What It Is
CIPP stands for Cured-In-Place Pipe. It is a trenchless sewer repair method in which a flexible felt or fiberglass liner saturated with epoxy resin is inserted into a damaged pipe and then inflated against the pipe walls. As the resin cures - hardening over several hours - it forms a smooth, structurally independent pipe inside the original one, sealing cracks, broken joints, and root entry points without excavation.
What It Does
CIPP lining rehabilitates a damaged pipe from the inside. Instead of digging up the old pipe and replacing it, the installer creates a new pipe inside the existing one. The cured liner bonds to the host pipe and forms a watertight, root-resistant surface. The flow capacity is slightly reduced because the liner has a smaller internal diameter, but the smooth epoxy surface often flows better in practice than the deteriorated interior of an old clay or cast iron pipe.
CIPP is particularly well-suited for pipe sections that are cracked or have separated joints but are still physically in position. It generally cannot address a fully collapsed section — those typically require excavation or pipe bursting instead.
Where It Is Located
CIPP lining is used on underground sewer lines, typically the main line running from the house to the street connection. It can also be applied to sections of pipe under driveways, sidewalks, or areas where excavation would be especially costly or disruptive. The liner is installed from access points at each end of the affected section - usually the sewer cleanout and the street connection.
How It Works
The existing pipe must be cleaned thoroughly first - typically by hydro jetting to remove all debris, grease, and root fragments so the liner makes full contact with the pipe wall. A camera inspection confirms the pipe is clean and assesses the extent of damage.
The liner is then pulled or inverted into the pipe. An inflatable bladder inside the liner is pressurized to press the resin-saturated felt tightly against the pipe wall. Heat (steam or hot water) or UV light accelerates curing. Once the resin has hardened, the bladder is deflated and removed, leaving behind a smooth, hard liner. A final camera inspection confirms the liner is properly installed and any service connections are reinstated.
Common Problems or Signs of Failure
CIPP lining is appropriate when a camera inspection reveals:
- Cracks or fractures in clay, concrete, or cast iron pipe
- Root intrusion through joints that keeps recurring
- Minor joint offsets that haven't caused collapse
- Corrosion that hasn't fully compromised pipe position
It is generally not appropriate for completely collapsed sections, severely offset pipe that has shifted out of alignment, or very tight radius bends that prevent liner insertion.
Can a Homeowner Check It?
- Ask the plumber for the camera inspection footage before and after the lining - you should be able to see that the liner is smooth and fully adhered inside the pipe.
- Ask specifically about liner thickness and the warranty. Quality CIPP installations carry a manufacturer's warranty of 10-50 years depending on the liner material and application.
- Confirm the pipe was fully cleaned before lining. Lining over debris or residual root material can lead to early liner failure.
When to Call a Plumber
If a sewer camera inspection has shown cracks, root intrusion through joints, or corrosion in your main sewer line, CIPP lining is worth asking about as an alternative to full pipe excavation. It tends to cost less than excavation when the pipe is under a driveway or mature landscaping, and installation often takes around one day, though the timeline varies with pipe length and site conditions.
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