Do you see epoxy lining emerging as the preferred choice for pipe rehabilitation for apartments, condos and commercial buildings?

-Tejas

Tejas, epoxy pipe lining can be the perfect solution for pipe problems in apartments, condos, and commercial buildings. It’s gaining popularity as an effective alternative to the more traditional repipe because it’s safer for drinking water than unlined metal or cement pipes; is often less messy, costly, and time-consuming; and eliminates the corrosion that leads to blocked or leaky pipes.

-Brian

In the municipal market, can epoxy lining only be used for wastewater, or can it be applied to drinking water pipes as well?

-Tejas

Tejas, epoxy lining can certainly be used in both types of pipes. For example, CuraFlo’s sister company, RLS Solutions, offers coatings for restoring and rehabilitating water mains (drinking water delivery), as well as deteriorated wastewater infrastructure.

-Brian

What is the chemical composition of CuraPoxy? How safe is it to drink water from pipe lined with this as compared to other plastic pipes and water containers?

-Gerry

Gerry, while I can’t disclose the chemical composition of CuraFlo’s epoxy, CuraPoxy®, I can tell you that it’s certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 which is the U.S. government’s standard for safe drinking water. This standard has been in place since 1988 and has been used to certify over 12,000 products. To find out about the safe for drinking water certifications on plastic pipes and bottles I recommend you contact their specific manufacturers directly. 

-Dr. Dave

Our galvanized pipe system is slowly leaking rust at the front faucet, my husband is concerned that our system could blow anywhere in the walls and we wouldn’t know it until we had a mess. Would Curaflo[’s] method help with the structural integrity of our pipes? We’ve almost agreed to re-piping with copper L 1″ super quality pipes in our 30 yr old here in Orange County, Calif.

-Janice (Orange County, CA)

Janice, rusty water coming out of galvanized pipes is an obvious symptom of “tuberculation” –dissolved minerals in your water reacting with the metal of the pipe, causing corrosion and buildup on the wall of the pipe. Reduced flow (the buildup reduces the inside diameter of the pipe) and low water pressure are also typical symptoms of this condition. The buildup doesn’t necessarily mean your pipes are leaking or will leak, but typically they will. Leaks usually start small, but can spread or evolve into major leaks.

CuraFlo’s process eliminates the need to repipe your entire system. The first part of CuraFlo’s epoxy pipe lining process cleans out the rusty mineral buildup, stopping the rusty water you’re seeing. Any section that is too weak to be lined is replaced. Then CuraFlo’s safe-for-drinking-water epoxy pipe lining is applied; this keeps the metal of the pipe from coming into contact with water –preventing buildup from forming and corrosion from happening again. Pipes are restored to better-than-new condition.

Pipe replacement is an option, but it often takes longer and includes the mess and disruption of cutting open walls and removing pipes. Once done, you’ll need to replace walls (or tiles or floors) and make cosmetic repairs. In addition, water will still be coming in contact with the metal of your pipes – it’s a matter of time before corrosion happens again.

You can get in touch with a CuraFlo professional near you, who can help you assess your problem by visiting www.curaflo.com, or calling 1-888-4CuraFlo.

-Brian

Do city and county governments approve of using CuraFlo epoxy pipe lining, or any other companies’ epoxy pipe lining?

-Don

Don, the epoxies we use for the lining of plumbing systems have been tested and certified to meet the ANSI/NSF Standard 61 which is the strictest health standard for products coming in contact with drinking water. Based on this certification, Regional Health Authorities have approved the lining.Epoxy lining processes can also be certified to meet industry-recognized standards. Our lining process is certified to meet IGC-189, which is the standard set by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). The codes established by this organization are recognized and adopted by many regional authorities.

Many regional municipalities have been using epoxy lining in their own water mains and reservoirs since the early 1990’s and in water treatment plants since the 1950’s. They value this technology for its ability to preserve water quality and restore and protect easily eroded and corroded surfaces.

Special note: A mechanical engineer with an understanding of epoxies, corrosion and metallurgical experience is your best bet for a detailed evaluation of your existing plumbing system. They can test review and write the specifications for the epoxy lining (upgrading) of your water delivery system.