TIPS AND TECHNIQUES ON REPIPE AND ePIPE.

If you’ve been experiencing issues like low water pressure or discolored water coming from your faucets, it’s likely that your water pipes have built up deposits of minerals like manganese, calcium, and iron. Over time, these deposits can cause problems with your plumbing system, leading to poor water quality and even damage to your pipes. Fortunately, there are solutions – repiping and ePIPE lining – that can restore your plumbing system and improve water flow.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of both repiping and ePIPE technology, providing practical advice on how to approach these projects and explaining the benefits of each method. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a homeowner looking to hire a professional, these tips will help you make the right choice for your home’s plumbing system.

Identifying the Problem: Signs You May Need to Repipe

The first step in solving your plumbing issues is recognizing that a problem exists. There are a few common signs that your home’s pipes may need to be replaced or lined with ePIPE:

1. Low Water Pressure: If you notice a significant drop in water pressure throughout your home, it could be due to blockages inside your pipes. These blockages are often caused by years of mineral buildup.
2. Discolored Water: If the water coming out of your faucets is tinted red, orange, or brown, it’s a sign that your pipes are corroding. This is especially common in older homes with galvanized steel or iron pipes.
3. Frequent Leaks: Pipes that are nearing the end of their lifespan are more prone to leaks. If you’ve had multiple leaks in a short period, it may be time to consider repiping.
4. Noisy Pipes: Strange sounds, like banging or gurgling, can indicate that your pipes are clogged or damaged.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, repiping or ePIPE technology could be the solution to restoring your plumbing system to its original condition.

What is Repipe?

Repiping refers to the process of completely replacing the old pipes in your home with new ones. This is often the best solution when pipes have become severely corroded or damaged beyond repair. Here’s how the process works:

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: The first step in any repiping job is to turn off the main water supply to the house. This prevents water from flowing through the pipes while they’re being replaced.
2. Drain the System: Once the water supply is off, the existing water in the pipes must be drained. This is typically done by opening an outdoor faucet and letting the water flow out.
3. Remove Old Pipes: Depending on the material of your existing pipes – whether they’re copper, galvanized steel, or PVC – they’ll need to be cut and removed. This process can involve breaking through walls, floors, or ceilings to access the pipes.
4. Install New Pipes: After the old pipes have been removed, new pipes are installed in their place. Modern homes often use PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping, which is flexible, durable, and easy to install. PEX piping is less likely to corrode than metal pipes, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
5. Test for Leaks: Once the new pipes are in place, the water supply is turned back on, and the system is checked for leaks. Any joints or fittings that are leaking are sealed to ensure the system is watertight.

What is ePIPE?

ePIPE, or epoxy pipe lining, is a more modern solution that doesn’t require replacing the entire plumbing system. Instead, it involves coating the inside of your existing pipes with a protective epoxy layer. This technique can extend the life of your pipes by preventing further corrosion and buildup. Here’s a breakdown of the ePIPE process:

1. Drain and Dry the Pipes: The first step in ePIPE lining is to completely drain the water from your pipes. Once they’re empty, the pipes are dried using compressed air to ensure that the epoxy can adhere properly.
2. Clean the Pipes: Before the epoxy is applied, the inside of the pipes must be cleaned to remove any rust, corrosion, or buildup. This is usually done using an abrasive technique like sandblasting.
3. Apply the Epoxy Coating: After the pipes are clean, a specialized epoxy is sprayed inside the pipes. This coating creates a barrier between the water and the metal, preventing corrosion and mineral buildup.
4. Allow the Epoxy to Cure: Once the epoxy is applied, it needs time to cure and harden. After curing, the pipes are inspected to ensure the lining is evenly applied and the water supply is safe to turn back on.

Repipe vs. ePIPE: Which is Right for You?

When deciding between repiping and ePIPE lining, there are several factors to consider:

• Cost: ePIPE lining is generally more affordable than repiping because it doesn’t require extensive demolition or the installation of new pipes. However, repiping may be the better option if your pipes are severely damaged or if you want the peace of mind that comes with brand-new plumbing.
• Time: Repipe projects can take several days, especially if they involve breaking through walls or floors to access the pipes. ePIPE, on the other hand, is less invasive and can often be completed in just a day or two.
• Durability: While ePIPE can extend the life of your existing pipes, repiping with new materials like PEX can provide a more long-term solution. PEX piping, for example, is highly resistant to corrosion and can last for decades without needing repairs.
• Environmental Impact: If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your plumbing system, ePIPE may be the better choice. It reduces waste by preserving your existing pipes rather than sending them to a landfill.

Key Considerations for DIY Enthusiasts

If you’re considering a DIY approach to repiping or ePIPE lining, it’s important to understand the level of skill and expertise required for each method:

• Repiping: This project is best suited for experienced DIYers or professionals. It requires cutting, measuring, and joining pipes – tasks that must be done correctly to avoid leaks. Additionally, repiping can involve breaking through walls or floors, which adds another layer of complexity.
• ePIPE Lining: While ePIPE is less invasive than repiping, it still requires specialized equipment and knowledge. It’s recommended to hire a professional plumber who has experience with epoxy pipe lining to ensure the job is done correctly.

Conclusion: Get Expert Help When You Need It

Whether you choose repiping or ePIPE lining, both methods are effective ways to restore your home’s plumbing system. Repiping offers a long-term solution by replacing old, corroded pipes with new materials, while ePIPE lining can extend the life of your existing pipes and prevent further damage.

If you’re unsure which option is best for your home, consider consulting a professional plumber. They can inspect your plumbing system, discuss your options, and help you choose the most cost-effective and durable solution for your needs. With the right approach, you can improve your home’s water quality, increase water pressure, and avoid the headaches of future leaks or pipe failures.

By staying proactive and addressing your plumbing issues early, you’ll protect your home’s value and enjoy a more reliable and efficient plumbing system for years to come.

Is your water pressure low? Is Colored water (that can be red or orange) coming out of your water lines or faucet? Well, there is a reason for this. Your water pipes contain build-ups of Manganese, Calcium, iron and chemicals from water utilities. This did not happen recently but it must have been going on for several years now. As a result it causes relies of the colored water. This article will show you how to Repipe and ePIPE the water lines.

How to Repipe and ePIPE.

As you inspect your water lines, do not leave behind your hot water tank as it very important also. Sediments are found in the lines from the anode rod as it deteriorates. Therefore, this will require for the water tank to be fixed or replaced.

Repiping your house when it’s on a slab of concrete can be difficult.  Copper pipes, Galvanized pipes and PVC pipes are easy to replace. To start off you will need the following materials: flux, solder, hacksaw, pipe wrench or wrenches, Teflon tape, glue and primer, propane torch and ells.

To repipe you can choose to either use galvanized or plastic piping. First, turn off the water supply of the house. Ensure you link hot water and cold water to the hot water lines and cold water lines respectively. Water pipes are to be flushed from the faucet outside; thus removing the glue from the water lines. Air will also be removed from the lines in the process. Then go to each pipe to check for any leak or cracks. In order to attend to them as required.

Plastic fittings are used when repiping in between copper or galvanized pipes. The pipes need to have two terminals. One for grounding along with the ground wire, while the other to go across the plastic fitting. At times the ground source is able to use in house plumbing.