Are you considering lining your plumbing pipes with an epoxy pipe liner or coating? Epoxy pipe lining can be used to rehabilitate old plumbing pipes and fix small leaks and cracks. It also extends the useful life of your current pipes by creating a pipe within a pipe. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common questions we receive about pipelining. This can help you learn how the process works and what to expect when you hire us at NuFlow Midwest to handle all your pipelining needs.
What is epoxy pipelining?
Epoxy pipelining is a method of rehabilitating old or damaged pipes using epoxy resin either by itself or in conjunction with a liner. The resin is applied to the inside of the pipe, creating a new, durable pipe interior that extends the useful life of the pipe. It works well for all types of buildings that do not want to disrupt business or their tenants’ lives for an extended period of time while the entire system is replaced. it also works well in historic buildings where finishes and decorative features may be hard, expensive, or impossible to replace.
How does epoxy pipelining work?
Epoxy pipelining works by creating a new lining inside the existing pipe. This is often referred to as either CIPP (Cured-in-Place Piping) or PIPP (Pulled-in-Place Piping). It works by creating a second pipe inside the original pipe, which is referred to as the host pipe. Once the epoxy liner is cured, it seals small leaks and pinhole cracks and extends the useful life of your Chicago plumbing system.
What are the benefits of epoxy pipelining?
Epoxy pipelining offers many benefits when compared to traditional pipe replacement technologies.
- Cost-Effective – Epoxy pipelining is less expensive than traditional pipe replacement methods. Traditional pipe replacement often involves digging through the ground, drywall, or flooring in order to reach the pipes. Once the pipes are located, they are removed and replaced. Epoxy pipelining is a no-dig technology, which means it does not require excavation or a major disruption to the surrounding environment, and once the pipelining job is complete, there’s no need to hire additional contractors to do any repair work to your building’s finishes.
- Non-Invasive – Since epoxy pipelining is a no-dig technology, it’s considered non-invasive. This is because the pipelining crew uses existing cleanouts, or they create new cleanouts and install a door in order to connect their equipment. This means that you are not left with holes in your walls.
- Durable – The epoxy resin used in pipelining is strong, corrosion-resistant, and can last up to 50 years. This is comparable to the average expected useful life of new pipes and creates a long-term solution to your plumbing problems.
- Faster Installation – Epoxy pipelining is fast when compared to traditional pipe replacement because the work can often be performed in a few days. This means that your residents, employees, and visitors won’t have their lives disrupted for weeks on end.
- Improved Water Flow – Epoxy pipelining maximizes the interior diameters of the pipe and provides a smoother interior surface, which can improve water flow and reduce the likelihood of blockages.
- Environmentally Friendly – Epoxy pipelining does not create a significant amount of landfill waste and does not require the manufacture of new piping materials. For these reasons, it is a more sustainable method of pipe rehabilitation that reduces waste and conserves natural resources.
Which types of pipes can be repaired with epoxy pipelining?
Epoxy pipelining can be used on many different types of pipes, including cast iron, clay pipes, PVC and CPVC pipes, copper pipes, and brass pipes. There are very few types of pipes or pipe conditions where epoxy pipelining wouldn’t make a good choice for plumbing pipe rehabilitation. If you’re concerned about whether or not your pipes can be rehabilitation with epoxy, it’s best to give us a call.
How long does epoxy pipelining last?
Epoxy pipelining is rated to last between 30 and 50 years with many installations lasting 50+ years. In laboratory testing, it’s been determined that some epoxy pipe liners may last upwards of 80 years. Here at NuFlow, we also offer warranties of up to 10 years to help give you peace of mind when it comes to your epoxy-lined pipes.
Is epoxy pipelining safe?
Epoxy pipelining is considered safe, durable and effective. The epoxy resin used in the process is designed to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and it does not contain any harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is also considered to be resistant to microbial and chemical attacks.
How is epoxy pipelining installed?
The installation process of installing an epoxy pipe lining depends on whether you’re lining potable water pipes or drain and sewer lines. With all pipes, the process starts with a thorough cleaning of each pipe that is to be lined. This removes all the corrosion down to the pipe walls.
For potable water pipes, a two-part epoxy is mixed and then blown through the pipes using high-pressure air. As the air blows over the epoxy, it rolls along itself, thoroughly coating the internal diameter of the pipe.
For drain lines and sewer lines, the epoxy and a liner, usually felt, are used. The liner is then scored and saturated with epoxy before being inserted into the pipe with an air bladder. The air bladder is then inflated and the liner is left to cure in place. For potable water lines, the epoxy resin is simply left to cure. Once the epoxy resin has cured and hardened, the air bladder is removed, leaving behind a new, smooth, and durable lining inside the old pipe.
Can epoxy pipelining be used on pipes with bends or joints?
While early versions of the epoxy pipelining process recommended its use on straight runs of pipes, advancements in the technology mean that it can be used on pipes with bends and joints. In fact, one of the main advantages of epoxy pipelining is that it can be used to repair pipes with complex geometries and irregular shapes, including pipes with multiple bends and joints.
Can epoxy pipelining be used on pipes with large diameters?
One of the common myths of epoxy pipelining is that it can only be used on pipes with small diameters. This is not true. Epoxy pipelining can be used on pipes ranging in diameter from as small as half an inch to pipes that have a diameter of several feet. This is because the lining can be customized to fit pipes of different shapes and sizes.
What is the cost of epoxy pipelining?
Epoxy pipelining is generally considered more affordable than traditional pipe replacement because it requires less time and materials, and it’s less disruptive to your business. On average, pipelining tends to cost between 80 and 250 dollars per linear foot. However, the exact cost depends on several factors, including the size and length of the pipe to be repaired, the complexity of the repair, and the location of the pipe.
Epoxy Pipelining With NuFlow, Serving Chicago
When it comes to rehabilitating the plumbing pipes in your Chicago building, epoxy pipelining can be an affordable, reliable, and minimally invasive, and less disruptive solution. Here at NuFlow, we can line potable water pipes as well as drain lines and sewer pipes.
If you’re unsure as to whether your plumbing pipes can be rehabilitated using epoxy, consider scheduling a building pipe assessment. A building pipe assessment includes a camera inspection of your plumbing pipes, a report that states what, if any, problems were found with your plumbing pipes, and a recommendation for or against pipelining. If your pipes would make good candidates for pipelining, we include a detailed estimate for the service.
To get your pipelining questions answered and to schedule a building pipe assessment to see if your building would benefit from pipelining, contact us at 815-790-9000.