Do you know the difference between Picote brush cast epoxy and traditional pipelining epoxy? Both types of epoxy are used to rehabilitate worn plumbing pipes. However, their method of installation and the types of pipes they are used for can differ. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between Picote brush cast epoxy and traditional pipelining epoxy.
Traditional Pipelining Epoxy
Traditional epoxy that’s used for rehabilitating pipes is a two-part mixture that contains the epoxy and a curing agent. When this epoxy is paired with a liner, it can be used in drain lines and sewer pipes. When it’s used on its own, it’s called an epoxy coating, and it can be used to seal small cracks and pinhole leaks in potable water pipes.
Picote Brush Coating™
Picote Brush Coating™ is a 100% solids epoxy that is used to rehabilitate drain lines, sewer pipes, potable water pipes, HVAC ducts and conduit piping. It has the ability to line pipes with diameters between 1.25 inches and 8 inches with the Mini Pump system. If a Maxi Pump system is used, pipes with diameters as great as 12 inches can be lined.
Types of Pipes that Can be Lined with Epoxy
Both Picote Brush Coating™ can be used to line a variety of plumbing pipe materials, including:
- Cast Iron
- Clay
- Concrete
- Fiberglass
- PVC and CPVC
Traditional epoxy pipelining can be used to line all of the above types of pipes, plus:
- Brass
- Copper
- Galvanized Steel
- Stainless Steel
How Long Does Picote Brush Coating™ and Traditional Piplining Last
Picote Brush Coating™ and traditional epoxy are both designed to rehabilitate old and worn pipes in order to extend their useful lives.
- Picote Brush Coating™ – 30 to 50 Years
- Traditional Epoxy Pipelining – 35 to 50 Years
Benefits of Picote Brush Cast Epoxy and Traditional Epoxy Pipelining
Both traditional epoxy pipelining and Picote brush cast epoxy have numerous benefits. The first benefit is that you can leave your current plumbing pipes in place, which means they don’t need to be torn out and thrown into a landfill.
Benefits of Traditional Pipelining
- Traditional epoxy is safe and durable on sewer lines, drain lines, and potable water lines.
- It’s cost-effective when you consider all of the costs involved in replacing your Chicago building’s plumbing system.
- It can be used in many different types of plumbing systems, including those in homes, condos, apartment buildings, entertainment venues, schools, and municipal buildings.
- The curing process is relatively fast. Most newly lined pipes take two to three days to cure.
- It is environmentally friendly.
Benefits of Picote Brush Coating™
- It’s a precise way to apply epoxy to plumbing pipes.
- Picote Brush Coating™ can be applied as a single coat or multiple coats.
- It has been specifically developed and tested for use in plumbing pipes and sewer lines.
- Once all the coats of epoxy have been applied, it only takes 24 hours for the final application to cure.
- It can be used to reinforce existing CIPP and PIPP liners.
- It doesn’t cost as much as other types of epoxy resin.
How Traditional Pipe Liners are Installed
Traditional epoxy can either be installed as a coating or with a liner that functions as a pipe-within-a-pipe (PIPP). The first step for both types of epoxy liners is to clean the pipes down to the pipe wall. This removes debris and scale.
If a coating is going to be installed, the equipment is connected to the pipe that will be lined. Then, the epoxy is mixed and blown through the pipe, using special equipment. As the epoxy moves through the pipe and rolls over itself, creating a smooth surface.
If the epoxy is to be used with a pipeliner in order to rehabilitate a drain or sewer line, the pipeliner is cut to length and scored to ensure the epoxy mixture fully penetrates the liner. Then, the liner is saturated with the two-part epoxy mixture. Next, an air bladder is inserted into the liner, and the liner is threaded into the pipe. Once the liner is in place, the air bladder is inflated. The epoxy-soaked liner and air bladder are left in place while the liner cures. Once the liner has fully cured, the air bladder is removed, and the pipe is returned to service.
How Picote Brush Cast Epoxy Is Installed
The process for installing Picote brush cast epoxy is similar to the way that traditional epoxy is installed.
1. The pipes are cleaned down to the pipe walls, usually with pipe-cleaning chains and/or brushes.
2. The epoxy cartridges are inserted into the brush casting machine. This means that the epoxy does not need to be mixed.
3. The epoxy is applied to the inside of the pipe, using a brush. This makes it a far more precise method of application than other types of epoxy pipe liners.
4. The epoxy is usually applied in multiple layers to a thickness of between .5 and 1mm. The first layer of epoxy is used to seal any small cracks or holes in the pipe. If multiple layers are to be applied, each layer must dry and cure before the next layer can be applied.
5. The final epoxy layer is white. Once it’s applied, a final curing time of 24 hours is needed before the pipe can be returned to service.
Does an Epoxy Pipe Liner or Coating Impact Water Quality?
Epoxy pipeliners and coatings do not affect water quality. Traditional epoxy coatings and liners are approved by the city of Chicago. In fact, lining your potable water pipes may improve the safety of your water by preventing chemical leeching from the host pipe.
Picote brush cast epoxy is ASTM tested and certified and NSF 61.5 approved. This means that it’s safe to use on plumbing pipes, and it’s fit for use. Like traditional epoxy, brush-cast epoxy may also make the water safer by preventing the chemical leaching that occurs with water moves through metal plumbing pipes.
Epoxy Pipe Lining for Flexibility and Versatility
Epoxy is a great choice for nearly every type of plumbing pipe. However, the one you use may be dependent on the size of the pipe and how many bends are in it.
Traditional Epoxy
Traditional epoxy coating and liners work best on straight runs of pipe with minimal bends. However, processes have been developed for pipes that contain angles and bends so that they can also be lined via a traditional pipelining method.
Brush Cast Epoxy
Brush-cast epoxy does not have the same limitations as traditional epoxy. Since it’s precisely applied via a brush, it does have the ability to be applied around bends. The brush cast system can be used to line runs of pipe as long as 128 feet.
Traditional and Picote Brush Casting with NuFlow, Serving Chicago
At NuFlow Midwest, Serving Chicago, we can line your pipes with traditional, two-part epoxy or with the new Picote brush casting system. Our pipelining technicians can answer all of your questions, regarding epoxy pipelining, explain the pros and cons of each method, and recommend the right pipelining solution for your pipes. We line plumbing pipes in all types of Chicago buildings, including condos, apartment complexes, eateries, outdoor venues, and municipal buildings.
To learn more about epoxy pipelining and to explore plumbing pipe rehabilitation for your building, contact us today.