January 24, 2017

Debunking Common CIPP Myths

CIPP myths are more common than they should be. A lot of what people hear about CIPP is distorted. Though an established practice, CIPP is still under-utilized in the USA. CIPP is a long-lasting, flexible, and well-tested solution to pipe trouble that may not set back your budget as much as you think. 

CIPP is the most expensive option

One of the most common CIPP myths is that insitu form liners are very expensive. CIPP is often comparably priced to traditional pipe repair. If you’re including the extra labor and materials costs that go into traditional pipe repair, CIPP can even come out ahead. Before you write CIPP off as being too expensive, ask for an estimate. The worst that you’ll hear is that your particular system will be expensive. You could be pleasantly surprised, and save money on a durable CIPP solution. 

You’ll have to replace the whole pipe system soon

A pervasive CIPP myth is that it’s not a real pipe. Because the liner goes in as a flexible cloth tube, there’s the idea that CIPP is essentially glue. It’s designed to hold your pipes together for a few more years, and then you have to replace them entirely. This is utterly untrue. CIPP may go into the ground a flexible liner, but the resin is cured into a hard plastic pipe. It’s an entirely new, solid pipe as complete as the host pipe that it was inserted into. 

CIPP has a very long life in the ground as well. 35-year pipes are not uncommon. When you choose CIPP to repair your pipe system, you can push further problems off for a long time. CIPP is a great way to tackle problems that keep popping up. Nip further pipe repairs in the bud, by replacing them with insitu form lined pipes. 

Every CIPP liner is the same

A lot of CIPP myths revolve around the liner. These are far from “one size fits all” piping. Each liner is chosen for the specific pipe it will go in. While some installers have a few standard sizes, it’s not unusual for a CIPP liner to be custom made. If your pipes follow a unique layout, there’s every chance that you’ll get a liner made specifically for your needs. Once the liner is in place and the pipe has cured, your installation team will dig the laterals you need. 

CIPP is a new technology

CIPP is viewed as the new thing in pipe repair and replacement. That’s not accurate, however. CIPP was first invented in 1971. It was brought to the USA in the 1980s. Since then, it’s been slowly growing in popularity and gaining ground in both commercial and governmental uses. The pros and cons of CIPP have been well established. CIPP companies have had time to hone their craft. CIPP is not a risky new trend: it’s an established practice finally getting the recognition it deserves. 

Don’t let these CIPP myths hold you back. Whether you choose cured in place piping or not, base your choice on the facts. CIPP is unique to most pipes, it has a long shelf-life, and it’s an established technology. Best of all, it could be a cheaper solution to your pipe problems.