One of the most common questions we receive when we talk about epoxy pipe lining on our social media pages is: What’s the difference between plumbers epoxy putty and epoxy pipe lining? The short answer is that plumbers epoxy putty is a short-term solution and epoxy pipe lining is a long-term solution to repairing plumbing pipe leaks and restoring plumbing pipes.
Understanding Plumbers Epoxy Putty
Plumbers epoxy putty is a soft substance that is used to seal gaps and small leaks in certain types of plumbing pipes and around plumbing fixtures. Many maintenance personnel choose to use it as a temporary fix for leaks in metal pipes, including copper, brass and galvanized steel, because it sets within a few minutes and completely cures in about an hour. However, plumbers epoxy putty is not recommended for use on plastic pipes, and it should only be considered a temporary fix until the leaking pipe can be professionally repaired or replaced.
How Plumbers Epoxy Putty Is Used
Plumbers epoxy is used on the outside of plumbing pipes in order to stop small leaks. In order to repair a pipe, you will need a dry cloth, duct tape and a propane torch. Before the putty can be applied to the leak, the water must be turned off to the pipe, and the outside of the pipe must be completely dry. The propane torch should be used to heat the pipe after it is dry in order to accelerate the drying and curing time of the putty. Once the pipe is warm, the putty should be prepared according to the package directions and placed over the leak. Don’t forget to press it tightly against the pipe to create a good seal. Lastly, wrap the repair in duct tape. The pipe can be restored to service after the putty has cured.
Understanding Epoxy Pipe Lining
Both plumbers putty and epoxy pipe lining use epoxy for sealing water leaks. However, plumbers putty goes on the outside of plumbing pipes in order to temporarily stop a leak, while epoxy pipe lining is used to permanently stop leaks and restore the integrity of the plumbing pipe. In short, epoxy pipe lining is a great alternative to replacing the leaking pipe.
How Epoxy Pipe Liners Are Installed
Before the epoxy pipe liner can be installed, the host pipe must be completed cleaned of all corrosion, residue and other debris that has reduced the pipe’s diameter. Then, an abrasive material is blown through the pipe in order to help the liner adhere to the host pipe, and the pipe is completely dried. Once the plumbing pipe has been prepared, the pipe liner is soaked in epoxy and threaded through the host pipe. A bladder is used to inflate the liner and press it against the internal walls of the existing plumbing pipe. The bladder is then removed, and the pipe liner is left to cure, which can take anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours. Once the pipe liner has completely dried and cured, the plumbing pipe is put back into service.
Pipe Lining with Nu Flow
Here at Nu Flow, serving Chicago and the greater Chicago area, we offer pipe lining of drain and sewer lines as well as potable water lines, which is an effective way of stopping and preventing leaks while rehabilitating your existing plumbing pipes. Epoxy pipe lining is considered safe, durable and cost-effective. Pipe liners have been known to last as long as 50 years, and here at Nu Flow, we guarantee our liners for 10 years. Pipe lining is also an environmentally friendly option when compared to traditional pipe replacement.
To learn more about our pipe lining services, or to schedule an appointment to see if pipe lining would help stop leaks in your plumbing pipes, call us at 815-790-9000.