Why Should I Line My Pipes Instead Of Repiping Them

Most homeowners only repipe their homes if they absolutely have to - after all - it's not an inexpensive project! An alternative is to line the pipes with epoxy lining which can cost less than traditional repiping.

What Is Epoxy Lining?

A less expensive alternative to replacing piping in a home is using epoxy pipe lining - which is basically coating the inside of the old pipes with an epoxy resin which essentially creates a new pipe within the old pipe.

This method requires less labor and material and most often helps to avoid the expensive digging and disruption to the landscape.

Epoxy pipe lining can be used on pipes that have been cracked or broken from a variety of reasons. The amount of work required to repair the damage depends on the extent of the damage which can be assessed with a camera inspection by a professional plumber.

Is Epoxy Lining Safe?

The use of epoxy lining in water pipes that will end up bringing your home water that you drink, shower and bathe in has been deemed safe by the FDA but there are some European countries where it's use is banned.

BPA (bisphenol-A) is typically found in food container plastics such as bottled water.

According to the BPA Coalition, the minuscule amount of leaching that occurs from epoxy resin coated potable water lines is not harmful to human health. - nuflowmidwest.com

Your plumber will be able to give you the detailed information about the type of epoxy that they will be using in your pipe lining project.

How Long Does Sewer Relining Last?

The average lifespan of an epoxy pipe relining is 50 years which is comparable to other types of pipes.

Here is a list of the normal lifespan of pipes for comparison.

Polybutylene - 10 to 15 years
Galvanized Steel - 20 to 50 years
Pex - 40 years
Brass - 40 to 70 years
Clay - 50 to 60 years
Copper - 50 to 70 years
PVC - 75 years
Cast Iron - 75 to 100 years
Lead - 100 years

Is Repiping Necessary?

Repiping is normally a last resort when the pipes are in such corroded or terrible condition that there is no other alternative.

The most common reasons that repiping is necessary include...

• poor materials used in the home's piping
• pipes that are past their lifespan
• invasion of tree roots
• improper insulation of pipes

If you have any questions about your water line pipes or are having problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.