When it comes to choosing between trenchless pipe technology and traditional pipe replacement for your Chicago multi-story residential building, you may be wondering which one is better, especially since there are several pipe restoration myths floating around on the Internet.
1. Myth: Trenchless Pipe Lining is New.
Reality: Pipe Lining Has Been Around Since 1971.
Trenchless pipe liners were developed by Eric Wood in 1971. It took six years for the patent to be approved. The epoxy pipe coating technology entered public domain in 1994, and since then pipe lining has been used to successfully restore potable water lines and drain lines in commercial, residential and industrial buildings, municipal water systems and in public buildings.
2. Myth: It Doesn’t Adhere to the Host Pipe.
Reality: With Proper Pipe Preparation, Epoxy Liners Do Adhere to the Host Pipe.
Before an epoxy pipe coating can be installed, the host pipe must be properly prepared. This preparation process involves examining the pipe to be lined, thoroughly cleaning the corrosion and debris from the pipe, using an abrasive material on the inside of the pipe to help with adhesion and completely drying the inside of the pipe. It is only after these steps have been performed that the pipe liner can be inserted into the pipe.
3. Myth: Pipe Lining Is Prohibitively Expensive.
Reality: Pipe Lining Is Cheaper Than Traditional Pipe Replacement.
When you calculate all the costs associated with traditional pipe replacement, installing a liner or using an epoxy coating is less expensive. This is because traditional pipe replacement uses more people and man hours than trenchlessly lining your pipes. In order to completely replace deteriorated pipes, sections of wall, ceiling and/or floor must be removed. If you are replacing a sewer line, trenches must be dug. Once the pipe is visible, it can be removed and replaced. The plumbing company may fill in the trench in your yard, but you are responsible for replacing the landscaping. The same can be said for your ceilings, walls, floors and interior finishes. The plumbing company may reinstall the sections they cut out, but you are responsible for hiring contractors to finish the interior and replace any destroyed decorative elements.
4. Myth: I’ll Just Have to Replace My Pipes in a Few Years Anyway.
Reality: Trenchless Liners Can Last up to 35 Years or Longer.
The materials used to trenchlessly restore your plumbing pipes are rated to last more than 35 years when your epoxy pipe coating is properly installed, and we personally guarantee our pipe liners for 10 years. Copper and galvanized steel water supply pipes are rated to last between 20 and 50 years. The only exception is brass, which can last up to 70 years with proper maintenance. Cast iron and PCV drain lines are rated to last between 75 and 100 years or indefinitely, providing they are not infiltrated with roots or clogged with grease and other debris.
Exploring Your Trenchless Pipe Resto
ration Options with Nu Flow
Let us help you explore your pipe restoration and replacement options. We offer building pipe assessments that can help determine the ages and corrosion levels of all your plumbing pipes. While this service isn’t free, it does come with either a recommendation for epoxy pipe coatings or liners or a recommendation for pipe replacement. In some instances, we can even develop a combination pipe restoration and replacement plan with help from our partner, Althoff, and their professional plumbers.
To get a building pipe assessment or to learn more about our epoxy pipe coating, call us at 815-790-9000.