As a business owner, it’s likely that you’ve experienced the need to have your pipes repaired. Many businesses are choosing to repair their pipelines using a trenchless repair technology known as CIPP (cured-in-place piping). CIPP creates jointless, seamless pipes within an existing pipe. Before a pipeline can be repaired using CIPP, it must first be assessed by a CIPP contractor. Here is what a CIPP contractor looks for when assessing pipelines before CIPP repair.
Access Point
CIPP works by using an access point, such as where a sewer service lateral comes out or a manhole. Without creating a trench to expose the pipeline in need of repair, CIPP requires access through an outside entrance. Before a CIPP contractor can even begin their inspection, they must find an access point. This way they can see inside the pipeline to assess and make sure that CIPP is even doable.
Video Inspection
CIPP is a trenchless service, which means that CIPP contractors have to inspect the interior of the pipeline without causing any outside damage. This is why CIPP contractors rely on video cameras to conduct their assessments. Video cameras are snaked down the pipeline in order to assess how bad the damage is. During this assessment, the contractor looks for how much debris is built up in the pipeline, how badly the damage is, and if CIPP will take.
Trench vs. Trenchless
One of the biggest things that CIPP contractors assess is whether or not CIPP will work for your company’s pipeline. For CIPP to take to a pipeline, there must be a mold for it to form onto. Pipelines that just have spots of damage usually take CIPP repair well. However, pipelines that are almost completely crumbled or destroyed may take more than what CIPP can offer. CIPP contractors assess the pipeline and determines whether or not they can proceed with CIPP repair or if a trench will be required to conduct the repair.
Cured-in-place piping provides a great way to keep your company’s pipes up and running while causing no damage to your property. CIPP makes repairing pipes easy and causes minimal damage, but requires a CIPP contractor to assess the pipeline beforehand. During a CIPP contractor’s assessment, they make sure that there is an easily accessible access point to the pipeline, they video inspect the piping to assess the damaged area, and they decide whether or not a trench needs to be dug in order to properly repair the pipeline. By knowing what a CIPP contractor looks for, you can be better prepared for when your pipeline needs to be repaired.