CIPP, pipe bursting, slip-lining, and microtunneling contractors rehabilitating water and sewer mains without excavation.

    Find a Trenchless Pipe Rehabilitation Provider

    Matched providers: 46

    Top countries: United Kingdom, Belgium

    Popular technologies: Acid Dosing Systems, Aerated Lagoons, MABR

    Trenchless Pipe Rehabilitation: CIPP, Slip Lining, and Pipe Bursting for Water and Sewer Mains

    Trenchless pipe rehabilitation installs structural or semi-structural lining or replacement pipe inside existing deteriorated mains without open excavation, minimising traffic disruption, surface reinstatement cost, and construction time. Methods broadly fall into: lining techniques (CIPP - cured-in-place pipe; slip lining; spray lining); pipe replacement (pipe bursting, pipe eating/milling); and point repair systems (lateral connection re-establishment, patch lining).

    Primary driver: UK and European water and wastewater networks include millions of kilometres of aging Victorian cast iron, brick, pitch fibre, and pre-1990 PVC pipes requiring rehabilitation to restore structural integrity and prevent leakage. WRc Sewerage Rehabilitation Manual (5th edition) and Water UK Pipe Rehabilitation Technical Guidance Note (TGN) provide assessment and method selection frameworks. UK trenchless market: estimated GBP 1 to 1.5 billion per year for water and wastewater pipe rehabilitation; AMP8 (2025 to 2030) includes significant increases in sewer rehabilitation funding driven by WINEP (Water Industry National Environment Programme) and CSO reduction targets.

    Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is the most widely used trenchless sewer rehabilitation method globally. Process: a flexible resin-impregnated felt liner (polyester, fibreglass, or carbon fibre composite; thickness 4 to 35 mm) is inserted into the host pipe by inversion (water or air pressure from an end access point) or pull-in method; the liner is cured in-situ by hot water, steam, UV-light, or ambient cure depending on resin type (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, or aqueous UV-cure resins); cured liner forms a continuous new pipe within the host pipe with no joints or annular space. Standards: BS EN ISO 11296 series (Part 1: General, Part 4: CIPP specifically); ASTM F1216; UK WRc SRM specifies liner wall thickness design basis (structural or semi-structural role).

    Applicable host pipes: DN 150 to DN 3000 mm; circular or egg-shaped profiles; house connections re-opened by robotic cutter post-lining (remote-controlled cutter restores branch connections). Benefits: continuous joint-free lining (zero leakage path at joints); maintains hydraulic capacity (smooth CIPP surface Manning's n approximately 0.010 vs deteriorated brick n = 0.015 to 0.025); 50-year design life per BS EN 13566; avoids excavation under live roads or railways. Limitations: structural host pipe required (unless using fully-structural CIPP design); access for end-to-end liner pull-in at maximum 200 to 600 m intervals.

    Pipe bursting and pipe eating replace deteriorated pipes with new pipes of equal or larger diameter. Pipe bursting (pneumatic or static pull): a bursting head (cone-shaped expander) is pulled through the existing pipe by a pulling machine; the old pipe is fractured radially and displaced into the surrounding soil; a new HDPE pipe (PE100, SDR11 or SDR17) is simultaneously pulled in behind the bursting head. Applicable to: brittle pipes (clay vitrified, concrete, grey cast iron, AC - asbestos cement); not suitable for ductile iron or steel mains (pipe bursting requires brittle fracture). Upsize factor: typically 1 to 2 pipe sizes increase possible (e.g.

    DN 150 to DN 200); limited by soil displacement capacity. Pipe eating (moling, microtunnel replacement): for upsizing where existing pipe can be milled/ground away by a cutter head ahead of new pipe installation. Slip lining (continuous pipe or segmental): new continuous PE pipe pulled or pushed through existing host pipe; annular space between new and host pipes grouted with cementitious or PU foam for structural transfer; reduces bore by 5 to 15 percent. GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) segmental slip lining: structural GRP segments installed by CCTV-guided remote manipulation for large-diameter applications (DN 900 to DN 3000 culverts and sewers).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is CIPP lining and how long does it last?

    Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining installs a resin-impregnated flexible liner inside an existing pipe to form a new, smooth, continuous pipe wall. Process: liner (polyester felt saturated with liquid resin) is inverted into the pipe using water or air pressure from one access point; liner pressed against host pipe walls during curing; curing agent: hot water (80 to 95 degrees C), steam (110 to 130 degrees C), or UV light (for UV-cure systems) activates resin cross-linking, hardening the liner into a rigid pipe in 1 to 6 hours; access point is cut open; lateral connections re-opened by remote cutter robot. Liner design life: BS EN ISO 11296-4 specifies 50-year design life for structural CIPP; well-installed CIPP liners demonstrate 30+ years in service in UK and European sewers from 1990s installations without structural deterioration. Liner thickness design: calculated from ring stiffness required for independent structural performance (fully deteriorated host pipe cannot contribute to load bearing); typical sewer liner thickness: DN 225 sewer under 1.5 m road fill: 6 to 8 mm; DN 600 at 4 m depth: 12 to 18 mm; structural design per BS EN ISO 11296-4 Annex A. Hydraulic performance: CIPP Manning's n approximately 0.009 to 0.011; hydraulic capacity improvement over roughened brick/concrete sewer (n 0.013 to 0.025); most sizes maintain or improve flow capacity despite bore reduction.

    When is trenchless rehabilitation preferred over open-cut pipe replacement?

    Trenchless rehabilitation is preferred over open-cut replacement in most situations due to cost and disruption advantages: Cost comparison: CIPP lining typically GBP 150 to 600 per linear metre (depending on diameter, depth, access) vs open-cut replacement GBP 500 to 2,000+ per linear metre including excavation, backfill, and reinstatement; in urban areas: open-cut requires traffic management, temporary road closures (GBP 5,000 to 50,000 per day in London), and full carriageway reinstatement at GBP 80 to 200/m2 - often triples the effective pipeline replacement cost. Speed: trenchless lining 20 to 200 m per day vs open-cut 5 to 30 m per day for large diameter. Preferred trenchless scenarios: (1) Underneath live roads, railway, or structures where excavation disruption or risk is unacceptable; (2) Continuous lining requirement for leakage or structural integrity over long sections; (3) Pipe with relatively intact profile but deteriorated condition; (4) Urban areas with high reinstatement costs and traffic sensitivity. Preferred open-cut scenarios: (1) Severe deformation or collapse where CIPP cannot navigate bends or deformations greater than 15 percent bore reduction; (2) Pipe requiring upsize more than 1 to 2 pipe sizes (pipe bursting limited); (3) Combined sewer rehabilitation with channel reconstruction or benching modifications at the same time; (4) Shallow pipes under unpaved land where excavation cost is low. UK guidance: CIRIA Report C679 (Sewers - Inspection, Assessment and Renewal) provides decision framework for rehabilitation vs replacement selection.

