Published by Justin Beighle, Trenchless Boss 

We help plumbers go trenchless—with gear, training, and support that works. 

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, AKA: pipelining, is one of the best ways to repair pipes without digging. It’s fast, clean, and profitable. But here’s the truth most companies won’t tell you: 

If you don’t know what you’re doing, CIPP lining can go very wrong—very fast. 

At Trenchless Boss, we help plumbers add trenchless pipe repair to their business. We’ve also seen what happens when crews jump into pipelining without the right training. Jobs fail. 

Equipment gets damaged. Customers lose trust. 

In this article, we’ll break down the most common CIPP lining problems, what causes them, and how to prevent them with the right training and support. 

What Is CIPP Lining? 

CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) lining is a trenchless method that lets you fix old, broken, or leaking pipes without digging them up. 

Using this process, a flexible liner is soaked in resin, inverted into the damaged pipe, and then cured using air, steam, time, or UV light. The result? A brand-new structural liner inside the old pipe. 

But here’s the deal: CIPP only works if every step is done right—from mixing the resin to cleaning the pipe to curing at the right temperature. Skip a step or mess it up, and the job fails. 

6 Common CIPP Lining Problems (And How to Prevent Them) 

These are the most frequent mistakes we see: 

1. Incorrect Resin Mixing 

Problem: 

Mixing the wrong ratio of resin to hardener. 

What Happens: 

• Liner doesn’t cure properly 

• Soft spots or full liner failure 

• Job has to be redone 

Example: 

A contractor in Florida incorrectly guessed the mix ratio and had to remove a 60-foot liner that didn’t cure. It cost him $8,000+ to fix it. 

Solution: 

Always use a digital scale and follow the manufacturer’s mix instructions. At Trenchless Boss, we teach exact resin mixing and temperature control in our training classes. 

2. Poor Pipe Cleaning Before Lining 

Problem: 

Failing to entirely remove scale, roots, or debris before installing the liner. 

What Happens: 

• Resin doesn’t bond to the pipe wall 

• Water gets behind the liner 

• Job fails early 

Industry Data: 

A systematic review of CIPP installation challenges categorizes pre-installation issues, including pipe condition and cleanliness, as common causes of failure 

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Likewise, a manual on trenchless rehabilitation stresses the need to “thoroughly clean the existing pipeline, removing any debris or protruding laterals” before lining link here. 

Solution: 

Use tools like mechanical cleaners or high-speed cable machines. Then inspect it with a camera. We show you exactly how to prep and inspect pipe in every Trenchless Boss course. 

3. Wrinkled or Collapsed Liners 

Problem: 

Installing the liner too fast or at the wrong pressure. 

What Happens: 

• Folds or wrinkles form in the pipe 

• Flow can be restricted or obstructed 

• Job fails inspection 

Data: 

The National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) says 18% of lining jobs fail because of poor inversion technique. Don’t let this happen to you – learn how to properly install and succeed in pipelining. 

Solution: 

Learn how to control inversion pressure and installation rate. Our hands-on training shows how to avoid wrinkles and get smooth, even liners. 

4. Uneven Curing Temperatures 

Problem: 

Trying to cure the liner without controlling the temperature—especially in cold weather or long runs. (Not including ambient cured liners) 

What Happens: 

• Liner cures unevenly 

• Soft spots in the pipe 

• Failed inspections or early breakdown 

Example: 

A contractor in Ohio cured a 60’ liner in 40°F weather with no heat or UV source. Half the liner stayed soft and had to be cut out and replaced. It cost him over $7,000. 

Solution: 

Learn how to cure systems the right way—so you get consistent results no matter the conditions. We all have hiccups now and then, but following proper guidelines helps take the guesswork out of installation. 

5. No Camera Inspection 

Problem: 

Skipping pre- or post-job inspections with a sewer camera. 

What Happens: 

• Lining over poor conditions or debris (collapsed pipe, major scaling, bellies) 

• Missing bad connections or not fully opening branchlines 

• No proof the job was done right 

Solution: 

Always use an inspection camera before and after lining. We cover this step-by-step in Trenchless Boss training, so you can prove your work and avoid callbacks. This allows peace of mind for the property owner and the contractor. 

6. Bad Reinstatement Cuts 

Problem: 

Cutting branch lines open by hand with dull blades or cheap tools. 

What Happens: 

• Jagged holes or cracked liner 

• Poor flow or obstacles that catch debris rather than facilitate the removal 

• Angry customers 

Example: 

A Texas crew used a homemade drill rigged to open up a 4” connection. They cracked the liner and had to reline with a point repair. 

Solution: 

Use a robotic cutter or a reliable comp such as a miller machine for fast, clean reinstatements. 

The Root Cause of Most CIPP Failures? Lack of Training. 

A nationwide study of over 500 CIPP jobs found that the majority of problems came from improper setup or installation—not the equipment. Here’s the truth: 

💡 The gear isn’t the problem. The operator training is. 

That’s why Trenchless Boss includes professional, hands-on training with every equipment package. We don’t just sell you the tools—we show you how to use them correctly. 

What You’ll Learn in Trenchless Boss Training 

Whether you’re brand new to trenchless or already running lining jobs, our training gets your crew dialed in. 

We teach: 

• ✅ Resin mixing and liner prep 

• ✅ Pipe cleaning and descaling 

• ✅ Proper liner inversion (wet-out, inflation, pressure) 

• ✅ Cure time and temperature control 

• ✅ Inspection camera use 

• ✅ Robotic reinstatement cutting 

• ✅ Troubleshooting in the field. You’ll train with real gear, in real conditions. 

Who Needs This Training? 

You should train with Trenchless Boss if: 

• You’re a plumber looking to add trenchless pipe repair 

• You’ve had trouble with past CIPP jobs 

• Your crew is new to lining and needs guidance or you need an update in best practices 

• You want to avoid callbacks, rework, and wasted time 

• You want to protect your investment in equipment and materials 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess with CIPP 

CIPP is an amazing tool that can grow your business fast—but only when it’s done right. 

Most of the big problems we see are totally avoidable with good training and consistent support. That’s what we offer at Trenchless Boss. 

Ready to Line Pipes the Right Way? 

📍 Training Facility: Cincinnati-area, Ohio 

🛠 Hands-On Equipment Training 

📦 Full CIPP Kits Available 

💬 Ongoing Tech Support for Contractors 

👉 Call us at 855-389-BOSS 

👉 Visit: www.trenchlessboss.com 

Trenchless Boss 

Plumbers by trade. Trenchless by choice. 

We train, supply, and support pipe lining pros.