-curing resin instead of conventional epoxy could be worth the investment. UV curing takes only 90 seconds to complete, making the line operational in only a few hours from start to finish.

Proper Installation Methods

Your step-by-step installation process is crucial to the integrity of your repair and the CIPP lining lifespan. Your supplier can offer specific instructions and cautions to ensure you can consistently perform your repairs without issue. Whether it’s your machines, resins, or inspections, don’t skimp on doing things well for the sake of time or cost. In the end, cutting corners will likely cost you far more than you’ll make.

6 Ways to Maximize Your Resin Pipe Lining’s Lifespan

So how do you install CIPP lining properly? We break it down into six steps to make sure your repair will last for decades every time. And it starts with knowing what you’re dealing with.

CCTV Inspection

Before mixing your resin or inverting your liner, you need a CCTV inspection. A visual inspection can determine the extent of the damage, where the damage needs to be addressed, and how well certain repair methods would work for the pipe. This is the best starting point for understanding the efficacy of the repair, as well as the expected CIPP lining lifespan.

Once the repair is complete, it’s important to finish your job with a second CCTV inspection. This inspection confirms that the repair was successful, and it provides evidence that your team got the job done correctly.

Pipe Preparation

Once your inspection is complete, it’s time to prep the damaged pipe for the CIPP lining. Most pipes will have buildup inside, with more buildup on older pipes, and a resin liner won’t properly adhere to a pipe with this buildup. There are two main methods for cleaning buildup in pipes before CIPP lining: hydro jetting and chain knockers.

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to blast away debris, roots, scale buildup, and other obstructions in the affected pipe. Root cutting uses a specialized cutter head attached to the end of a flexible rod that can reach deep into corners and cut away roots that have grown into the pipe walls. Finally, manual snaking involves using a long coil or cable with an auger at the end to remove blockages from the inside of the pipe.

Chain knockers are another type of drain cleaning tool designed to break up blockages and stubborn debris in pipes. Chain knockers consist of a steel cable that is fed into the pipe and extends out several feet past the end. Attached to this cable are metal chains which, when pulled back, create a “knocking” effect that vibrates through the length of the pipe and helps to dislodge any blockages or debris that have collected inside. This process is repeated until the pipe is clear, after which it can be flushed with water to make sure all debris has been removed.

High-Quality Materials

The lifespan of resin pipe lining depends in part on the quality of your materials. While some manufacturers may not even stand behind their own products, other resins and epoxies provide nearly ironclad warranties. The difference? The quality of the materials.

Look for suppliers that make custom liners in several different materials (fiberglass, woven poly, felt), as well as suppliers that have high-quality epoxies or resins. Higher quality generally comes with a better warranty, giving you confidence that you’ll only have to do a repair once.

Installation Method

If your technicians aren’t properly trained to use your equipment, materials, or procedures, you’ll see issues in your resin pipe lining down the line. Before you start offering CIPP lining services, get your people into a trusted training program that gets them up to speed on your equipment, materials, and operations.

Trenchless Technical Training with T3 Lining Supply — Technical Training from T3 Lining Supply

But don’t just train them on any equipment or materials. Your training should be specific to your equipment, as well as the resin and liner combination they’ll be using. They’ll hit the ground running instead of trying to figure out how to make the equipment work right.

CIPP Lining Material Setup

If your crews use the wrong types of liners or the wrong epoxy ratios, you’ll need to reinstall your CIPP liners. Resin pipe lining requires precision. Invest in properly calibrated equipment that is specifically designed for the materials you use. When the liners and resins are set up correctly, your crews will have almost no trouble doing the job quickly and effectively.

High-Quality Tools

Industry-leading tools are the only way to go when offering resin pipe lining services. Their proven durability and precision make it possible to offer strong warranties for your work.

Trusted brands, like Renssi, make tools and equipment that last longer and work better than many other brands. In-house custom equipment is also often higher quality than some brands. When a supplier designs and fabricates their own equipment, you know it will work perfectly with their materials.

A Great CIPP Lining Service

At T3 Lining Supply, we strive to provide your company with the most advanced trenchless repair equipment, materials, and training. It’s all so that you can be confident in the services you provide your customers. Our custom-formulated resins and installation systems can cut your job times by days while providing industry-leading strength and durability.

Our training program is even more impressive. Not only do we train on our equipment, but we also offer training on any equipment you may use. There’s no concern about whether your crews will be able to take what they learn from T3 Lining Supply directly to the field. And we can train your techs at our facilities, remotely, or wherever you call home.

Contact us to make your resin pipe lining service the most reliable repair option in your region. We can start working with you immediately and get you the best tools, raw materials, and training for CIPP services.

How Long Does CIPP Lining Last? (Plus 6 Ways to Maximize the Life of Resin Pipe Lining)