RePipe

Why Re-pipe When There's

We have seen many, many homes with pipe failures. Most of those failures are multiple pinhole leaks in galvanized steel pipe. Less frequently, we have seen failures in copper piping also. Many studies have been performed to determine the cause, with the blame being placed on inferior (imported) steel pipe, water chemistry and installation issues. Pinhole leaks are common to galvanized steel piping, especially in homes built in our area from the early 1970's to the mid 1980's. We are of the opinion most of the galvanized pipe failures are the result of a combination of the water chemistry and the imported galvanized steel pipe which was used during this period. The quality of the pipe or galvanizing or both apparently did not meet the quality standards of domestic galvanized steel pipe which was previously readily available.

Solutions homeowners have used to solve pinhole leak issues consist of: a.) a total repipe; b.) partial repipe, consisting of the horizontal pipes only, leaving vertical pipes to leak at a later date; or replacement of only the affected pipe; c.) patching pinhole leaks as they occur; d.) epoxy line the interior of the existing pipe.

Low water flow problems are often related to a heavy encrustation of the interior of the pipe. The ACE DuraFlo pipe restoration process solves this issue also.

Option	Pro	Con	Cost
Total Repipe	Stops leaks, 1 or 2 year warranty	1 or 2 year warranty, invasive, wall & cieling repair required, messy, lengthly project	High
*Partial Repipe*	Stops current leak, relatively quick	Invasive with possible wall & ceiling restoration required, usually most vertical pipes are not replaced, temporary, could be messy, minimal warranty	Initially low to medium, long term very high
*Patch pinhole*	Stops current leak, quick	Very temporary, minimal warranty	Initially low, long term expensive
*ePIPE epoxy line*	Stops leak permanently, non-invasive, quick, very clean, long term 25 year warranty, environmentally "green"		Initially medium to high, long term least costly

We have seen homes which have had a partial repipe of the potable water system. For instance, a house that the owner had replaced the horizontal water pipes now has pinhole leaks developing on the vertical pipes. In most cases, the good money spent on the horizontal repipe is not saved. The cost to restore the remaining potable water pipes within the home may be just as costly as if the horizontal had not been replaced. This is due to the fact it may be necessary to separate the new piping from the original piping so that the replaced piping is not damaged in the restoration process. The expense to epoxy coat the vertical piping has likely increased because of the extra work often required to perform the process. A horizontal only repipe is a temporary solution to a continuing problem. We recommend either replace all of the piping or restore the existing.

We do offer total or partial repipes with copper, PEX or CPVC. Just call 713-896-9700 for an estimate.

Service Areas:
Bellaire, Bunker Hill, Champions, Cinco Ranch, Coles Crossing, Copperfield, Cypress, Cy-Fair, Deerfield, Fairbanks, Fairfield, Hearthstone, Hedwig, Hilshire Village, Houston, Hunters Creek, Hunterwood, Jersey Village, Katy, Lakewood, Missouri City, Norchester, Piney Point, Satsuma, Southside Place, Spring, Spring Branch, Spring Valley, Stafford, Sugar Land, Tomball, West University, Texas