At YDIG (Portable Trenchless & Pipe Lining) in Carmichael, California, we get the same questions from customers every single day about pipe lining (also called CIPP – Cured-In-Place Pipe).
There are a lot of fancy animation videos out there, but most of them skip the basic facts you actually need so you can ask the right questions and protect yourself.
In this video, Ryan Peterson walks you through the entire process in plain English.
Watch the Full Explanation Video Below:
What Exactly Is Pipe Lining?
We start with a PVC-coated felt liner.
There are two main types:
- A flexible liner (thinner PVC coating) that can go around multiple 90° and 45° bends.
- A heavier PVC-coated liner designed more for straight runs and gentler bends.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t install a liner through 90-degree bends — with the right flexible liner, you can go around multiple sharp 90° turns.
Step-by-Step: How the Process Actually Works
- The line is cleaned and measured with a camera.
- The liner is cut to the exact length.
- A two-part epoxy resin is mixed and poured into the liner so it soaks into the felt.
- All air is removed and the liner is loaded into the inversion machine.
- A head is attached and the liner is folded/cupped inside-out.
As air pushes the liner into the pipe, it inverts (turns inside-out).
When it’s finished:
- 100% of the resin is on the outside (against your old pipe)
- The smooth PVC coating ends up on the inside
That’s why it’s called the inversion method.
What About Tie-Ins (Laterals)?
This is one of the most important questions you should ask any contractor:
“What will you do about the tie-ins that get covered up?”
Two options:
- A robotic cutter is sent into the lined pipe to reopen the holes.
- The tie-in is excavated and the liner is cut out with a roto-drill.
We use a specialized robotic reinstatement tool (you can see it on our Reinstating page). Always ask how the contractor plans to handle this — it should be in writing.
Do You Have to Line the Whole Pipe for a Small Problem?
No.
If you only have a crack, root intrusion, or break 20 feet down, we can do a point repair (also called a sectional liner or “stent”).
We invert and soak the liner above ground, drag it into place, inflate a calibration tube (balloon), let it cure, then pull the balloon out. You now have a new structural pipe section right where the problem was.
Why We Only Use Permaliner
Why is Permaliner is the only material we install?
- Their name and approvals are printed on the liner
- Every liner has a unique tracking number
That tracking number lets us (and the manufacturer) know exactly when it was purchased and by whom — even 10, 20, or 30 years later. This is how we stand behind the 50-year manufacturer warranty.
Without a tracking number, who do you call if the liner fails?
USA (Underground Service Alert) – Free & Required
Before any digging happens on your property, USA (Underground Service Alert) must be called.
It’s free and takes 48 hours. They mark gas, water, electric, and fiber lines so nothing gets hit. As a homeowner, make sure your contractor does this.
The 3 Most Important Questions to Ask Any Pipe Lining Contractor
- What is the warranty on the liner, and how will we identify the manufacturer if there’s a problem years from now?
- How will you reinstate any tie-ins that get covered?
- Is this the best application for my specific job?
And the golden rule:
Get everything in writing — on the front of the contract, not the back.
Ready to get real answers about your sewer line?
📍 Serving Carmichael, Sacramento, Davis, and the greater Sacramento area
📞 Call or text YDIG today (916) 488-1215
💻 Book your free inspection or consultation at ydig.com
We make trenchless pipe lining simple, transparent, and guaranteed.
– Ryan Peterson & the YDIG Team