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Cured in place piping is one of the most common forms of trenchless technology. First patented in the 1970s by an English inventor, CIPP is an effective repair method for all manner of underground pipes. In 2022, PW Trenchless completed a CIPP project for a local park. CIPP was an ideal solution for this project due to the sensitive ecosystem of the park, which serves as a breeding ground for herons and other threatened wildlife.

CIPP Process

Underground pipes have a lifespan like everything else. Depending on the material and operating conditions, pipes may last anywhere from a decade to a century. As they reach the end of their operating life, pipes begin to leak and become prone to failure.

The CIPP process is used to repair worn out pipes “in place”. Rather than digging a trench and physically replacing the pipe, trenchless companies insert a sleeve or lining into the existing pipe. This lining is custom-sized to fit the length and diameter of pipe to be repaired. The lining is made from special cloth saturated with resin. Once it is in place, the resin is cured generally using heat or light. Once cured, the lining forms a durable barrier within the existing pipe—effectively creating a new pipe inside the existing trench.

Benefits of CIPP

The primary benefit of CIPP is that it typically requires little or no excavation. CIPP liners are usually inserted via existing access points like manholes.

By avoiding excavation, CIPP repairs may be completed without disrupting roads or landscaping. The process may be less carbon intensive than conventional replacement methods. As they require less excavation work, CIPP repairs tend to be less noisy and disruptive to neighbours.

Drawbacks of CIPP

CIPP repairs may become more complex for pipes with many bends, as ensuring the liner isn’t folded, wrinkled, or creased can be difficult. Once repaired, CIPP pipes cannot be mechanically cleaned using a snake or cable. They must be water blasted clean, assuming cleaning is necessary.

While CIPP repairs are safe and durable, it is important to take steps to minimize or eliminate chemical exposure during installation and curing. Some studies have identified incidents of chemical leeching into water because of CIPP repair. However, the risk of dangerous chemical exposure or long-lasting pollution can be mitigated through installation and management best practices.

Case Study: Sanitary Sewer Line Rehabilitation, Old Orchard Park, Port Moody

In 2022, PW Trenchless worked in tandem with Insituform to rehabilitate a sanitary sewer line in Port Moody’s along the Shoreline Trail and Old Orchard Park. This was an environmentally sensitive project due to its proximity to the Moody Inlet and the sensitive ecology of the land surrounding the pipe. As a breeding ground for herons and other animals, completing the project without damaging the ecosystem was crucial.

PW Trenchless completed all civil works, including preparation and clearing for this project, installation and maintenance of a temporary bypass while CIPP installation was to be completed. Insituform handled the installation and curing of the CIPP liner.

Site Preparation

The project began with a site study. The rehabilitation took place in an environmentally sensitive region adjacent to the Burrard Inlet. Ensuring the project could be done safely—for workers, park visitors, and the surrounding environment—was of paramount importance.

Two sections of pipe required rehabilitation. The first section was a storm sewer requiring conventional CIPP lining. The second phase targeted a sanitary sewer line with more complex access requirements and a different liner type required. The project required a temporary bypass to allow the work to be completed safely. PW Trenchless identified a bypass route and configured above-ground force mains to reroute sewage flows away from the affected section of pipe.

During site preparation, PW Trenchless identified and dug insertion pits at key input points to facilitate installation. The existing segment of pipe was prepared for cleaning and installation. PW Trenchless worked closely with Insituform to hand-off the project for installation.

Installation

Once site preparation was complete, Insituform proceeded with Liner works. They began by inspecting the section of pipe to be rehabilitated using remote cameras. The interior of the pipe was cleaned and prepared for CIPP installation.

Insituform installed fiberglass resin impregnated felt into the pipe before applying pressurized steam to cure the resin. This concluded the first phase of the CIPP installation.

The second phase involved an alternative UV-cured liner produced by iPlus®. Due to the absence of manhole access to this section of pipe, entrance and exit pits had to be excavated. A winch cable pulled the prepared lining through the pipe body. The Insituform team worked carefully to ensure the liner inflated properly before curing it with a remote lighting train.

Project Finalization

Once the two remediated segments of pipe were cured, PW Trenchless proceeded with the reinstatement phase of  rejoined the project. Their crew worked to connect the newly lined segments of pipe back to the grid, forming a continuous functional pipeline once more. Once all pipe was tested and functional, PW Trenchless removed the bypass systems put in place during site preparation. Each system was meticulously flushed and cleaned prior to disassembly to avoid contamination.

Conclusion

The project was a success, remediating both segments of pipe without significantly disrupting the park’s operations or the local ecosystem. Throughout the process, local herons continued to nest in the area, indicating little disruption to nature despite the extent of work completed.