    Can trenchless methods be used for water mains?

    Yes, trenchless methods are extensively used for water main rehabilitation and replacement: (1) CIPP for water mains: DWI-approved epoxy or polyester CIPP liners for potable water mains (BS 6920 extraction testing required; DWI Regulation 31 approval); used in cast iron mains DN 100 to DN 600; restores structural integrity and eliminates tuberculation (iron corrosion nodules); reduces iron discolouration complaints; typical applications: Victorian-era cast iron mains with heavy tuberculation, pitting, or joint leakage; (2) Spray lining (cement mortar): most common water main rehabilitation for UK water companies; DN 75 to DN 900; centrifugally applied cement mortar lining 3 to 9 mm thick (BS EN 15655, AWWA C602); inhibits iron leaching and provides smooth hydraulic surface (Manning's n 0.010 vs tuberculated iron n 0.015 to 0.035); no reduction in bore capacity (mortar fills tuberculation voids); WRAS/DWI approved; life expectancy 30 to 50 years. CIRIA TGN on Structural Relining of Water Mains; (3) Slip lining with PE100: continuous HDPE pipe inserted with grout annulus; used for large-diameter trunk mains; (4) Pipe bursting: replacement of grey cast iron or AC mains with PE100 in same trench path; upsize DN 100 to DN 150 common; (5) Swaged or fold-and-formed PE: PE pipe thermally deformed to smaller diameter for push/pull insertion, springs back to fill host pipe bore after installation; used in water industry for long insertions without grout annulus.

    What is the cost of CIPP lining compared to open-cut replacement?

    Cost comparison (UK market, 2024 price levels): CIPP lining: DN 225 sewer, 2 m depth, urban road: GBP 200 to 400 per linear metre (liner + installation); DN 450, 3 m depth: GBP 400 to 700/m; DN 900, 4 m depth: GBP 1,000 to 2,000/m. CIPP costs include: liner material (typically 50 to 60 percent of total), curing equipment mobilisation, CCTV survey pre and post, access manhole modifications. Open-cut sewer replacement (same pipe sizes, urban road): DN 225, 2 m depth: GBP 800 to 1,500/m; DN 450, 3 m depth: GBP 1,500 to 3,000/m; DN 900, 4 m depth: GBP 3,000 to 6,000/m. Open-cut costs include: excavation and shoring, pipe supply (HDPE or vitrified clay), bedding material, backfill and compaction, full-width road reinstatement (GBP 80 to 200/m2 carriageway), traffic management, utility diversions. CIPP cost advantage: typically 30 to 60 percent less than open-cut replacement for sewers in urban roads; greater saving ratio in busier streets (higher traffic management and reinstatement cost). Spray lining (cement mortar): DN 150 water main, typical UK water company: GBP 40 to 120 per linear metre; very low disruption; most cost-effective water main rehabilitation for iron mains without structural failure. Full life cycle cost assessment: open-cut replacement provides longer design life (100 years for new HDPE vs 50 years for CIPP); in whole-life cost analysis, CIPP may still be preferred where disruption cost and NPV of deferred replacement are factored in.

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    Trenchless Pipe Rehabilitation Companies

    CIPP, pipe bursting, slip-lining, and microtunneling contractors rehabilitating water and sewer mains without excavation.

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    Specialists in trenchless pipe rehabilitation

    Providers whose services or self-declared specialties match this category.

    Steve Vick International Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Steve Vick International (SVI) is dedicated to delivering cost-saving solutions for damaged, redundant or outdated underground pipework. Since its foundation in 1981, SVI has been at the forefront in developing products and techniques for the repair, renovation and decommissioning of pipes. Predominantly our work has been in the gas industry but increasingly we are undertaking projects in the water and nuclear sectors. We are the UK’s leading producer of Pipe Coil Trailers and offer a range of Pipe Handling equipment such as Handlers, Crackers and Cutters. Some of our latest innovations include the PE Pipe Cutter, the Pipe Feeder for Pre-Insulated coiled pipe, PE Live Head for Live Mains Insertion, the Perpetual Pipe Pusher, FBOS (Foambag Operation on Stubs) and SMARTester. WATER: For over 20 years water utilities and their contractors in the UK and overseas have used our pipe handling equipment to improve their efficiency and safety. Today our products include Pipe Handlers, Pipe Coil Trailers and Pipe Cutters as well as our patented DRAINBLOCK™ and RATBLOCK™ sealing systems. GAS: In the UK we are major suppliers to all the gas distribution networks. Many of the techniques we have pioneered have become the preferred methods of working in the industry and our resin foam sealant products and associated equipment are key to many of the cost-saving renovation processes used. NUCLEAR: SVI offer solutions to the problems associated with decommissioning and sealing disused pipework, ducts, sleeves and ventilation shafts. Our technology can also be designed for the mass filling of large and complex voids and is a lightweight alternative to cement grout. We have worked at Hinkley, Sellafield, Harwell, Chapelcross and Hunterston. CONTRACT SERVICES: A rapidly expanding part of our business is our Contract Service department who are well known for their work in the field of renewing and repairing underground gas pipes, for the UK Gas Distribution Networks. However, they are becoming increasingly involved in projects being undertaken by water utilities, electricity providers, rail networks, civil engineers, construction companies and local councils. This reflects the range of skills and expertise available to solve on-site problems associated with pipe repair, renovation, and diversion. Located strategically around the UK the highly skilled team can provide a fast response, emergency repairs and a rapid call out service which is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HIRE: We offer specialist plant and equipment for the Utilities Industries. Products available for hire include our Pipe Handlers, Perpetual Pipe Pusher, Pipe Coil Trailers, Rapid Rotary Cutters, Rapid Window Cutters, MACAW Pipe Crackers, CRACKERJACK and Mini Purge. All our hire equipment comes with onsite support from our highly experienced engineers and our products are fully maintained and serviced at our depots. All equipment is also available to purchase. SMARTester: SMARTester is the wireless pressure test system, that ensures absolute traceability and best practice. The system combines: SMARTester pressure sensor, an intuitive App and a Dashboard database of test evidence. Together the 3 components work to give you confidence that your tests are highly accurate, fully compliant and that evidence is traceable.

