STATE-OF-THE-ART PLUMBING SYSTEM RENOVATION by Randy Christie

In the past, one of the many costly and invasive components of restoring older structures has been the replacement of its corroded pipe system. Even late model buildings fall victim to corrosion—sometimes as soon as 10 years after going into service. Fortunately, the typical copper pipe lifespan is between 20 to 25 years. Symptoms of copper pipe corrosion are easy to spot—pinhole leaks, resulting in water damage to ceilings and walls, and stains on tubs and sinks.

Technology has made copper pipe replacement virtually obsolete. Instead of invading walls and ceilings to access troubled and corroded water pipes, pipe interiors can now be cleaned of all signs of corrosion before being treated with a thin coating of epoxy. The epoxy pipe lining material is tough, long lasting, odorless, tasteless and has a 30 to 50 year life expectancy—10 to 25 years longer than the life expectancy of a new copper pipe system. Installation from within means there is little or no need to open up the walls and ceilings which house the pipe system. As a result, structural design elements and existing architectural details remain intact and unharmed.

Epoxy pipe lining is a gentle process that respects heritage structures as well as the budget-saving the budget 20% to 30% over pipe replacement. The installation is faster, cleaner and less intrusive.

Here in the Lower Mainland epoxy pipe lining is a specialty of CuraFlo™ Technologies Inc. Working with Burnaby based West Coast Pipe Restoration Ltd., the company has completed over 100 commercial and residential installations since 1997.

The CuraFlo™ epoxy pipe lining process is a four-part installation that includes a diagnostic review of the water delivery system. Any section that fails this test is replaced prior to proceeding with the work; a valve system upgrade; an abrasive airflow cleaning of all pipe interiors; and an application of a tough epoxy lining material. This super strong lining hardens in 45 minutes enabling water service to be restored in just 8 hours. It's like getting a new pipe inside an old pipe.

In addition, the CuraFlo™ epoxy pipe lining installation brings the pipe system up to strict NSF-61 standards. (The National Sanitation Foundation International is reputed to set the toughest standards in the world for products that come in contact with drinking water).

Epoxy Pipe Lining-an idea whose time has come and one that is likely to become an important part of future restoration projects for building owners, engineers and renovators.

For more information on how the CuraFlo™ process can save you time money and restore peace of mind, take a look at www.pipeproblems.com. You'll find an "Information Request" form under the "Contact Us" tab on the web site.

If you have no computer, please feel free to contact us at the number below.

Telephone: 1-800-714-9259
Fax: 1-877-266-5325
Postal address: 502-595 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
E-mail:
  General Information: info@pipeproblems.com
  Sales: sales@pipeproblems.com
  Customer Service: service@pipeproblems.com