An Overview Of The CIPP Pipe Lining Process

What Is CIPP Pipe Lining and How Does It Work?

Cured-in-place pipe lining, or CIPP, is a trenchless method for rehabilitating damaged sewer and drain lines without excavation. Instead of digging out and replacing a buried pipe, technicians insert a resin-saturated liner into the existing pipe, inflate it against the pipe walls, and cure it in place. The result is a smooth, jointless liner that functions as a new pipe inside the old one.

Advanced Drains and Underground Solutions uses CIPP extensively in Delaware County, where aging clay, Orangeburg, and cast iron laterals are the norm across communities built between 1940 and 1970.

Step-by-Step: How CIPP Lining Works

Step 1 — Camera Inspection: Before any liner goes in, we run a high-definition camera through the line. This shows the pipe’s condition, diameter, and the nature of the damage — root intrusion, cracks, deformation, or joint separation. Without this baseline, there is no way to size the liner correctly or confirm that lining is the right method versus pipe bursting.

Step 2 — Hydro Jetting: The pipe interior must be clean for resin to bond. We use high-pressure water jetting to remove root mass, grease accumulation, and sediment. This step also removes loose scale from cast iron pipe before lining. A second camera pass confirms the pipe is clean and ready.

Step 3 — Liner Preparation: The liner is cut to length and saturated with epoxy or polyester resin. Saturation must be even throughout the liner. Uneven resin distribution creates weak points after curing. We handle this off-site or in the truck, depending on the liner system used.

Step 4 — Liner Insertion: The resin-saturated liner is inserted through an access point — either an existing cleanout or a small excavation at the access end. Inversion is the most common insertion method for residential laterals: the liner turns inside-out as it travels through the pipe under air or water pressure, positioning itself against the pipe walls as it advances.

Step 5 — Inflation and Curing: An internal bladder inflates the liner against the pipe wall. Once positioned, the resin cures. Depending on the system and pipe diameter, curing uses hot water, steam, or UV light. UV curing is faster and allows precise control over when curing begins. Most residential laterals are fully cured within two to four hours.

Step 6 — Reinstatement and Final Inspection: After curing, the bladder is removed and any lateral connections are reopened using a robotic cutter guided by camera. A final camera pass confirms the liner is smooth, fully adhered, and that all connections are clear.

When Is CIPP the Right Choice?

CIPP lining works best when the existing pipe still holds its shape — cracked, corroded, or root-intruded, but not collapsed or severely displaced. In Delaware County this commonly means:

• Clay tile laterals with root intrusion at joints but intact overall structure
• Cast iron pipe with corrosion pitting or hairline cracks
• Orangeburg pipe that is deteriorating but not yet fully deformed
• Pipes with multiple small cracks distributed along their length

If a pipe has collapsed sections, severe offset joints, or significant deformation — which happens with older Orangeburg as it absorbs ground moisture over decades — pipe bursting or open excavation may be the better path. We make this determination after the camera inspection, not before.

CIPP Lining vs. Pipe Replacement

Traditional replacement requires excavating the entire length of the affected lateral, removing and disposing of the old pipe, backfilling, and restoring the surface. On a typical Delaware County property with a 50-foot lateral running under a driveway or landscaped yard, the surface restoration can cost as much as the pipe work itself.

CIPP lining typically requires only one or two access points. The yard, driveway, or finished basement floor stays intact. Work is usually completed in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a CIPP liner last?

Properly installed CIPP liners carry manufacturer service-life ratings of 50 years and longer. The liner creates a new, jointless pipe surface inside the old one. Root intrusion through a completed liner is not possible because there are no joints for roots to exploit.

Does CIPP work in all pipe sizes?

CIPP systems are available for pipes from 3 inches to several feet in diameter. Residential sewer laterals in Delaware County are typically 4-inch or 6-inch, both of which are well within standard CIPP liner size ranges.

Will my sewer be out of service during lining?

The sewer line is offline during insertion and curing — typically three to five hours for a residential lateral. We coordinate the work window with you in advance. Service is fully restored after the final camera inspection confirms the liner is seated and connections are clear.

Schedule CIPP Lining in Delaware County

Advanced Drains and Underground Solutions provides CIPP lining throughout Delaware County, PA. Call 1-855-DONT-DIG or use our contact form to schedule a sewer camera inspection. We assess your line, explain the options, and give you a written estimate before any work begins.