    R2M Limited

    United Kingdom

    At R2M, we are driven by a passion for creating innovative solutions that help build a smarter, more resilient water industry. Our mission is to deliver effective, high-quality products and services to UK water utilities and contractors, continually striving to enhance the nation's water supply for future generations. Founded in 2003 as a supplier of pipes and fittings, R2M quickly earned a reputation for reliability through our extensive product range and robust stock levels—ensuring our customers always had what they needed, when they needed it. Over the years, we have evolved from a trusted supplier into a comprehensive manufacturer and installer too. Today, we offer end-to-end solutions—all under one roof—streamlining the process for our customers and providing exceptional value at every stage. We are proud to be used trusted by all water utilities and contractors across the UK. Since 2019, R2M has proudly been a member of the Hawle Austria Group—a global network of like-minded, quality-focused companies including the likes of Hawle Austria, Erhard, Nova Siria, and Özkan. This partnership gives us exclusive access to a wide portfolio of innovative and proven products from across the group, allowing us to offer tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. Being a part of this established and experienced group strengthens our capabilities, expands our product range, and ensures we stay at the forefront of the industry—so our customers always benefit from world-class technologies backed by local expertise. Are you ready to discover how our solutions can support your next project? Get in touch with us today on 01282 778 030.

    Stonbury

    United Kingdom

    Stonbury is an agile, direct delivery specialist contractor to both the water industry and wider water environment, with an emphasis on delivering innovative, low carbon and high-quality reliable solutions. Currently holding over 30 Frameworks, we work with most of the UK’s water companies and the EA – either directly or through their major supply chains – to deliver high value, low carbon solutions across their asset estates. This includes works on potable water, wastewater treatment centres and nature-based ‘green’ and ‘grey’ solutions that deliver smart, low carbon environmental engineering. In recognition of the intensified global focus on the effects of carbon emissions and their impact on the climate and biodiversity we have reassessed our Purpose, Vision and Strategic Goals, putting sustainability at the heart of our culture and everything we do.

    Related providers

    Listed for overlapping capabilities, not for trenchless pipe rehabilitation specifically.

    Ecosystems International

    Verified

    Indonesia · 51-200 employees

    PT Ecosystems International (PT ESI) was established at Jakarta on 21st November 2006. We are an industrial effluent treatment systems integrator specializing in electrocoagulation (EC), a unique waste water treatment profile. PT ESI has capabilities in designing complete waste water treatment solutions by combining various effluent treatment systems such as the electro-coagulation, biological, chemical processes and membrane filtration, offering its customers a wide and comprehensive range of solutions, tailored to suit their various needs – ranging from basic effluent treatment for discharge to effluent recycling for water reuse. The Company is experienced in handling the design, engineering, procurement, construction and operation of new Effluent Treatment Plants (“ETP”) and possesses expertise in retrofitting existing ETP to increase the flow rate and treatment capability without any major infrastructure increase PT ESI is also a premier waste water treatment service company specializing in handling waste water generated from Exploration (Drilling) and Produced Water. Customers in Indonesia include major Oil & Gas companies such as Pertamina, Exxon, Chevron, Petro-China and Medco. Operations in Indonesia are provided by both mobile and fixed units. At drill sites where waste-water recycling is required, PT ESI supplement these treatment units with skid mounted mobile Reverse Osmosis systems. The technologies and solutions employed by PT ESI are developed in-house and examples of these are its proprietary Trident™ Electro Contaminant Removal (“ECR”) system, the Stage Contaminant Removal (“SCR”) process and Mobile On-Site Waste-Water Treatment (“OWT”) units

    Reverse Osmosis (RO) SystemsUltrafiltration (UF) SystemsMulti-media Filtration (MMF) Systems

    DALI - Pipeline Monitoring

    Belgium · 1-50 employees

    DALI - Pipeline Monitoring specializes in advanced real-time leak and intrusion detection for pipelines using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and fiber optic technology. Their solutions help utility companies and industrial facilities minimize Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses, reduce waste, and prevent costly incidents, ensuring efficient pipeline management.

    Online/Real-Time MonitoringRemote Sensing and TelemetryIoT and Smart Monitoring

    Technocover Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Technocover is an approved ISO 14001:2004 Environmental and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accredited Company, dedicated to the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Physical Security Access Solutions for protection to all industrial sectors. Our extensive in-house design and manufacturing facilities are home to well established research and development unit and comprehensive testing facility. Our commercial offices incorporate our design team who utilise the latest computer aided design technology and work alongside our dedicated planning section who oversee everything from surveying, scheduling and contract reviews, to the management of framework agreements. We have been designing and manufacturing innovative steel products since 1993. In that time, through organic growth, planned expansion and acquisition, we have gained a reputation as the UK’s leading supplier of Physical Steel Security Access Products. We have a range of aperture security solutions for virtually every application, establishments in the UK and overseas have sought our expertise in providing security products for asset protection. We operate a Total Service Philosophy and can handle complete projects from site survey to final installation, whether for new or refurbishing projects, the adaptability of our galvanised steel access products means the most complex design criteria can be met. Our range of high quality access products offer custom built operational and security solutions to prevent unauthorised persons gaining access, securing key assets against all levels of trespass, malicious vandalism, theft, extortion, contamination or terrorism. Many of our access system products have been tested and approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)  to LPS 1175 issue 5 or above, Security Rating Levels 2, 3, 4 or 5. Frameworks We hold both exclusive and shared framework agreements with most of the major UK water companies. Framework Security items include: LPCB Level 2 Universal Gas Cylinder Clamps LPCB Level 3 Mesh Cage Systems LPCB Level 3 Flush Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Upstand Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Padlockable Access Doors LPCB Level 4 Key Entry Doors LPCB Level 4 Enclosures/Kiosks/Cabinets LPCB Level 4 Walk-In Modular Buildings LPCB Level 4 Window Bar Sets LPCB Level 5 Louvres

    Trant Engineering Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Trant provide high quality engineering and project delivery services to the municipal & industrial process & water treatment markets in the UK and Internationally. We have 60 years’ experience in the successful delivery of complex water, wastewater and process treatment solutions for the main UK process & water companies. We develop innovative, cutting edge process and water solutions using advanced technology. Working closely with our technology partner SFC Umwelttechnik, we are able to utilise proven advanced technology resulting in optimal solutions for our water and process industry clients in the UK and internationally. Our in-house design teams understand the stringent regulatory challenges faced by our clients and ensure that efficiency, resilience and sustainability are factored into all design solutions. Our design studio use the latest software including BIM, augmented and virtual reality to develop and detail high tech treatment process outputs. Our control & automation and offsite manufacturing & assembly facilities enable us to provide full in-house capability from project conception through to commissioning.

