Quick Answer

Before a CIPP liner can be installed, the existing sewer line needs to be inspected and thoroughly prepared. That usually includes CCTV inspection, mechanical cleaning, and removal of roots, hardened buildup, debris, or other obstructions so the liner can fit properly against the inside of the pipe.

At Flow Pros, this preparation is an important part of the CIPP lining process because the condition of the existing pipe directly affects how well the new liner can be installed.

Why Pipe Preparation Matters Before CIPP Lining

CIPP lining works by installing a flexible, resin saturated liner inside the existing sewer pipe. The liner is expanded to fit the shape of the pipe and then cured in place, creating a new pipe within the old one.

Before that can happen, the inside of the existing sewer line needs to be clean and free of major obstructions.

If roots, concrete, scale, debris, or damaged material are left inside the pipe, they can interfere with the liner installation and prevent the new liner from fitting the pipe properly.

That is why preparation is one of the most important stages of trenchless sewer rehabilitation.

Step 1: CCTV Sewer Inspection

The process starts with a camera inspection.

At Flow Pros, high definition CCTV equipment is used to inspect the inside of the sewer line and locate blockages, breaks, root intrusion, and other problem areas.

This gives the technician a clear view of the pipe before cleaning begins and helps determine what type of preparation will be required.

Depending on the condition of the sewer line, simple cleaning may be enough. In more severe cases, additional mechanical work may be needed.

Step 2: Remove Roots, Debris, and Buildup

Once the condition of the sewer line is understood, the pipe needs to be cleaned.

This may involve removing:

  • Root intrusion
  • Hardened scale
  • Mineral buildup
  • Construction debris
  • Corroded material
  • Heavy blockages
  • Other material restricting the pipe

The goal is to create a smooth, debris free surface before the liner is installed.

Step 3: Milling Severe Obstructions

Some sewer lines contain material that conventional drain cleaning methods cannot effectively remove.

This is where sewer line milling may be required.

Flow Pros uses precision controlled milling equipment to remove hard obstructions such as concrete, grout, heavy scale, protruding taps, failed liner remnants, and other severe intrusions.

CCTV guidance allows the equipment to target these areas accurately while minimizing unnecessary damage to the existing pipe.

Milling is especially useful when preparing heavily obstructed sewer lines for CIPP rehabilitation.

Step 4: Final Cleaning and Pipe Preparation

After major obstructions have been removed, additional cleaning may be completed to make sure the pipe is properly prepared for lining.

Depending on the condition of the sewer line, Flow Pros may combine milling with hydro jetting, descaling, and additional camera inspection.

The objective is to leave the inside of the pipe as clean and smooth as possible before the liner is inserted.

Step 5: Install and Cure the CIPP Liner

Once the pipe is ready, the CIPP liner can be installed.

Flow Pros uses a flexible, resin soaked felt liner that is inverted into the existing pipe. Air pressure expands the liner so it fits the shape of the sewer line.

The liner is then cured in place, creating a new structural pipe inside the existing one.

Flow Pros installs CIPP liners in sewer pipes ranging from 2 inches to 8 inches in diameter.

Step 6: Final CCTV Inspection

After the liner has cured, another camera inspection is completed.

This final verification allows the technician to confirm that the liner has installed correctly and that the sewer line has a smooth, flow efficient finish before the system is returned to service.

Proper Preparation Helps Protect the Finished Liner

CIPP lining is designed to provide a long term trenchless repair without the disruption of excavating and replacing the entire sewer line.

Flow Pros CIPP liners come with a 10 year in house warranty and have a minimum life expectancy of 50 years.

Getting the pipe properly prepared before installation is an important part of achieving that finished result.

Need Sewer Line Rehabilitation?

If your sewer line is dealing with roots, heavy buildup, broken sections, or recurring blockages, CIPP lining may provide a trenchless alternative to traditional excavation.

Flow Pros can inspect the line, prepare the pipe, remove severe obstructions when required, and complete the CIPP lining process.

Contact Flow Pros to request a quote and find out whether trenchless sewer rehabilitation is a good fit for your property.