Repipe Specialists Multi-Family

All epoxy systems are simply an attempt to put a cover or blanket on existing pipe that is already failing and leaking. Whereas Repiping is a permanent replacement of the defective pipes, fittings and shut-off valves. The major benefit of repiping is that it completely eliminates the existing problematic plumbing system from service and replaces it with a new, high-quality system that has a long-term and robust warranty and service life.

Lack of Exterior Corrosion Protection: At best, epoxy lining puts a coating on the inside of the currently defective pipe. However, that’s only part of the problem. It does not protect the outside of the pipe from continuing corrosion. In the end, epoxy lining only becomes a temporary Band-Aid for the pipes and does not cure the root problem of corroding and decaying pipes.

Potentially Limited Interior Corrosion Prevention: If 100% of the entire piping is not “sand blasted” thoroughly and the lining is not done perfectly and uniformly, existing corrosion on the interior of the pipes will continue to eat away at the piping or liner, or both. The question becomes whether the lining contractor is willing to place a long-term 25-year warranty against corrosion of the pipes and lining.

Partial System Coverage: This is a significant point for any prospective buyer of a lining solution. In most cases, shut-off valves cannot be lined. In the system itself, fittings such as tees and 90s may not be able to be properly lined due to the challenges of air flow around the fittings (when blowing in the resin). In a large project, there are thousands of these potential trouble spots that create risk. The more gaps in the resin, the more risk. The best way to get complete coverage for a prospective customer is to repipe the system, which removes all old valves, tees, 90s, fittings, etc. from the system and the entire system is brand new.

Below is a piece of copper (approx. 2 feet long) that we cut out of a building
we repiped that had epoxy done just a few years earlier.

We cut this 2 ft piece into a bunch of separate pieces (some shown below).
These pictures show the difference and inconsistency in coverage in just a 2-foot span of piping.

Lack of Government Inspection: Epoxy lined systems are many times not inspected by the local inspection authority. Further, and more important, there is very limited ability to see whether the system has been properly “sand blasted” and lined without cutting out random portions of the system and inspecting them. This leaves the customer in the unfortunate position of simply “trusting” that the contractor did everything 100% correctly.

Our Experience with Epoxy and Repiping: Being in the pipe replacement business for 30+ years has given us the opportunity to see all the best (and worst) repiping options in the marketplace. We have the ability to use any product available. If Epoxy lining was better for the customer over the long term, we would use it. If CPVC was better, we would us it. The truth is we have repiped many homes and buildings where the epoxy lining had started to flake off within a matter of years of initial application (less than 10 years). We’ve even seen this happen with a 500-unit condo association (here in Southern California). With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, all of these owners would have obviously chosen to simply repipe the first time around and permanently solve their problems.

We want the best solution for our customers, one which gives them peace of mind and a permanent solution to their current plumbing problems. This is why we choose to permanently solve the problem with a quality repiping process.

Uponor PEX plumbing systems use flexible PEX pipe and innovative ProPEX® expansion fittings to create a solution that minimizes connections, resists corrosion, pitting and scaling and lasts the life of the structure. Because of its flexibility, Uponor PEX can bend with each change in direction, reducing the number of required fittings for faster installations and greater system performance. Uponor PEX will not corrode, pit or experience scale build up, and its ability to expand and contract offers greater durability. Uponor piping also comes with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty. Uponor has been in business since 1918, started with PEX piping in the early 1970s and is by far the largest PEX manufacturer in the US. They have, without question, the best warranty in the industry.