Key takeaways
- Hot water, steam and UV are the three common cure methods.
- UV is fast and well suited to controlled curing but needs the right liner.
- Steam cures quickly in smaller diameters.
- Hot water is common and reliable.
The short answer
No method is best for every job. The right choice depends on diameter, length, resin, access, conditions and project schedule. A good contractor chooses by the pipe, not by what equipment they happen to own.
Hot water cure
The liner is inverted with water, which is then heated with a boiler until the resin cures. It is widely used, supports many resins and gives good control over temperature. It takes longer than steam or UV and needs a water supply and boiler setup.
Steam cure
Steam is introduced into the liner to heat the resin. It can cure quickly and uses less water, and it is common in smaller diameters. Good temperature monitoring is important for a complete cure.
UV cure
A light train is pulled through a glass-fiber liner, curing the resin as it passes. UV allows fast, controlled cures and records data during installation. It requires UV-curable liner materials and suits many pipe sizes.
Why the cure method matters to you
The method affects speed, resin options and the cure record you can ask for. Whatever the method, you should receive the final camera footage and confirmation that the cure was completed properly.
Related services
Ready for a firm answer on your own pipe? Try the Pipe Problem Finder or call 800-224-9245 for a free camera inspection.