Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Re-pipe
Considering a home re-pipe? Interested in the differences between Copper, PEX, and Epoxy Lining? Clients are confused between an “Epoxy Pipe Lining vs Re-pipe.” How do you know which is best? After more than 45 years in the construction and remodeling business, here is what I’ve learned:
Copper, PEX, and Epoxy Lining when Performing a Re-pipe:
All pipe restoration requires the Customer to perform the following before work can begin:
Purchase boxes, tape, wrapping paper, and permanent marker.- Pack all items under all sinks and move away from the work area.
- Move and relocate away from the work area all refrigerators having water service. Replace when completed.
- Move the washer and dryer away from the work area. Replace when completed.
Clear the area surrounding the hot water heater.- Trim or remove all plants around water service and hose bibs.
- Remove all items within 2 feet of all access panels.
- At least half of the garage floor space is required for the storage and security of tools, equipment, and materials.
- Clear an unobstructed 3’ width path to all locations and a 5’Lx5’D workspace in front of all plumbing fixtures, water heater, etc.
Epoxy Pipe Lining:
- Days to complete: 2-3. Excludes any drywall patching. Drywall patching varies and can add another 3-5 days including painting.
What if there is an active leak – do I need to fix it first? Yes. Epoxy will not work if there is an active pipe leak.- Warranty in years (manufacturers materials/workmanship): 10/10
- Fire Code Approved: Yes
- Do I lose water pressure: Yes
Can I live in my house while the work is performed? That depends! Considering the multitude of hoses running throughout the house and garage, equipment, and protective mats on the floor, living in the house during the epoxy restoration process would be very challenging at best. For those with disabilities, impaired movement or vision, small children, and four legged pets, living in the home will be difficult. This would also require the constant filling of 5-gallon buckets of water (presumably from your neighbor’s house) to flush the toilets after each use.- Old pipes insulated (saves money on utilities): No.
- Epoxy does not treat all the pipes. Pipes supplying water to body sprays from the diverter valves in showers; tub deck hand showers and the like do not receive epoxy. Therefore, these can still develop leaks and damage your home.
- Permit required: Yes. Contractor will obtain all the required permits. Customer is responsible for scheduling the required Building Department inspection and must be present for the inspection. This requires customer to remain physically at home until the inspector completes his work (typically between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Customer is also responsible for answering all inspector questions concerning epoxy work.
Cooper and PEX Re-pipe:
Days to complete: 2-3. Excludes any drywall patching. Drywall patching varies and can add another 3-5 days including painting.- What if there is an active leak – do I need to fix it first: No. With a re-pipe, everything is new.
- Warranty in years (manufacturers materials/workmanship): Copper = 50/50, PEX = 25/25
- Fire code approved: Yes
- Do I lose water pressure: No
- Do all pipes get replaced? Yes (mostly). Wall, floor, and ceiling cavity pipes are replaced. Accessible old pipe is removed. If you have a concrete floor, the pipes running under the concrete remain and are capped in the wall cavity. It’s unnecessary to remove old pipes under concrete. These will no longer be active. There is no longer danger of a slab leak.
Can I live in my house while the work is performed? Yes. Typically, only on the day of transition from the old system to the new system is the water off for the workday.- New pipes insulated (saves money on utilities): Yes.
- Permit required: Yes. If you have a good Contractor, he will obtain all the required permits. He will also schedule the required Building Department inspections and be present for the inspections. This requires the Contractor to remain physically at your home until the inspector completes his work (typically between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). The Contractor also answers all inspector questions concerning repiping work. If the Contractor will not get the permit and be present for the inspection, find one who will – Like DAD’s Construction!
Summary on Epoxy Pipe Lining vs. a Copper or PEX Re-Pipe:
All things considered, for the average home, performing a PEX re-pipe is best. Why? Primarily because it’s a new, almost continuous piping system with fewer connections vs. altering an older existing system that typically contains weakened and damaged materials. When a PEX re-pipe replaces all the valves and fixtures, the entire water system is fresh and clean, free of lead, and free of mineral corrosion and contamination. PEX also appears to hold up better against water company chemicals and gases used during the water purification process.
Always Hire a Reliable and Dependable Contractor to Remodel your Home
Always work with a trustworthy contractor like DAD’s Construction. We are experts in kitchen, bathroom, and interior remodeling. We remodel and manage projects in an efficient manner. DAD’s Construction will do everything to minimize the possibility of change orders. Our team will make sure we have all the necessary information to prepare proposals that meet your requirements. Rest assured that we will provide you with a detailed, by line-item contract. We will make sure that the contents of this agreement are properly and clearly communicated to you. If you have questions or need updates regarding your project, we will always answer your inquiries.
How Can I Receive More Information on Remodeling my Home?
If you would like more information on enjoying the best repipe, bathroom, kitchen, and interior remodeling experience in Orange County, call Dan at (949) 380-0177 or at dan@dadsconstruction.com for a free in home consultation. DAD’s serves all of South Orange County California. This includes Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Portola Hills, Ladera Ranch, Irvine, San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Dove Canyon, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo.
