Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) technology has revolutionized the pipeline rehabilitation industry by allowing for seamless, efficient, and non-invasive repairs. While all CIPP products are designed to meet compliance standards, not all installations guarantee the same compliance. A compliant product is only as effective as its installation, which must adhere to specific protocols to ensure quality, safety, and long-term durability. In this blog post, we dive into what makes an installation compliant and highlight the terms we avoid to keep communication straightforward and expectations realistic.
What a CIPP Installation Must Include
To ensure the CIPP installation meets compliance requirements, several essential steps should be followed meticulously:
- Pre-Installation Inspection
Before starting any installation, a comprehensive inspection is crucial. This often involves a camera inspection of the pipe to assess damage, locate blockages, and determine the overall pipe condition. The video inspection also reveals the length of the buildings pipe(s) and all lateral branch connections that tie into it. Identifying measurements, configurations and any pre-existing issues helps to develop a tailored approach to the repair.
- Proper Cleaning and Preparation
Ensuring the pipe is clean and free of obstructions is a fundamental step in the installation process. Cleaning the pipeline involves removing any buildup, sediment, or root intrusions that could interfere with the new lining. Without proper cleaning, the new liner may not adhere fully, leading to potential leaks or weakened structural integrity.
- Liner Installation
There are only two complaint methods for installing CIPP material liner into your existing
drainage systems. One is by means of inversion, as per ASTM F1216 and the other is by pulling-in-place, as per ASTM F1743. Both require that the liner material installation must be continuous over the entire length of the pipe. As a result, both methods must produce dimples at side connections (these are your building’s lateral branch connections that tie every unit’s bathrooms and kitchens into the main drain lines). The contractor must use a remote-control cutting device to reopen the side connections to their precise diameters for a continuous structurally lined sewage system. This must be reflected on your CIPP plumbing permit paperwork that the contractor is required to submit.
- Post-Installation Inspection and Testing
After the liner is installed, a post-installation inspection done by the Authority having
Jurisdiction must confirm the liner’s installation method meets either ASTM F1216 or ASTM F1743 as stated in the Florida Building Code. They will confirm this on your CIPP plumbing permit paperwork.
By staying compliant and following these steps, a CIPP material installation can meet code and ASTM standards and perform optimally for over 50 years, ensuring safety and efficiency for the client and compliance with regulatory standards.
When considering CIPP technology for your pipeline, it’s essential to have a clear, realistic
understanding of what the product offers. To ensure expectations are aligned, here are some terms we avoid in order to stay transparent and accurate with our clients:
Accurate Installation Expectations
Be cautious of terminology that can be used to sell a non compliant CIPP material installation such as “Gapping”, “Start and Stop”, “Hybrid” Lining, “Cutting out all lateral connection points from the sleeve prior to the installation of the liner” and the like. These suggest that the CIPP material liner will not be installed as a continuous liner as required by the FBC and ASTM Standards, but instead will contain “gaps” or “voids”, or “segments” between each liner material. In some instances, epoxy resin is applied to coat the original unlined voids in cast iron pipes between gapped segments; however, this approach also fails to meet ASTM Standards and FBC/Plumbing Codes. Read more about why these installations can be especially harmful to your building’s pipes!
Overly Strong Promises
Beware of terms like “50 year manufacturer warranty”. While CIPP technology is incredibly
durable, the manufacturer only warranties their CIPP material IF they are installed according to FL Building Code/ASTM F1216 or ASTM F1743 Standards. If the CIPP material is installed according to FBC/ASTM Standards then the system will provide a ‘life use’ of over 50 years. The contractor will provide the warranty for their workmanship, as such, make sure you have it in writing for any extended warranties they claim to offer.
While CIPP products are engineered to meet high standards, installation practices must be equally stringent. Adhering to correct protocols, avoiding misleading terms, and ensuring a thorough process from inspection to testing are essential steps in achieving a compliant and durable installation. By focusing on these elements, contractors and clients alike can be assured of a quality installation that meets industry standards, maintains compliance, and performs reliably for years to come.
CIPP technology is only as effective as the care taken during installation, and avoiding these common missteps can lead to better outcomes for all involved.
