Cured in place or CIPP is fairly new way to repair an existing pipeline. It is known as a ‘trenchless repair’ method because it eliminates having to dig trenches around the entire pipe. CIPP can be used in water, sewer, gas and also in chemical pipes. Residents and businesses alike prefer this method because it saves the landscape and the buildings around it. Minimal construction is needed and the whole process is much shorter than the old method of digging up the foundation.

First Things, First
Often times, if a sewer line is suspected of being blocked, cracked or otherwise in need of repair, the first step is to inspect it. A sewer video inspection keeps to the trenchless method. A camera is attached to the end of a long, flexible line and inserted into the pipeline. It can maneuver easily around bends and corners, looking for whatever the problem is. Once the issue has been identified, repairs can then begin.

How it Works
After thorough drain inspections, a polyester tube is inserted into whichever pipe needs repairs from one end, usually from the manhole. The tube is inserted using either water or air pressure using pressure vessels. The tube is much like the camera inspection tube; flexible and moldable so that it can follow the existing pipe’s shape. You are literally installing a pipe within a pipe.

Pros As mentioned, CIPP does not require digging ditches and trenches to fix a broken pipe. CIPP also reduces infiltration and leaks in the actual pipe system itself. Lastly, the process only taking from one to 30 hours.

Cons
Pipes come in all different sizes but only the most common are usually stocked. More unique sizes must be made to order each time; because of this CIPP can tend to be a little pricey at times.

Overall, this method is much more environmentally and visually friendly to all around. Only taking a day is much preferable to the days and weeks actual pipe replacement would take. Not to mention stopping traffic to businesses or making coming and going from home difficult due to construction. Anyone can handle the 30 hours; 30 days is a different story. In fact, 73% of people interviewed said they wouldn’t mind paying the extra if it meant preserving the landscape.

Keep an eye on your sewer and pipe lines as you go about your life. It is advised that one should do regular inspections of the sewer lines if the home is older than 40 years old. Warranties are generally 10 to 50 years so start checking before the warranty runs out! You may find that you qualify for the cured in place pipe method and the whole job is much less of a headache that you originally anticipated.