February 7, 2017

Why Cleaning Before CIPP Installation is Important

One of the final steps before having your new CIPP pipes installed is thoroughly cleaning the host pipes. There are three main reasons for this step. First of all, grease and dirt in the pipe affects the curing process. Secondly, smooth pipes are stronger and more efficient. Last, but not least, cleaning your pipes sometimes reveals damage to the host pipe that was impossible to see when the pipe was dirty.

Grease and dirt can affect curing

There is a myth that grease and dirt will cause your CIPP to gap away from the host pipe. That’s not true, in the sense that there will always be a gap between your CIPP liner and host pipe. CIPP installation doesn’t include gluing one to the other. There will always be a usually very small gap.

The problems begin when grease and dirt get into the plastic as it hardens. While a gap between new pipe and host pipe isn’t a problem, you want your CIPP installation to go smoothly. Grease and dirt affect how the resin that makes up CIPP hardens. Realistically, a spec of dirt or a blob of grease won’t ruin your pipes. However, an entire length of pipe coated with grease, dirt, and debris could pose a larger problem. It’s better not to tempt fate and just clean your pipes before CIPP installation.

Smooth pipes are stronger

Leaving debris inside your pipe causes bumps and bulges in your CIPP liner as it cures. These imperfection become part of your pipes—permanently. While CIPP is very strong once it’s been cured, these imperfections put unnecessary strain on your pipes. They can redirect the force of the flow into the pipe itself after a bump or dip. Plus, they lower the efficiency of your pipe. Moreover, the efficiency of your pipe’s interior becomes compromised, due to these bumps and bulges. While this doesn’t feel important for a drain, you might notice a big difference in your water pressure, with every imperfection.

Cleaning can reveal imperfections in the host pipe

Visual inspection is a hugely important part of CIPP installation. Knowing what the host pipe has in store for the liner is a key part of ensuring everything goes smoothly. When your host pipe is cleaned, imperfections that were invisible come to light. Cracks, chips, and corrosion can be hidden beneath a layer of dirt and grime. Once the pipe is clean, your CIPP installation team can assess whether CIPP is still the best choice for you and how to adapt it for your specific issues.

CIPP installation depends on cleaning your pipes. When you have smooth, clean pipes, it’s easier for your visual inspection team to assess the state of your host pipe. A clean pipe allows your CIPP pipes to cure evenly and smoothly. The smoother your interior pipe, the stronger it will be. You can have great efficiency, perfect water pressure, and more if you clean your pipes before CIPP installation.