The Value Proposition for Rehabilitating vs. Replacing Pipelines

CPM Pipelines
May 8
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

When aging pipelines need attention, municipalities face two main options: dig and replace, or rehabilitate with a liner system. Increasingly, pipe rehabilitation using trenchless methods is proving to be the smarter, more cost-effective choice.

Lower Cost, Less Disruption

Lining existing pipelines—especially with systems like FFRP (Flexible Fabric Reinforced Pipe)—can cut costs by 50–75% compared to full replacement. It also requires far less excavation, permitting, and time, which means less disruption for communities and businesses.

FFRP relining, often used in advanced pipe rehabilitation projects and compatible with protective coatings like BulletLiner, is particularly efficient. It needs fewer access points than CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe), can be pulled over 2,000 to 8,000 feet depending on pipe conditions, and adapts to complex layouts. It works in all pipe types, has a 50-year design life, and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Faster, Greener, Easier

Trenchless methods avoid open trenches, reducing traffic detours, utility shutdowns, and surface restoration work. Projects can often be completed with same-day service restoration—ideal for businesses that rely on uninterrupted utilities.

Plus, these methods are 95% more environmentally friendly than dig-and-replace, and usually require minimal permitting since they’re considered maintenance, not new construction.

Before selecting a solution, a thorough pipeline inspection helps confirm whether the existing infrastructure has the structural integrity needed for effective pipe rehabilitation. Many pressure pipes, even those with leaks or corrosion, can be successfully relined if they retain core structural capacity.

A Better Long-Term Solution

Relining can extend pipeline life by up to 50 years, avoiding the high cost and disruption of total replacement. With proper inspection, materials, and planning, pipe rehabilitation can restore both function and reliability without major construction.

For most municipal pipeline projects, trenchless pipe rehabilitation—especially with FFRP liners, protective solutions like BulletLiner, and thorough pipeline inspection—offers a faster, greener, and more cost-effective alternative to full replacement.

Is your community still relying on outdated replacement methods, or is it time to explore the smarter option? Comment your thoughts below!

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CPM PIPELINES APRIL HIGHLIGHTS!

NO-DIG Denver 2025

March 30-April 3

CPM Pipelines attended the No-Dig North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT) conference in Denver, Colorado. The team had a great time engaging with industry peers and exploring the latest in trenchless technology. After wrapping up the conference, we visited Dr. Brad Wham at the University of Colorado Boulder East Campus to tour his cutting-edge pipe testing lab.

**CPM's new Southeastern Regional Manager Greg Walsh at the booth Day 1 of the conference!**

President and CEO Chris MacDonald and Assistant Research Professor and Managing Director of CIEST at CU Boulder, Brad Wham, PhD. — **President and CEO Chris MacDonald and Assistant Research Professor and Managing Director of CIEST at CU Boulder, Brad Wham, PhD**.

AWWA Water Conference of the West

April 7-10

Michael Martinez represented CPM Pipelines at the Water of the West Conference, hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. He delivered a presentation on "Innovative Force Main Rehabilitation", highlighting the groundbreaking BulletLiner product. While at the conference, Michael met with Paul Gagliardo for an interview on The Water Entrepreneur Podcast, where he shared insights on innovation in pipeline rehabilitation and CPM’s role in advancing the industry.

**Michael Martinez with Paul Gagliardo of the Water Entrepreneur Podcast.**

**Michael Martinez's presenting "Innovative Force Main Rehabilitation."**

AZ Water Scholarship Golf Tournament & AZ Water 2025

April 14-17

CPM Pipelines kicked off an exciting week at the AZ Water Conference in Phoenix with the AZ Water Scholarship Golf Tournament! Bella Burks, Mark Messenger, and Steve Burks of CPM, along with Kristopher Rippy, PMP, hit the greens for a great day of golf in support of a great cause. The team had a blast connecting with industry professionals and sharing innovative infrastructure solutions throughout the week.