A cured-in-place (CIPP) pipe liner replacement is a trenchless restoration solution for broken pipes or damaged pipes. It’s said that the first CIPP lining was first introduced decades ago, mainly for sewer pipe repairs.
Decades later, technology has expanded to offer various types of CIPP materials to minimize downtime and offer the best option for various applications.
Along with technology, there are ways to enhance installation practices for better output. Check out the following tips for CIPP liner installation.
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How Is CIPP Installed
The first step in installing a CIPP liner is to access the water line from a utility hole or an existing access point. The resin-filled fabric liner tube is then inserted in the pipe system either by pulling or inverting it into position using water or air pressure.
Once set, the liner is placed to mold onto the pipe’s shape. To create a perfect fit on the existing pipe, the lining is heated using steam or hot water. Some contractors get a mobile hot water curing system for efficiency. When fully cured, the resin hardens and repairs any damages in the pipe.
Tips For Better CIPP Liner Installation
Installing CIPP liner is a major undertaking on its own. The whole process is believed to be highly complicated and requires competent personnel to successfully carry out the installation. The following are some tips to consider for most CIPP liner installations.
1. Familiarize Yourself With The Different Liner Options
There are factors that need to be considered before going about the project, including the requirements, cause of restoration, and the materials available.
Check out the four major CIPP liners with their advantages and downsides:
- Polyester resin: This material works best for sewer systems and storm drains, as well as large-scale community piping systems. It can be used for residential applications, too.
Cons: Prone to shrinking and may contain strong carcinogenic chemicals.
- Epoxy resin: The more expensive among the lot, it’s also one of the most durable. It doesn’t shrink and contains no harmful chemicals.
Cons: Has to be mixed on-site and used immediately because it’s fast-drying.
- Vinyl resin: Used mainly in corrosive pipes, this material is a mix of epoxy and polyester resins.
Cons: Retains the properties of both, but mostly the traits of polyester.
- UV (Ultraviolet) and LED (Light-emitting Diode) cure: The most advanced line and thus is regarded to be the best option. It eliminates the need for dangerous chemicals and cures really fast.
Cons: Costly and requires advanced equipment to install.
Apart from the fabric liner, choosing the correct polymer coating is also critical in the installation and curing stages.
2. Identify The Main Cause Of Restoration
Regular plumbing concerns such as pipe bursts and leaks, structural restoration, infiltration reduction, and preventing corrosion are a few of the issues that a CIPP can take on. But there are some concerns that CIPP can’t deal with such as a severely deformed pipe or a restoration project where bigger pipes are needed.
Along with the project requirements and cause of rehabilitation, the location and temperature form part of the main considerations in choosing the correct liner, materials, and installation methods.
3. Choose The Best Curing Method
After the liner is in place, it can be cured using three methods. Depending on the liner option you chose, you can use any of the following procedures.
- Hot Water Cure: After inflating the liner with a cold liquid, contractors will use hot water into the system at constant temperatures continuously.
- Steam Cure: It’s typically faster than its predecessor. Steam is said to transfer heat quickly versus water. Air pressure is used to inflate the liner to the pipe walls after the liner is set in place.
- UV Light Cure: This method requires the use of air pressure then a UV light train, as well as a micro closed-circuit television camera (CCTV), to be inserted into the system. Everything is done swiftly and with the use of a computer.
Depending on the scale of the project and the method used, the installation process can take anywhere from two to 10 hours maximum. If you’ve decided to stay on your property the whole time, a water tank should come in handy.
4. Perform Inspections And Quality Checks Before, During, And After Installation
In every CIPP liner installation project, you ought to conduct monitoring right away to take note of the results. Below are some additional helpful reminders to take note of.
- Inspect the pipe’s condition thoroughly prior to installation to come up with a smart decision.
- Before even choosing the best method for your CIPP installation, check the tube and resin for any damages or for questionable quality. Make sure that you only get your materials from reputable manufacturers.
- Review the material requirements and check the amount of resin needed by the project, per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- After installation, perform a visual check with the use of CCTV to validate that the pipe has been physically restored.
- Perform exfiltration test and low-pressure air test to ensure water tightness.
The Wrap Up
CIPP lining has been adopted in a variety of residential and commercial settings, allowing for a non-disruptive pipe remediation technology.
As with all projects, success hinges on the use of high-quality materials and proper installation. Having trained and skilled personnel on the field and establishing strict protocols complete the must-haves for a successful CIPP installation.