Nothing spurs industries and communities like innovation in a particular field or process. People have been using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) repair for quite some time, but many everyday people are still probably unaware as it only became available in the residential setting within the last 15 years or so. New projects like the one recently in Canada are what could really bring attention and appreciation to this relatively new industry of trenchless sewer repair.
According to the industry news source TrenchlessOnline.com, the City of Toronto has been a long-time user of trenchless technologies, so it’s not a huge surprise they turned to CIPP when looking for a solution to their old egg-shaped, brick-and-mortar sewer problem.
Because of the design and layout of the sewer, they had to use a technique known as lateral lining. Despite the new challenges the old sewer presented the company contracted to do the work (D.M. Robichaud Associates), they were able to make the necessary restitution while also meeting the high rehabilitation standards set by the city.
“The system is fairly straight forward; we set the gasket, inverted the liner and screwed to the pipe wall,” said Sean Wade, one of the company’s lining technicians.
CIPP had previously been used on many parts of the main pipelines, which did make the cleaning an easier transition for the workers. At the end of the day, the project consisted of over 500 service connections and not a single homeowner was affected by the work that was done at any point.
Most homeowners in one survey (73%) said they’d pay more for sewer pipe replacement if it would preserve their existing landscaping, patio, deck, or other outdoor features and it seems people in the industry feel the same way.
“You sure don’t want to ever dig by any of these old beautiful hand crafted brick-and-mortar sewers and now that the main and the service connections have been rebuilt and sealed with CIPP gaskets, the city can expect another 50-plus years of service,” said Wade.