    AVK UK Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AVK UK is part of the globally renowned AVK Group who are based in over 100+ countries and has over 4,500+ employees worldwide. The AVK Group is privately owned by the founder Niels Aage Kjaer, and is named after his father Aage Valdemar Kjaer. As part of the AVK Group, we pride ourselves in being one of the leading valve manufacturers for the water, sewage, firefighting, and gas industries. Our product program comprises a large range of valves, hydrants, pipe fittings and accessories, each complying with the highest standards of safety and durability. Our focus is on the products designed and manufactured to the British Standards, however, the AVK Group today offers products in accordance with the most national and international standards. Our product portfolio also includes AVK Smart Water Management valves and sensors for real-time network information and status. We also offer Pressure Management solutions such as air valves, PRVs, and control valves, AVK Assist which enables GPS product location and, the market leading Donkin PUR range of gas valves. Our UK sales offices and manufacturing sites respond quickly to the needs of our customers and for fittings required on an express or emergency service we have a dedicated same day 24/7 helpline – 0800 202 8228. In addition, we cooperate with local and national distributor partners to offer our customers AVK products as part of multi-product packages. AVK UK is the sales division and has offices in Staveley, near Chesterfield, also known as the home of Bryan Donkin gas valves, and Northampton. AVK in the UK comprises of 7 companies and has over 500 employees. Find out more here: https://www.avkuk.co.uk/en-gb/solutions-and-information/about/avk-in-the-uk/avk-uk

    Waterco

    United Kingdom

    Waterco are engineering and environmental consultants providing design and consultancy services relating to water, drainage and flood risk. We have expertise in engineering and environmental disciplines and are supplemented by a network of specialist independent consultants with extensive experience in major development projects throughout the UK. Our focus is on achieving the optimum solution for our clients, meeting their objectives and adding value to their projects. We have gained a reputation for a friendly, professional and flexible approach since our establishment in 1990. Our Services Water industry infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects Pipelines & Sewerage Water & Wastewater Treatment & Systems Pumping Stations Contingency Planning Security Assessments Asset Management Surge Analysis Hydraulic Modelling Flood Risk Assessment Breach Analysis Coastal & Shoreline Analysis Surface Water Management Sustainable Drainage Systems Natural Flood Management/Catchment Approaches Clients and Partners Our clients and partners include water companies, consultants and contractors. Incorporating their experience and knowledge, we investigate and develop practical designs, to help deliver cost-effective solutions. Geographic Coverage We undertake projects all across the UK, with many of our reporting services being desk-based, travelling to site visits and meetings as required. We have also been involved in international projects such as a major development in Lekki, Nigeria. Accreditations We currently have an ISO 9001 : 2015 accredited Quality Management System; have a BS8555 : 2003 certified Environmental Management System; have design approval in the Water Industry Registration Scheme (WIRS); have maintained Investors in People recognition since 2011 and operate an ICE approved training scheme.

    Costain

    United Kingdom

    Costain works with water and wastewater companies to shape, create and deliver pioneering solutions that improve water quality, affordability and resilience. Population growth, regulatory changes, energy costs and climate change are having a dramatic impact on water usage. The national approach to managing water supply is changing to meet these challenges. The Government and industry regulator are tasked with cutting wastage and preserving an increasingly valuable resource, while protecting consumers from higher water bills. The water sector team offers: Expert input into consultation documents, close work with Government and water companies and innovative delivery, all of which help to minimise costs to water users while meeting national investment needs. A manufacturing mindset: programme optimisation advisory services, standard product development, production controls, whole-life costing and lean delivery processes. Cross-sector best practice: we provide value for our clients by drawing on experience from across the company and by working closely with our decarbonisation experts to drive regional growth strategies. Technology integration: working with some of the UK’s leading asset and data analytics organisations we analyse large volumes of real time data to create greater benefits for our customers through optimised maintenance, pump operation, energy and chemical usage. Current water industry frameworks: Anglian Water – Strategic Pipeline Alliance Severn Trent Southern Water – CMDP JV Thames Water United Utilities – Maintenance Service Provider Yorkshire Water – Technical Services

    Concrete Repairs Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL) is a specialist asset maintenance contractor who is here to help you with the inspection, repair & refurbishment of your concrete water assets. CRL provide comprehensive repair and refurbishment services tailored to the needs of the water and wastewater sector throughout the UK. These include the inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrading of service reservoirs, contact tanks, water towers & wastewater treatment plants. With over 65 years of experience, CRL understands the importance of maintaining water quality and supply to customers. Therefore, when planning repairs, we prioritise effective programming of the work and optimal utilization of the assets being repaired. Our choice of repair methodologies and materials always reflects this commitment. At CRL, we pride ourselves on being a reliable partner to the water companies. We collaborate closely with them to identify problems early, quantify the necessary repairs, and establish a timeline for refurbishment. Throughout this process, we focus on ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the assets. CRL provide proven and successful cost-effective repair and refurbishment options which meet our clients’ objectives of upgrading and increasing the life of their structures. CRL is capable of undertaking individual projects of up to £20M, either under competitive tender, or through Partnering/Framework arrangements. Our broad experience across various sectors ensures we deliver efficient, robust, and technically advanced services.

    Greenbank Group

    United Kingdom

    A specialist engineering company with a global customer base. Greenbank provides a wide range of products and services to companies operating across a number of industries and is now establishing itself in the clean and wastewater sector. For many years the company has utilised the unique properties of volcanic basalt for lining products used in heavy industries such as power generation and minerals extraction. In partnership with Czech firm Eutit, the company has also been pioneering the use of basalt in the renovation and restoration of sewer systems in central European following a series of successful projects in Prague. As a result of devastating floods, the city’s sewer system was extensively rebuilt and upgraded with basalt being used in a number of key locations to provide a new level of security to the system. More than a decade on, the new system continues to perform well and has set a standard that’s now been followed in other European cities. Well suited for the most demanding of applications, thanks to the partnership between Greenbank and Eutit, a wide range of basalt solutions are now available in the UK market. These include products and systems that bring a wide range of benefits to the industry, including: Basalt tiles that can also be used to line existing brickwork, a more cost-effective solution than full replacement, and their reduced drag co-efficient means improved flow – in effect a smaller-diameter pipe or tunnel lined with basalt can carry a higher volume of water than a larger one with traditional brick surfaces. The effective life expectancy of basalt-lined sewer systems is between 100 and 200 years, thanks to their excellent resistance to abrasion and chemical damage – as well as the rigours of high-pressure water jetting that’s often used to clear unwanted blockages. For larger round or ovoid systems, basalt can be used in the lower sections to deal with the wear and tear with concrete upper sections to provide optimum life performance. Alternatively, steel pipes lined with basalt can be produced up to 3000mm diameter producing a lighter therefore lower cost installation option to thick wall concrete. Ease of installation and reduced maintenance costs make basalt ideal for bottom gutters, branch pipes and tubes and slip-resistant elements for walkways, and Greenbank can also supply bespoke-shaped tiles to meet the unique requirements of individual clients. With manufacturing facilities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, supported by the additional capacity and expertise provided by the latest addition to the group, Franklyn Yates Engineering, Greenbank is well placed to react quickly and efficiently to the needs of new and existing clients.

