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The Pulse of the Trenchless Rehab Market in 2025

As the trenchless industry steps into 2025, the outlook for the trenchless rehab sector has never been more promising.

Long-term projections continue to highlight robust growth, driven by the increasing focus of cities on upgrading and maintaining their underground infrastructure using trenchless technologies and methods.

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This dynamic sector encompasses a wide range of techniques, including pipe relining, sliplining, pipe bursting, grouting, lateral repairs, condition assessments and more. Small diameter trenchless work continues to flex its muscles, further strengthening the trenchless market.

To kick off the year, we turned to some of the industry’s leading experts and advocates to share their insights into the current state and future direction of the trenchless rehab market. Their perspectives provide valuable guidance as we look ahead.

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Participating in this special Q&A are:

How would you describe the state of today’s trenchless rehab market? What are you hearing from the industry about the future of this market?

Steve Keranko: The trenchless rehabilitation market in 2025 continues to demonstrate significant potential, driven by an increasing global focus on sustainable infrastructure maintenance and the need to upgrade aging utilities.

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The market is growing steadily, with a clear shift toward more efficient and future-proof solutions for the repair and renewal of underground assets. However, the landscape varies considerably across different regions, with the pace of progress, the technology employed, and the level of expertise differing widely between countries and continents.

Globally, there is a trend toward more detailed inspection and measurement techniques, which serve as the foundation for more structured and proactive rehabilitation planning. This is a major shift away from the traditional reactive approach, often referred to as the “fire brigade principle,” where repairs are made only when something breaks down.

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Today, there is an increasing emphasis on preventive maintenance, guided by regular inspections, defined inspection intervals, and the use of advanced technologies like laser-based measurement systems to determine pipe profiles before liner installation. These developments enable operators to plan rehabilitation measures more effectively and in a timely manner, reducing “emergency repairs” and optimizing long-term asset management.

What we are hearing from the industry is a clear consensus that the future of trenchless rehab is about moving towards a more strategic, data-driven approach. The focus is on preserving the value of the assets over time, rather than merely repairing them as problems arise.

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In terms of technology, UV technology for curing glass fiber liners, the use of highly advanced robotic systems with sensors and the use of supporting software are the most prominent. In conclusion, the trenchless rehab market in 2025 is poised for continued growth, fueled by technological advancements and a shift toward more proactive, data-driven asset management strategies.

While there are regional disparities in the adoption of these technologies, the overall trend is towards the increasing use of advanced inspection, measurement, and rehabilitation technologies that will enable utilities to maintain their infrastructure more effectively, efficiently and sustainably.

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Andrew Wicker: The water/wastewater market is generally growing according to the research done by our teams. Emerging technologies (AI, UV curing, etc.) are keeping our market at the forefront of newer technology assisting with infrastructure condition improvement.

Jeff Gabrielese: The overall market is very robust right now and the outlook is very bright. The increase in infrastructure spending over the last few years has delivered necessary funding in the public sector and sewer/water rehab projects are in abundance and contractors desire to complete these projects with trenchless methods has been on the incline.

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Working with these contractors, our research and development team has been able to bring to market new trenchless solutions for things like lead water services and update our equipment in both the bursting and CIPP space to better serve the market.

As technology continues to advance, trenchless projects are able to be completed quicker with positive results for the end users. The future of the market is reliant on these technological advances and companies, like HammerHead, staying up to date on the ways these advances can improve our product line and best serve our customers. It is also imperative that we continue to spread positive light on trenchless methods to continue to educate not only contractors but end users on the best solutions for the aging pipes on their property, on their streets, and potentially in their homes.

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Donald Rigby: Based on the current volume of mergers & acquisitions, the investment community views the trenchless rehab market as a growth industry with sustainable qualities for the long run.

Rehab is honorable. Rehab is an economic necessity. Specifically, trenchless is growing more sophisticated with science and technology paving the way for more reliable methodologies.

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HammerHead Trenchless lateral rehab

What area of the trenchless rehab market do you think needs address/improved on, etc.?

SK: A key area for improvement in the trenchless rehab market in 2025 is the quality of the methods used. High-resolution inspection techniques need to be more widely adopted to provide accurate data as a foundation for high-quality rehabilitation planning.

Additionally, quality control of the applied rehabilitation methods is essential to ensure sustainable and reliable restoration. There is significant potential to further raise existing standards in this regard. Another critical aspect is investing in personnel training.

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Skilled professionals are vital for the success of rehabilitation projects, from analyzing inspection data to implementing repair solutions. Regular training and upskilling programs should be prioritized to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and ensure long-term quality in the industry.

AW: Technology exists to verify installation quality during the job. Inspectors and post installation inspections are needed, but why not monitor curing and installation real time.

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JG: As the trenchless market continues to grow, training and education are going to continue to be a key factor in the success of market. As new technologies and concepts are introduced, it’s imperative to have a full understanding of the available solutions and how the minute details can impact the outcome of a project.

We believe that educating our customers is the first step in setting them up for a successful jobsite, so we offer three variations of our training program, that are customizable, so each contractor and their team receives exactly what they are looking for and not a cookie cutter program.

