Ask the TAC

Our CCTV inspection found leaks with staining in a 30-inch diameter cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liner one year after installation. Are these defects anything to be concerned about?

Short answer – Yes.
Leaks with staining appearing after installation are concerning as they can allow infiltration to enter the pipe and could affect the long-term integrity of the liner in the future. Leaks in CIPP are often a coating issue which may have become compromised during manufacturing or installation. Although less common, leaks can also occur due to a compromised laminate. It is critical practice for system owners to perform CCTV inspection of newly installed CIPP liners before the warranty expires to look for defects like leaks and stains. In this case, the owner should immediately contact the manufacturer for recommendations on repairing the location of these leaks and stains. The owner should also plan to televise other areas of the project to see if similar defects are present or not. Repair options may include use of an epoxy grout to stop leaks via confined space entry, installing a CIPP short liner to cover the defective area with hydrophilic seals at each end of the short liner section, or some other type of manufactured seal.