    JK Fabrications Ltd

    United Kingdom

    With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications Ltd has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that; Our Environment, is our Future. At JK Fabrications, we are an engineering company that takes pride in our family roots, with an aim to continue to successfully grow our business. Our company values are incorporated into everything we carry out and we seek to work with like-minded companies. Established in 1998, JK Fabrications specialises in efficent, effective, and environmentally sensitive solutions to the Water Treatment, Waste Water, Waste to Energy, and Pharmaceuticals Industry. With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that ‘Our Environment, is our Future’. With the ease of access to Northern Ireland’s principal motorway network and equal distance between both Belfast Airports and Dublin Airport, JK Fabrications’ 50,000 Sq/ft premises in Newry are the perfect location to produce and deliver your project. Design We have a fully equipped in-house design team with over 65 years of combined technical, manufacturing, and sector-specific experience, that are highly skilled and trained using the very latest design software. Manufacture We have built our reputation by producing specialised products for the waste-to-energy, wastewater, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries. Our experienced welders and fabricators along with our state-of-the-art machinery make sure that each project is carried out to a high standard. Install We have an experienced installation team with a dedicated core team of engineers, mechanical fitters, and coded welders who have over 30 years of experience in the supply and installation of our fabricated products for a wide range of projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Commission Our experienced commissioning engineers will attend the site to oversee the installation of systems, plants, and equipment. They will commission, test, and optimise the equipment as well as provide the operators with operation and maintenance manuals. Products include: Stainless Steel Pipework | Stainless Steel Vessels (inc Pressure Vessels) | Mild Steel Pipework | Lamellas | Picket Fence Thickeners | Rectangular Bridge Scrapers | Half Bridge Scrapers | Conical Settlement Tanks

    Headlight AI Limited

    United Kingdom

    Headlight AI is a UK based technology company developing sensing, mapping, and inspection solutions for extreme environments. The company works primarily with Utility companies and contractors to provide condition assessment and geo-location data in subterranean locations, especially for large diameter assets (such as sewers, culverts, and tunnels with diameters >900mm), with a focus on autonomous or semi-autonomous systems that avoid the need for person-entry (in particular NC3 or NC4 confined space entry), improving workers’ health and safety. The company supplies its award winning product, Telesto, to utility companies and contractors in order for them to collect multi-sensor data, including LiDAR, on either robotic or floating platforms. The data is then processed to account for the motion of the system and to produce 3D point cloud and multi-image data for further analysis. Users can access the information via the web-based Telesto application, which provides condition assessment dashboards and statistics relevant to the asset, achieved using novel artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company currently has several other products and features in development to further assist with underground inspections and surveys, and provide new ways to navigate and locate in GPS-denied and extreme environments.

    3rd Light Media Ltd

    United Kingdom

    3rd Light Media provide technical documentation and design services for water and wastewater projects, both in the UK and internationally. We provide a range of documentation for projects, helping clients achieve their handover requirements and producing high quality documents which provide the end users with the information they need to operate and maintain the plants. We are a market leader in driving digital innovative solutions to our clients to ensure documentation is presented in new and dynamic ways, this includes development of web-based O&M manuals which can integrate with client I.T. systems such as SharePoint; Graphical design to enable data and documentation of assets on a site plan or P&ID to be available within just a few clicks of a button. Additionally, we have developed a QR coded asset tagging system and mobile App. Our services mean we can provide our clients with a single source for all handover documentation requirements. The services we can provide include: Operating and Maintenance Manuals (O&Ms) Site Operating Manual (SOM) Health & Safety Files Asset Data Registration Training Manuals Site Drawings (P&IDs, Process Flows, Site Layouts and Plans, GA’s, Single Line Diagrams and more) AutoCAD Drafting Services Additionally, we also provide a range of onsite services to further enhance being a one stop provider for all your project handover needs. Some of the onsite services we provide include: Asset Identification Tags (to meet all individual client specifications) Pipe Banding to BS1710 Site signage and labelling We also provide a range of design and pre-construction services, with experience when working with Tier 1 contractors at ECI / Outline Design stages of projects including: Functional Design Specifications Control Philosophies Factory Acceptance & Site Acceptance Tests for Software Testing Commissioning Plans and Sequencing Asset Condition Reports Verification Survey Works (Producing P&IDs, ICA and Electrical Design Proposals) We work as an integrated team with both contractors and clients to ensure all aspects of project handover are achieved to the highest standard. We are able to do this with our vast knowledge of individual water companies asset standards and specifications. We are also experienced in using portals such as TWEXnet, Asite, Aconex, Business Collaborator and Conject for uploading documents. Our team comprises of skilled and experienced site and process engineers with a vast knowledge of both water and wastewater treatment systems. Our team of engineers all hold EUSR Water Hygiene and CSCS cards as well as water company specific requirements such as the Thames Water Safety Passport. We also have an in-house graphic design team providing professionally drawn illustrations and drawings which are used within our documentation, helping to visualise written descriptions and processes. Our philosophy is to take the burden of producing documentation on projects away from our clients. Being skilled process engineers, we will visit sites to gather information and we work with your supply chain to coordinate the availability of all required documents and drawings, ensuring compliance with the end clients standards. We write all the technical content and detail to the highest standard, supported by expertly drawn diagrams and illustrations. Some of the water companies we have worked with include: Thames Water Affinity Water Yorkshire Water Southern Water Severn Trent South East Water United Utilities Welsh Water Bristol Water Essex & Suffolk Water Irish Water Haya Water We work both directly with water companies and Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors. We work on projects of all sizes, from minor schemes to major £100+ million projects.

    Intelect

    United Kingdom

    At Intelect, we have over 25 years experience in providing engineering expertise to clients in process industries. Intelect have worked with Northumbrian Water and its Tier 1 suppliers and partners for over a decade, and during this time, we have provided services in design, electrical installation, control panels and pipework services. Our attention to detail, quality, and attitude to Health and Safety has been consistently recognised by our clients over the years, with us receiving numerous awards for the projects we have completed. Our flexible workforce of apprentices, engineers and project managers allows us to efficiently complete any project to our client’s requirements. On-going innovation and investment in our business means that we have the latest training and technology to execute high quality engineering projects, from design through to commissioning, all whilst maintaining best practices in Health and Safety. Intelect are committed to working in partnership with both contractors and suppliers within the utility sector, sharing our expertise and knowledge to help support companies who provide utilities to homes and businesses across the North East and the rest of the country.

    envolve infrastructure

    United Kingdom

    We are envolve - specialist civil engineers. We build, maintain, and renew the infrastructures that keeps our country running, and have done since 1984. Our vision is to surpass our clients’ expectations on every project. Not just to deliver, but to excel. Our passion for our work means we naturally go the extra mile. Our focus is on building long-term partnerships and achieving genuine collaboration, this is how we measure our success. We hold ourselves accountable to these exceptional standards and continue to innovate so we remain ahead of the game. Our service, culture and heritage, underpins our ability to be the best. We’re proud of our track record, but it’s our constant investment in our directly employed specialist people that keeps us at the forefront of our industry. We’re dynamic, we evolve with the times, and we maintain our unrivalled knowledge and craftsmanship. Collaboratively, pro-actively and sustainably. Our VISION: To be the UK’s leading delivery partner. Known for our community engagement, ultimate employee satisfaction, safe and sustainable vision, and being the absolute best at what we do. Our CAPABILITIES Heavy civil engineering Clean water pipelines Wastewater treatment Wastewater pipelines Renovation Trenchless technology Dam safety Reactive/emergency ‘on call’ services Highways Rail Our QUALIFICATIONS BMTRADA (9001, 14001, 45001) Achilles Constructionline Gold ROSPA Gold Medal Award Further information on our people, our projects and clients are available on our website www.envolve-infrastructure.co.uk.

