When it comes to repairing leaky or worn pipes, there are numerous ways to go about the procedure. The most obvious method of repair would be to rip out your old pipes and replace them with new ones, however, that can be a messy, expensive and intrusive job—oftentimes requiring multiple days of work. Fortunately, there are easier ways to maintain faulty or failing pipes, with two common solutions involving a CIPP—cured-in-place pipe—or epoxy brushing. Let’s explore these two plumbing solutions so you can make the right call when it comes time to service your drain and sewer lines.

CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipes)

Offered by companies like NuFlow and 535 Plumbing, CIPP is a lining solution that is non-destructive, eco-friendly, cost-effective and non-invasive. If your home has corroded pipes that are prone to blockage, a CIPP can help immensely. The repair process is simple, too. A flexible, epoxy-saturated liner is pushed through pre-existing access points in your drain line system, and an internal bladder is then inflated to expand the liner to the inner walls of the pipe. After only a few minutes, the liner cures and hardens, leaving you with a pipe in a pipe—hence the name.

CIPP is Fast, Easy & Effective

Not only can a CIPP effectively increase the life of your pipes—and give them a better flow rate—but the repair process is fast and easy. Before insertion, a plumbing specialist will inspect the pipe via a camera. Since the epoxy-based resin cures in minutes, most CIPP repair jobs are done in a day—or even half a day—and does not require any demolition or destruction to excavate the pipe.

Brush-On Epoxy Pipe Coating

Companies, such as Picote, have introduced a new way to rehabilitate pipes. Mainly used for repairing sewer lines and other vital household drain lines, an epoxy coating system—or brush-on—isn’t applied by spraying but is instead put onto the pipe via brushing. A portable machine mixes and creates a vegetable-based oil resin that adheres to all types of piping material, including clay, concrete, cast iron and PVC. From there, a resin delivery hose is attached to the brushing handle’s shaft—which uses a variety of brush head sizes to fit into pipes of all sizes—and multiple layers of resin are applied to the interior of your pipes.

Companies, such as Picote, have introduced a new way to rehabilitate pipes. Mainly used for repairing sewer lines and other vital household drain lines, an epoxy coating system—or brush-on—isn’t applied by spraying but is instead put onto the pipe via brushing. A portable machine mixes and creates a vegetable-based oil resin that adheres to all types of piping material, including clay, concrete, cast iron and PVC. From there, a resin delivery hose is attached to the brushing handle’s shaft—which uses a variety of brush head sizes to fit into pipes of all sizes—and multiple layers of resin are applied to the interior of your pipes.

So What’s the Difference?

Fundamentally, the objective of both CIPP and brush-on epoxy solutions is the same—to strengthen the interior of your pipes without fuss or mess and to do so quickly and affordably. There are, however, differences between the two products. First and foremost, brush-on repair work does not cure as fast as a CIPP and can take up to seven days to fully harden—however pipes will be usable after 12 to 24 hours. And of course, the application process is very different between the two solutions, however, both are notable for being non-invasive and quick to apply.

While a CIPP is primarily used for larger sections of piping that need to be reinforced, brush-on epoxy can be used to fill smaller spaces or hard-to-reach corners. In fact, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to reinforce their system with cured-in-place piping before using brush-on epoxy to fill in any gaps or spaces untreated by the CIPP.

535 Plumbing – Your CIPP Pipe Repair Experts

If you live on Oahu and are in need of a licensed plumber, choose 535 Plumbing for the job! Our team of professional Oahu plumbers are highly skilled and our excellent customer support representatives will work with you to schedule your appointments at a time you most convenient. Learn more and schedule an appointment by calling (808) 300-0535, or Visit Our Contact Us Page. Mahalo!