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Our online platform is available 24/7 so our customers are never without a touch point for knowledge. Additionally, with as many projects that are being let for bid, we continue to hear the issues of shortages in workforce experience, training, and development.

We often hear “there’s more work than people” and this issue needs to be addressed, and we believe training will boost retention within the industry.

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DR: The traditional engineering design/bid/build approach will eventually surrender to design/build due to economics, accountability, and efficiencies of time. Design/Build is trending in in every construction sector yet has not caught fire in the rehab industry. It will.

Burnaby BC crew completes a lateral rehab

What areas of the rehab market are you seeing and/or forecasting to have a big 2025 and beyond (CIPP, laterals, manholes, etc.) and why?

SK: Mainline sewers will remain a cornerstone of the trenchless rehabilitation market in 2025 and beyond, as they are essential to the overall sewer infrastructure.

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However, we are noticing that customers are increasingly recognizing the importance of laterals and manholes in ensuring the integrity of the entire system.

This shift in focus stems from a growing understanding that even well-maintained mainlines cannot guarantee a fully functional network if laterals and manholes are neglected. Addressing these components is crucial to prevent inflow and infiltration, enhance system performance, and ensure long-term sustainability.

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As this awareness continues to rise, we expect these areas to gain even more prominence, supported by innovative technologies and a commitment to comprehensive infrastructure management.

AW: As part of the inspection and assessment space in our market, we see the inspection of manholes and the technologies involved growing faster than other inspections. It would stand to reason the rehabilitation of these structures would closely follow. And manholes are in right of ways where municipal agencies and utilities can act without the involvement of the homeowner/rate payer; like they do with service laterals.

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JG: All the above. CIPP, pipe bursting, laterals and mainline will all have a big 2025 and beyond for a variety of reasons.

First, there is the increased funding in the municipal markets and their acceptance of trenchless methods. In the public and private markets, the equipment continues to evolve and become more user friendly for the contactors. Much of the new equipment that has been introduced over the last few years and been improved by manufacturers learning from contractors and having a better understanding of their jobsite and project conditions and working to meet those needs.

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As the underground infrastructure continues to age and the understanding of trenchless methods and products continues to grow and gain acceptance, 2025 and beyond will see significant growth and need for this type of work.

DR: Concrete is the No. 1 building product in the world, but it’s not perfect. For example: tensile strength is relatively low, susceptible to corrosion, weight of concrete compared to its strength, and propensity for cracking.

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Madewell’s crack laminate system will surge and be called into action to save structures suffering from cracks that need to be water-tight and structurally sound.

Applying the Madewell product on the wall of a manhole.

What challenges do you see or are concerned about having an impact on the trenchless rehab market?

SK: The trenchless rehabilitation market faces several challenges that could impact its growth and effectiveness. One major concern is ensuring that adequate budgets are allocated for the maintenance of underground infrastructure.

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Unlike visible projects like roads and bridges, trenchless rehabilitation often struggles to capture public and political attention because it occurs out of sight. As a result, funding priorities can shift toward more publicly noticeable initiatives, leaving underground systems underfunded despite their critical importance.

Another key challenge is the need to continue prioritizing workforce education and training. The rapid evolution of technology in the trenchless sector requires a highly skilled workforce to ensure that inspection, planning, and rehabilitation processes are executed effectively and to the highest standards.

Additionally, international trade barriers, such as tariffs, can hinder the availability of advanced technologies and materials. A free and fair exchange of goods is essential to foster competition, promote the adoption of the best techniques, and uphold high-quality standards across the industry.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the trenchless rehabilitation market.

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AW: The water/wastewater investment could always be better, but we don’t necessarily see it being underfunded. Owners’ risk is at a high visibility (sinkholes, etc) and in turn is getting its due attention.

JG: As mentioned previously, training and workforce development is key to continuous growth in the trenchless market. We have seen some favorability with the increase in funding through Infrastructure spending in the last year, so it is more important than ever to be educating the market on the benefits of trenchless solutions.

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My hope is that we’ll see improvements in the regulatory environment to bring projects to market quicker to allow for more work for our contractors in the future.

DR: Smaller communities cannot justify the expense of maintaining their underground infrastructure. More grants are needed and the requirements to secure this funding need to be relaxed.

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Seems to be a strong emphasis in recent years on condition assessment. How important/critical has this become to the trenchless market?

SK: Condition assessment has become a primary focus of the trenchless market in recent years, and its importance cannot be overstated. It serves as the foundation for all subsequent decisions related to sewer pipe rehabilitation and maintenance.

Without a thorough and accurate understanding of the condition of underground infrastructure, it is impossible to develop a well-founded rehabilitation plan. By assessing the state of sewer pipes, operators can prioritize issues based on severity, urgency, and long-term impact. This allows for targeted interventions that not only extend the lifespan of the infrastructure but also optimize the allocation of resources.

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With budgets often constrained, a precise condition assessment ensures that funds are directed where they are needed most, preventing unnecessary expenditures and avoiding potentially costly failures down the line.