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd provide a wide spectrum of engineering services ranging from steel fabrication and CNC machining to cladding and civil engineering, with our highly experienced team we provide on-time, on-budget quality solutions. From our bases in Forres and Fort William, and a team accustomed to travel we can meet our client’s needs wherever required. Having worked on various water and wastewater treatment projects for the past 25 years we have developed a great working relationship with water companies across the UK. Our in-house capabilities allow us to offer a turnkey service to our clients from reactive maintenance and manufacturing to planned infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Many of the projects we undertake in the water sector are within water treatment and wastewater treatment plants where cleanliness is paramount, all our water sector site teams hold certification and Water Hygiene cards. Our range of services collated into one means that we can take on multiple discipline contracts and deliver them as one which provides our clients with a number of advantages. It removes the need to have multiple contractors on site at once. Benefits in cost savings passed down on procuring large amounts of steel for a side wide project. Little risk of dimensional discrepancies between contractors We work alongside framework delivery partners throughout the UK providing the services below; Steel portal frame buildings (design, fabrication, erection & cladding) Design, manufacture and installation of pipe bridges Design, manufacture and installation of site wide access metalwork (walkways, access stairs, ladders etc) Design, manufacture and installation of modular water buildings transportable by road. Design of various process tanks, pipework and pumps. Fabrication of tanks and pipework (stainless and carbon) Mechanical Installation Modular Treatment Buildings and Mechanical Fit-out SR2 rated steel enclosures (quicker than GRP Kiosks) We appreciate how important quality and cleanliness is in the water sector and we are proud that we have completely segregated facilities for stainless steel and carbon steel. In addition to this we are also approved under the regulations 31(4)(A) of the water supply regulations 2016 to supply stainless steel and pipework fabrications to the drinking water sector.

    Glenfield Invicta Ltd

    United Kingdom

    From concept to completion, Glenfield Invicta’s end-to-end Project Solutions provide market leading valve and penstock engineering excellence, across a multitude of water utility and non-water utility infrastructure projects. The company combines the strength and unique proposition of Invicta’s site solutions, penstocks, and environmental expertise, with Glenfield’s experience and expertise in specifying and managing large Dams, Reservoirs and Hydropower projects. Supported by the vast product portfolio from the AVK Group of manufacturing companies. We are market leaders distinguished by our industry expertise, we have been designing and manufacturing specialist engineered valves and penstocks for more than 170 years. We stand behind every product we install for life, offering some of the best extended warranties in the industry. Our experienced and multi-skilled project team work closely with our partners and key stakeholders to ensure your project is executed to exacting standards. Our long history in designing, supplying, and installing highly engineered valves and pipeline equipment in projects is what sets us apart. Our projects are delivered safely, on time, and to the highest standards in arduous applications. This specialist capability has made the our brands synonymous with engineering excellence worldwide. We have recently invested over £2m in our Kilmarnock facility which extends to over 200,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing, office, warehousing, and education space. It includes a new purpose-built Learning Academy; which will include an interactive visitor centre. We are committed to training the apprentices and engineers of the future.

    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ELIQUO HYDROK works with all major UK and Ireland water companies, providing practical water engineering solutions. As a specialist engineering firm with head office in Indian Queens, ELIQUO HYDROK operates at the forefront of innovative and sustainable water treatment technologies. We support the entire UK water sector, supplying every water company. Part of ELIQUO WATER GROUP, the extensive portfolio includes solutions for wastewater management, wastewater treatment, clean water treatment and surface water management; Mecana PCMF, aeration technologies, CSO screens, flow controls, storm tank flushing and Raw Water Intake Screens. Plus, a sludge treatment portfolio that helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet environmental compliance requirements – through systems like ELOVAC® for vacuum degassing, and other integrated technologies in biogas, digestion, dewatering and drying. With established teams in Cornwall, Wolverhampton and Wombwell, ELIQUO HYDROK are well-equipped to support operations – from start to finish; with design, manufacture, management and install capabilities – across the UK and Ireland. This wealth of in-house expertise is backed by a forward-thinking mindset to help customers achieve their long-term goals sustainably; to deliver results in AMP 8 and beyond.

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    Buyer's guide

    The buyer's guide to trenchless pipe rehabilitation

    OverviewFAQScenarioQuestions to askCost driversRegulations

    Trenchless Pipe Rehabilitation: CIPP, Slip Lining, and Pipe Bursting for Water and Sewer Mains

    Trenchless pipe rehabilitation installs structural or semi-structural lining or replacement pipe inside existing deteriorated mains without open excavation, minimising traffic disruption, surface reinstatement cost, and construction time. Methods broadly fall into: lining techniques (CIPP - cured-in-place pipe; slip lining; spray lining); pipe replacement (pipe bursting, pipe eating/milling); and point repair systems (lateral connection re-establishment, patch lining).

    Primary driver: UK and European water and wastewater networks include millions of kilometres of aging Victorian cast iron, brick, pitch fibre, and pre-1990 PVC pipes requiring rehabilitation to restore structural integrity and prevent leakage. WRc Sewerage Rehabilitation Manual (5th edition) and Water UK Pipe Rehabilitation Technical Guidance Note (TGN) provide assessment and method selection frameworks. UK trenchless market: estimated GBP 1 to 1.5 billion per year for water and wastewater pipe rehabilitation; AMP8 (2025 to 2030) includes significant increases in sewer rehabilitation funding driven by WINEP (Water Industry National Environment Programme) and CSO reduction targets.

    Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining is the most widely used trenchless sewer rehabilitation method globally. Process: a flexible resin-impregnated felt liner (polyester, fibreglass, or carbon fibre composite; thickness 4 to 35 mm) is inserted into the host pipe by inversion (water or air pressure from an end access point) or pull-in method; the liner is cured in-situ by hot water, steam, UV-light, or ambient cure depending on resin type (epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, or aqueous UV-cure resins); cured liner forms a continuous new pipe within the host pipe with no joints or annular space. Standards: BS EN ISO 11296 series (Part 1: General, Part 4: CIPP specifically); ASTM F1216; UK WRc SRM specifies liner wall thickness design basis (structural or semi-structural role).

