The revolutionary Cure In Place Pipe (CIPP) technology has taken the world by storm. Previously, in case some water or sewage pipe got damaged, repairers had to dig trenches to remove the topsoil so as to access the damaged pipe and fix it. Things changed for the better when CIPP technology came around.
How Does CIPP Work?
With the CIPP technique, no digging is required. All you have to do is introduce some resin-impregnated felt liner tube from an inspection chamber or a manhole. The tube is usually made from materials such as polyester, spread tow carbon fiber, or fiberglass cloth. Water or air pressure is used to insert the liner into the pipe.
Once properly fitted into the pipe, expose the resin within the liner to a curing element in order to attach the liner to the pipe’s inner wall. Use hot water or steam to quicken the curing process. For fiberglass tubes, UV light serves as a good curing agent.
After about one hour, the resin and tube lining should form a tight-fitting hollowed core within the damaged pipe. The inner tube now functions as the new pipe.
Need For Training
Let not the under-200-word description of the CIPP process trick you into thinking that it’s just another DIY stuff. There are quite a lot of technicalities and specifications that you need to grasp before you can work as a CIPP installation contractor.
Remember, lining pipes is not part of most school syllabuses. Yet you’ll be doing CIPP repairs for commoners as well as learned persons. Suppose you’re asked:
- How am I sure the CIPP installation doesn’t compromise the original flow capacity?
- How long will the liner last?
- What design standards and specifications are you following?
- How does the liner affect my drinking water quality?
- If another leakage occurs at the same point, can you do a second CIPP repair?
- What dictates the minimum CIPP liner thickness?
- How will you ensure there are no wrinkles/fins in CIPP?
Certified CIPP installation contractors will have no problem giving valid answers to such questions. However, an untrained CIPP installer will be left speechless.
Become Certified
So, how do you become a certified CIPP Installation Contractor?
First, you have to look for a NASSCO-licensed CIPP trainer. NASSCO here stands for the National Association of Sewer Service Companies. It’s the institution that provides standards for the sewer service industry.
They train and certify contractors, suppliers, consulting engineers, public agencies, associates, and individuals. But you understand that not every CIPP technician can fit in their classes. That’s why NASSCO has licensed several other companies to train willing individuals and contractors.
Course Content
CIPP training by different institutions is considerably standardized. Some of the areas covered include:
- Detecting pipe defects
- Plumbing basics
- Introduction to the CIPP technology
- Field Installation of CIPP
- Inspecting CIPP repair projects
- Other pipeline renewal technologies and their applications
- Multiple sized piping configurations
- Lining pipes with multiple bends
- Technical advice on CIPP-related issues
The best trainers ensure that you visit a real job site with a trained technician. There, you’ll receive hands-on training until you’re confident to use the technology on your own. In addition to that, you’ll be provided with fully illustrated CIPP technology training manuals.
Extras
To improve your skills even further, trainers may coach you on how to use TAG-R software. This a decision tree software program that helps you select the most appropriate pipeline and manhole technologies for a given project.
At the end of the training, you’ll be issued a certificate of completion. Many of those who’ve attended these courses testify to their thorough nature, claiming they finished as 100% qualified.
The Benefits
Presenting a valid CIPP certification to a utility owner inspires a sense of confidence in you. They at once trust you to do a quality repair job that’ll last a whopping 50 years, as CIPP technology promises.
Indeed, this significantly markets your brand and increases referrals through word of mouth. Having a large customer base is everyone’s wish. That always translates to more contracts and more profits.
Moving Forward
Don’t settle for anything less. You now understand the importance of CIPP certification. Embark on a search for a licensed CIPP trainer near you. Be sure you’ll find a reliable one regardless of what part of the country you live in.
To reap more benefits from the training and certification, ensure the trainer you choose gives you field training on actual CIPP repair projects.
Statistics have it that 1.3 million feet of sewer pipes and 7 million feet of drinking water pipes in the US still need repair. You shouldn’t stay one day without a CIPP repair contract.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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