FAQ
Q: Do regional authorities (plumbing code officials) have a position regarding acceptance and approval of epoxy lining systems?
A: The epoxies we use for the lining of plumbing systems have been tested by IAMPO to meet ANSI/NSF-61, which meets the toughest health standards for contact with drinking water. Based on this certification, regional health authorities have approved the lining.
Q: Will the coating reduce the pipe diameter, decrease water velocity and restrict flow?
A: The coating is applied to a thickness of 10 to 25 mils, resulting in a corresponding reduction in interior pipe diameters. Applied to these specifications, it has never caused velocity or delivery problems in systems. We have upgraded over 3500 suites during the past several years and to date we have not had a velocity or flow problem. The existing pipes in your building may already have a coating with 5 to 10 mils of copper oxide in copper pipes and significantly more than that if you have galvanized steel pipes. While the corrosion build up in copper pipes is not as thick as the epoxy lining we apply, the products of corrosion currently coating your pipes are extremely rough causing turbulence and reduced water flow. By contrast, lined pipes are glassy smooth. This offers little restriction to water flow. Most importantly, unlike new pipes, they remain glassy smooth over the years and never restrict water flow.
Q: Does the lining cover all pipe interiors or do some areas remain uncoated? Are fittings coated? Do you line valves and pumps?
A: The lining covers all pipe interiors and non-movable pipe fittings. All valves, pumps and fittings with moving parts are removed prior to lining and replaced with new fittings after lining. New fittings are installed (as required) throughout the building’s plumbing systems. Operational valves are all made of non-corroding brass and do not require lining to control erosion-corrosion and maintain water quality.
Q: Are some pipes in our building worn too thin to be lined? Does the coating increase the pipe’s strength in such areas or do you replace the pipe?
A: Existing pipe systems need only 40% of their original integrity in order to be successfully lined. If your pipes can handle your current water pressure, The CuraFlo Engineered Pipe Lining System™ will be successful.
Q: Does the lining meet health and environmental standards? Has it been tested for use in potable water systems?
A: Yes, CuraPoxy® meets all health and environmental standards, including IAPMO ANSI/NSF-61. Health regions approved the epoxy for lining of potable water systems based on this approval. ANSI/NSF-61 is the standard used by municipalities who line their mains and reservoirs to stop corrosion and improve water quality.
Q: How does the CuraFlo® warranty compare to a repipe warranty?
A: The CuraFlo® “no leaks” limited warranty is for 10 years. Copper repipe warranties vary from plumbing company to plumbing company. The manufacturer of the pipes and fittings does not offer any warranty to the plumbers so any warranty you get is strictly from the plumbing company. Repipe warranties offered by plumbers tend to range from one to five years and only cover repairs to the leaking pipes.
Q: I am cautious about using newer technology. I know copper has been in common use for the past 50 years; while it hasn’t lasted very long in our building, everybody uses it. There must be a reason.
A: Copper does have a longer history than the CuraFlo Solution. And before copper pipes, people used galvanized steel, lead and, in some parts of the world, bamboo or wood. Every system has its strengths and weaknesses. With lead, it was poisoning, rust and poor flow. With galvanized steel, it was green staining and pinholes were the weakness of copper. New products come on to the market with much fanfare and excitement, often leading to disappointment a few years later. In the past, products were just introduced with little in the way of testing for health, safety and durability. CuraPoxy® has been thoroughly tested in the lab, the field and in extremely harsh environments. It has been tested in all kinds of plumbing systems; such as copper, steel, stainless steel, asbestos and concrete. It has been tested with the harshest of water and with the most vigorously flowing waters. It has been drop tested, bumped and hammered on. It has been tested with hot and cold water and to the strictest health standards. CuraFlo® has been tested more than any other water delivery system. It has been proving itself in the field for the past 12 years. If the CuraFlo® system has an Achilles heel, no one has found it.