    Applicable host pipes: DN 150 to DN 3000 mm; circular or egg-shaped profiles; house connections re-opened by robotic cutter post-lining (remote-controlled cutter restores branch connections). Benefits: continuous joint-free lining (zero leakage path at joints); maintains hydraulic capacity (smooth CIPP surface Manning's n approximately 0.010 vs deteriorated brick n = 0.015 to 0.025); 50-year design life per BS EN 13566; avoids excavation under live roads or railways. Limitations: structural host pipe required (unless using fully-structural CIPP design); access for end-to-end liner pull-in at maximum 200 to 600 m intervals.

    Pipe bursting and pipe eating replace deteriorated pipes with new pipes of equal or larger diameter. Pipe bursting (pneumatic or static pull): a bursting head (cone-shaped expander) is pulled through the existing pipe by a pulling machine; the old pipe is fractured radially and displaced into the surrounding soil; a new HDPE pipe (PE100, SDR11 or SDR17) is simultaneously pulled in behind the bursting head. Applicable to: brittle pipes (clay vitrified, concrete, grey cast iron, AC - asbestos cement); not suitable for ductile iron or steel mains (pipe bursting requires brittle fracture). Upsize factor: typically 1 to 2 pipe sizes increase possible (e.g.

    DN 150 to DN 200); limited by soil displacement capacity. Pipe eating (moling, microtunnel replacement): for upsizing where existing pipe can be milled/ground away by a cutter head ahead of new pipe installation. Slip lining (continuous pipe or segmental): new continuous PE pipe pulled or pushed through existing host pipe; annular space between new and host pipes grouted with cementitious or PU foam for structural transfer; reduces bore by 5 to 15 percent. GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) segmental slip lining: structural GRP segments installed by CCTV-guided remote manipulation for large-diameter applications (DN 900 to DN 3000 culverts and sewers).

    Post your trenchless pipe rehabilitation project

    Frequently asked questions

    What is CIPP lining and how long does it last?

    Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining installs a resin-impregnated flexible liner inside an existing pipe to form a new, smooth, continuous pipe wall. Process: liner (polyester felt saturated with liquid resin) is inverted into the pipe using water or air pressure from one access point; liner pressed against host pipe walls during curing; curing agent: hot water (80 to 95 degrees C), steam (110 to 130 degrees C), or UV light (for UV-cure systems) activates resin cross-linking, hardening the liner into a rigid pipe in 1 to 6 hours; access point is cut open; lateral connections re-opened by remote cutter robot. Liner design life: BS EN ISO 11296-4 specifies 50-year design life for structural CIPP; well-installed CIPP liners demonstrate 30+ years in service in UK and European sewers from 1990s installations without structural deterioration. Liner thickness design: calculated from ring stiffness required for independent structural performance (fully deteriorated host pipe cannot contribute to load bearing); typical sewer liner thickness: DN 225 sewer under 1.5 m road fill: 6 to 8 mm; DN 600 at 4 m depth: 12 to 18 mm; structural design per BS EN ISO 11296-4 Annex A. Hydraulic performance: CIPP Manning's n approximately 0.009 to 0.011; hydraulic capacity improvement over roughened brick/concrete sewer (n 0.013 to 0.025); most sizes maintain or improve flow capacity despite bore reduction.

    When is trenchless rehabilitation preferred over open-cut pipe replacement?

    Trenchless rehabilitation is preferred over open-cut replacement in most situations due to cost and disruption advantages: Cost comparison: CIPP lining typically GBP 150 to 600 per linear metre (depending on diameter, depth, access) vs open-cut replacement GBP 500 to 2,000+ per linear metre including excavation, backfill, and reinstatement; in urban areas: open-cut requires traffic management, temporary road closures (GBP 5,000 to 50,000 per day in London), and full carriageway reinstatement at GBP 80 to 200/m2 - often triples the effective pipeline replacement cost. Speed: trenchless lining 20 to 200 m per day vs open-cut 5 to 30 m per day for large diameter. Preferred trenchless scenarios: (1) Underneath live roads, railway, or structures where excavation disruption or risk is unacceptable; (2) Continuous lining requirement for leakage or structural integrity over long sections; (3) Pipe with relatively intact profile but deteriorated condition; (4) Urban areas with high reinstatement costs and traffic sensitivity. Preferred open-cut scenarios: (1) Severe deformation or collapse where CIPP cannot navigate bends or deformations greater than 15 percent bore reduction; (2) Pipe requiring upsize more than 1 to 2 pipe sizes (pipe bursting limited); (3) Combined sewer rehabilitation with channel reconstruction or benching modifications at the same time; (4) Shallow pipes under unpaved land where excavation cost is low. UK guidance: CIRIA Report C679 (Sewers - Inspection, Assessment and Renewal) provides decision framework for rehabilitation vs replacement selection.

    Can trenchless methods be used for water mains?

    Yes, trenchless methods are extensively used for water main rehabilitation and replacement: (1) CIPP for water mains: DWI-approved epoxy or polyester CIPP liners for potable water mains (BS 6920 extraction testing required; DWI Regulation 31 approval); used in cast iron mains DN 100 to DN 600; restores structural integrity and eliminates tuberculation (iron corrosion nodules); reduces iron discolouration complaints; typical applications: Victorian-era cast iron mains with heavy tuberculation, pitting, or joint leakage; (2) Spray lining (cement mortar): most common water main rehabilitation for UK water companies; DN 75 to DN 900; centrifugally applied cement mortar lining 3 to 9 mm thick (BS EN 15655, AWWA C602); inhibits iron leaching and provides smooth hydraulic surface (Manning's n 0.010 vs tuberculated iron n 0.015 to 0.035); no reduction in bore capacity (mortar fills tuberculation voids); WRAS/DWI approved; life expectancy 30 to 50 years. CIRIA TGN on Structural Relining of Water Mains; (3) Slip lining with PE100: continuous HDPE pipe inserted with grout annulus; used for large-diameter trunk mains; (4) Pipe bursting: replacement of grey cast iron or AC mains with PE100 in same trench path; upsize DN 100 to DN 150 common; (5) Swaged or fold-and-formed PE: PE pipe thermally deformed to smaller diameter for push/pull insertion, springs back to fill host pipe bore after installation; used in water industry for long insertions without grout annulus.

    What is the cost of CIPP lining compared to open-cut replacement?

