Cracked Pipes: How REVIPOX Assesses Repair and Replacement Options
Cracks are among the most common defects identified during CCTV pipe inspections carried out by REVIPOX. They are often associated with water infiltration, unpleasant odours, recurring blockages or signs of deterioration within the drainage system. However, the presence of a crack does not automatically mean that the entire pipe must be replaced.
The decision to repair, rehabilitate or replace a pipe depends on the overall condition of the infrastructure and the nature of the defect identified during the inspection.
Understanding the actual condition of the pipe
The first step is always to determine the true condition of the pipework.
Through CCTV inspection, REVIPOX can identify the location of the crack, assess its extent and determine whether additional defects are present that may affect the performance or long-term reliability of the system.
Our experience shows that two pipes with apparently similar cracks may require completely different solutions. One pipe may only present a localised defect, while another may reveal widespread deterioration, material loss or multiple infiltration points.
For this reason, technical decisions should always be based on the condition of the infrastructure rather than the presence of a single defect.
What causes cracks in pipes?
During CCTV inspections, REVIPOX frequently encounters cracks caused by:
-
Natural ageing of pipe materials;
-
Ground movement or settlement;
-
Structural movement of the building;
-
Corrosion and progressive deterioration;
-
Root intrusion;
-
Installation defects;
-
External loads or impacts.
Regardless of the cause, a crack represents a potential entry or exit point for water and should be properly assessed.
When repair or rehabilitation may be a viable option
Many pipes remain structurally sound despite presenting localised cracks or isolated defects.
In these situations, REVIPOX can assess the feasibility of localised repairs or internal rehabilitation solutions designed to restore the functionality of the infrastructure without requiring complete replacement.
These solutions can reduce disruption, minimise demolition work and extend the service life of the existing pipe network.
The suitability of any rehabilitation method depends on the findings of the inspection and the compatibility of the existing pipe with the proposed solution.
Rehabilitation of different pipe materials
Over the years, REVIPOX has carried out inspections, repairs and rehabilitation works on a wide range of pipe materials. Depending on the condition of the infrastructure and the technical feasibility of the intervention, solutions may be applied to PVC, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), vitrified clay pipes and other materials commonly found in drainage and stormwater networks.
Each material presents its own characteristics and technical considerations. For this reason, compatibility is always assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the condition of the pipe, material behaviour, identified defects and the objectives of the rehabilitation project.
Through CCTV inspections and technical assessment, REVIPOX can determine the most appropriate repair or rehabilitation approach for each infrastructure.
When replacement remains the most appropriate solution
Not every pipe can be successfully repaired or rehabilitated.
Where significant structural deterioration, severe deformation, collapse or substantial material loss is present, replacement may continue to be the safest and most durable option.
REVIPOX always seeks to identify the most technically appropriate solution for each situation, even when the conclusion is that replacement provides the best long-term outcome.
Decisions based on evidence, not assumptions
One of the key advantages of CCTV inspection is that decisions can be based on actual evidence rather than assumptions.
Instead of assuming that an entire pipe network requires replacement, or conversely that every defect can be rehabilitated, a detailed inspection provides a clear understanding of the infrastructure and the available technical options.
How REVIPOX approaches cracked pipes
Every project begins with CCTV inspection and technical evaluation.
Based on the information collected, REVIPOX can identify the source of the defect, assess the extent of deterioration and determine whether the infrastructure is suitable for localised repair, internal rehabilitation or replacement.
The objective is always to provide a technically sound solution that reflects the actual condition of the pipe and addresses the problem effectively, while avoiding unnecessary interventions and supporting informed decision-making.