Moreover, condition assessment supports predictive maintenance strategies, enabling stakeholders to anticipate problems before they become critical. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions, enhances public safety, and contributes to the sustainability of trenchless technologies by reducing environmental impact. In a competitive market where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, the role of condition assessment as the starting point for successful project execution has become indispensable.

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AW: Condition assessment is the logical first step to ultimate rehabilitation. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are assisting decision-makers with identifying and prioritizing underground assets that need rehabilitation and/or maintenance. Helping assure that funds are being used in the most needful and risk heavy areas. Not being allocated in areas where maintenance can wait.

JG: Condition assessments have been becoming increasingly common. The evaluation is important for a few reasons. The first is that it establishes a relationship built on trust. The skilled professional doing the condition assessment is an outside resource coming in with an unbiased opinion providing you with options for the property.

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The assessments also allow for preventative maintenance, which in the trenchless market is usually where we start at with any new customer. Our contractors aren’t necessarily getting a call about a pipe needing to be rehabilitated or replaced, it often starts with a call for a pipe to be cleaned and the discovery of damage.

It requires contractors to be well versed in trenchless solutions and they best way to serve their customers and this is the similar process once an assessment has been completed.

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DR: No question, condition assessment IS critical to prioritizing projects, but a better question, who best to perform condition assessment of underground infrastructure? Can owners self-perform? Should consulting engineers provide this as a field service?

Is it time that we get behind the efficiencies of the design/build movement and train, equip, and certify utility contractors to assess structures in the collection system? Is it possible: those who restore are best able to assess?

Lowering a RapidView camera into a sewer

Mergers and acquisitions continue to make headlines in in the rehab market. What does this say about today’s trenchless rehab market?

SK: The ongoing trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the trenchless rehab market speaks volumes about the sector’s evolution and maturity.

In the past, this industry was largely characterized by numerous small, often owner-operated businesses. Inspection and rehabilitation of sewer pipes were considered niche activities, and many of the pioneers in this field were entrepreneurs who founded their own companies, bringing innovative ideas and driving the industry’s early development.

Today, the trenchless rehab market has become a well-established and significant sector. As companies grow in size, they face increased administrative and operational demands. For many small business owners nearing retirement age, finding suitable successors within their organizations can be challenging. Selling to larger firms provides a practical solution, ensuring business continuity while enabling them to step back from day-to-day operations.

Additionally, the growth potential of the trenchless market has attracted interest from investors, including those from outside the industry. These investors view the sector as lucrative, driven by strong demand for infrastructure maintenance and modernization. Their involvement is often motivated by financial returns rather than technical expertise, further fueling consolidation within the market.

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Ultimately, this wave of M&A activity reflects the trenchless rehab market’s transformation from a fragmented, niche industry into a mature and increasingly attractive space for both strategic and financial players.

While this brings opportunities for growth and innovation, it also highlights the need to preserve the entrepreneurial spirit that has historically driven advancements in the field.

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AW: It tells us that the trenchless rehab, and by extension, the water and wastewater segments are attractive targets for growth. With infrastructure investment receiving a good deal of attention, especially at the federal level, it’s understandable that private investment dollars would be flowing into this space.

JG: Mergers and acquisitions have obviously been very active over the last couple of years, and I think there are several drivers.

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The most significant is the industry growth CAGR’s for the last several years are very strong so there is quicker ROI. Diversification and talent acquisition are others in my opinion.

As the trenchless market becomes more accepted by the masses and end users stress the importance of maintaining their pipes without total disruption of their property, more and more business portfolios are expanding to include trenchless solutions.

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DR: The trenchless rehab market is growing, sustainable, and worthy of investment.

HammerHead Trenchless lateral rehab training

How has the smaller diameter trenchless work impacted the trenchless rehab market?

SK: In the field of inspection, there is a noticeable trend toward the use of increasingly compact components. These advancements enable high-resolution imaging and incorporate a wide range of functions within a small design, making them particularly suitable for use in tight spaces, such as small-diameter sewer pipes.

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This miniaturization has been essential for addressing the technical challenges associated with inspecting and maintaining smaller infrastructure, ensuring efficiency and accuracy even in confined environments.

Additionally, in the residential service connection sector, the nature of customer interaction has evolved. Service providers are no longer working exclusively with municipal or city authorities but are now engaging more frequently with private property owners. This shift demands a different communication approach.

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Homeowners often require simpler, more transparent explanations of the process, costs, and benefits, as they may lack the technical expertise of institutional clients. Building trust and addressing individual concerns effectively have become key elements in ensuring successful project outcomes in this growing segment of the market.

AW: The smaller diameter jobs are providing lower cost entry opportunities for those wanting to get into this space.

JG: Lateral rehab has always been a solid segment of the trenchless market but with the advancements in technology and introduction of new products and services especially with light cure CIPP becoming so prevalent now, it has provided good growth opportunities for Plumbers and Drain Cleaners as a more reliable way to expand their business.

Also, to be able to provide a trenchless solution means the work can be done without having to tear up a driveway or backyard saving costly extra work to homeowners. It’s also attracted new businesses including contractors and municipalities who are looking to address I/I in local communities.

Sharon M. Bueno is editor of Trenchless Technology.

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