    Cost comparison (UK market, 2024 price levels): CIPP lining: DN 225 sewer, 2 m depth, urban road: GBP 200 to 400 per linear metre (liner + installation); DN 450, 3 m depth: GBP 400 to 700/m; DN 900, 4 m depth: GBP 1,000 to 2,000/m. CIPP costs include: liner material (typically 50 to 60 percent of total), curing equipment mobilisation, CCTV survey pre and post, access manhole modifications. Open-cut sewer replacement (same pipe sizes, urban road): DN 225, 2 m depth: GBP 800 to 1,500/m; DN 450, 3 m depth: GBP 1,500 to 3,000/m; DN 900, 4 m depth: GBP 3,000 to 6,000/m. Open-cut costs include: excavation and shoring, pipe supply (HDPE or vitrified clay), bedding material, backfill and compaction, full-width road reinstatement (GBP 80 to 200/m2 carriageway), traffic management, utility diversions. CIPP cost advantage: typically 30 to 60 percent less than open-cut replacement for sewers in urban roads; greater saving ratio in busier streets (higher traffic management and reinstatement cost). Spray lining (cement mortar): DN 150 water main, typical UK water company: GBP 40 to 120 per linear metre; very low disruption; most cost-effective water main rehabilitation for iron mains without structural failure. Full life cycle cost assessment: open-cut replacement provides longer design life (100 years for new HDPE vs 50 years for CIPP); in whole-life cost analysis, CIPP may still be preferred where disruption cost and NPV of deferred replacement are factored in.

    Illustrative scenario · Sewer rehabilitation, West Yorkshire

    A composite drawn from typical projects in this category, not a single client engagement. Figures are indicative.

    Challenge
    A sewerage undertaker in West Yorkshire needed to rehabilitate 4.2 km of brick combined sewer (DN 1050, egg-shaped profile, built 1898) running beneath a busy city centre retail street. The sewer served 28,000 PE and was assessed at WRc SRM Structural Grade 4 (major deformation) over 800 m of the worst sections. Open-cut replacement under the retail street was estimated at GBP 8,400 per metre including full carriageway reinstatement and 12 weeks of street closures per 100 m section.
    Approach
    A fully structural GRP spray lining system (12 to 18 mm liner thickness) was selected for the deformed sections (DN 1050, Grade 4 structural). UV-cured CIPP (polyester felt, 12 mm nominal liner, vinyl ester resin) was used for the remaining 3.4 km of Grade 2 to 3 condition (semi-structural). All work was conducted from existing manholes with no surface disruption beyond temporary traffic management for manhole access. Robotic cutters reinstated 340 lateral connections post-lining. Pre and post-lining CCTV with WRc coding confirmed structural grade improvement to Grade 1 throughout.
    Outcome
    Total project cost GBP 2.8 million (GBP 667 per metre average) versus the open-cut equivalent of GBP 35.3 million (GBP 8,400 per metre). Traffic disruption reduced from an estimated 52 weeks of street closures to 6 days of controlled lane closures for manhole access. The lined sewer achieved its 50-year design life certification under BS EN 13566. The DWF hydraulic capacity was maintained within 2 percent of pre-lining values due to the improved Manning's n of the GRP and CIPP surfaces.

    Questions to ask shortlisted providers

    5
    1. 01

      What is the structural classification (semi-structural or fully structural) of the proposed lining, and what condition does it assume the host pipe is in?

      Semi-structural lining relies on the host pipe for load-bearing contribution; if the host pipe continues to deteriorate, the liner's design life is compromised; fully structural lining must be specified for Grade 4 to 5 host pipes.

    2. 02

      What liner thickness has been designed, and to which standard (BS EN ISO 11296-4 or WRc SRM) has the structural calculation been performed?

      Liner thickness is calculated from depth, soil load, groundwater pressure, and host pipe condition; an underthick liner will not achieve its stated 50-year design life and may fail at lower loads than designed.

    3. 03

      How are lateral connections reinstated after lining, and what is the unit cost for robotic lateral cutting?

      Combined sewers typically have 5 to 15 laterals per 100 m; reinstatement at GBP 200 to 600 per lateral can represent 10 to 25 percent of total project cost; this is frequently excluded from headline lining prices.

    4. 04

      For water main lining, what DWI/WRAS approval does the liner material hold, and can you provide the approval certificate?

      Liners for potable water mains must be approved under DWI Regulation 31 (BS 6920 extraction test); using a liner without current approval is a regulatory breach that can result in supply suspension.

    5. 05

      What CCTV coding standard is used for pre and post-lining surveys, and will you provide WRc-coded digital recordings and defect logs?

      WRc condition grade coding is the standard for UK sewers; without pre-lining grade data, the basis for liner design cannot be verified; post-lining surveys confirm lateral reinstatement and liner integrity.

    What drives cost in this category

    4
    Sewer diameter and liner thickness
    CIPP liner cost scales approximately with diameter squared (larger diameter requires thicker liner for structural performance); DN 225 liner GBP 150 to 300 per metre; DN 900 liner GBP 900 to 1,800 per metre; material cost typically 50 to 60 percent of total installed cost.
    Structural versus semi-structural classification
    Fully structural lining (host pipe assumed to contribute zero load capacity) requires 20 to 40 percent more liner material than semi-structural; this adds GBP 40 to 200 per metre depending on diameter and depth.
    Curing method
    UV-cured CIPP is typically 10 to 20 percent more expensive per metre than hot-water-cured; UV systems offer faster curing (1 to 3 m/min versus 0.5 to 1 m/min for hot-water), reducing total operation time and traffic management cost in congested areas.
    Traffic management and street reinstatement
    Open-cut alternative in a prime city-centre retail street can cost GBP 150 to 300 per m2 for full carriageway reinstatement plus GBP 5,000 to 30,000 per day in business interruption costs; trenchless methods eliminate this, which is typically the primary economic justification for CIPP.

    Key regulations and standards

    4
    BS EN ISO 11296-4 (CIPP) and BS EN 13566
    BS EN ISO 11296-4:2018: specification for CIPP lining of gravity sewers; structural design, materials, installation, and testing requirements; 50-year design life when designed, installed, and tested per standard. BS EN 13566: structural liner performance criteria including ring stiffness, liner homogeneity, and long-term creep modulus.
    WRc Sewerage Rehabilitation Manual 5th Edition
    The SRM (WRc, 2017) is the UK standard for sewer condition assessment (structural grade 1 to 5, service grade 1 to 5), rehabilitation method selection, and design; used by all UK water companies for CAPEX planning and tender specification; CIPP liner thickness must be designed per SRM structural design spreadsheet.
    Sewers for Adoption 7th Edition
    SfA 7th edition (Water UK, 2020): trenchless rehabilitation of sewers proposed for adoption must comply with SfA structural and hydraulic requirements; CIPP liner design life and structural classification must be documented at adoption stage.
    DWI Regulation 31 for Water Main Lining
    Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (England), Regulation 31: CIPP and spray liners for potable water mains must be tested under BS 6920 and hold current DWI approval; approval is product-specific (resin type, liner composition, and thickness range); approval does not automatically extend to reformulated products.

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