Trenchless Pipe Lining Technology

Imagine being able to repair leaks in underground pipes without the need to dig a trench? Well, the good news is that it can be done. Please read below for more.

Trenchless pipe lining is part of the broader trenchless technology.

In a nutshell, trenchless pipe lining is a type of subsurface construction and civil engineering technology that uses little to no continuous trenching in the installation of new and repairing and replacement of existing underground pipes, thereby reducing disturbance and the overall cost.

To understand this relatively new but increasingly popular technology, you need to delve into the following:

  • How trenchless pipe lining works (the steps),
  • It’s application,
  • The benefits of trenchless pipe lining, and
  • The reliability of the resulting pipe

How Trenchless Pipe Lining Technology Works

The trenchless pipe lining process consists of three phases.

The first phase is the preparation phase whereby the pipeline in question is removed from service, with a diversion or tanking feature installed in the meantime.

After that, the pipe that needs repair is thoroughly cleaned, typically using a combination of high-pressure jets and manual cleaning to get rid of debris and corrosion.

This ensures the lining will fit as close to the original pipe as possible, ensuring the lining pipe has ample capacity.

The specialists may also remove defective parts of the original pipe, especially when the pipe diameter has been negatively impacted.

The second phase is the lining process. During this phase, the Cured In Place Pipe Lining, saturated with resin, is winched or pulled in and installed in place.

The liner is inflated using compressed air or water under high-pressure.

Once in place, the liner is cured using hot water, steam, ultraviolet light, and in some rare cases, the liner is cured using ambient temperature.

The final phase is the post-curing stage. This stage comes after the liner has cooled and hardened in place. The end cuts are cut off and removed, leaving the pipe end flush and ready for sealing, if required.

The water used to cure the pipes is removed and disposed of safely. The final bit is to inspect and test the new pipe to ensure it meets the pre-determined specs.

The Application Of Trenchless Pipe Lining

Trenchless pipe lining is used to repair leaking, broken, and rusted pipes that are installed underground.

As such, the technology is used to repair pipes that are part of the sewer system, residential sewer plumb lines, and commercial sewer plumb lines.

The Benefits Of Trenchless Pipe Lining

Trenchless pipe lining technology yields a lot of benefits for everyone involved. For instance, homeowners get access to less expensive pipe repair and replacement services.

Pipelining costs as much as 50% to 70 % cheaper when compared to the excavation process.

Homeowners also do not have to incur the hassle and the costs associated with excavating concrete installations such as walls and floors.

Trenchless pipe lining is also a clean pipe repair process as specialists do not have to excavate the leaking pipe.

It is also a faster way of repairing and replacing leaking old pipes – after all, there is no trenching needed.

Given that it is a fast and safe solution, property owners or occupants need not move out for the pipe renovations to take place.

On the other hand, other people in the vicinity of the project benefit from an environmentally friendly process of repairing plumbing lines.

They do not have to worry about grey and black water leaks affecting their environment.

Trenchless pipe lining technology allows service providers to render cost-efficient services. They can, therefore, attract more clients and retain most of the clients they get.

The Reliability Of Installed Pipes

Depending on the environment, the pipe lining can last as long as 50 years. After the inner lining cures, the resulting pipe is solid.

In fact, the pipe can stand alone and function as a pipe without suffering from structural integrity deficiencies.

Moreover, the lined pipe can withstand load bearing from the soil covering it, foot traffic, and even vehicles.


Trenchless pipe lining technology has revolutionised how underground pipe installations are maintained, repaired, and replaced.

The technology reduces the amount of time it takes to repair underground installation while yielding high-quality pipes that last long and are fit for purpose.


