FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Lining Copper/Galvnzd Pipes with Epoxy

EricS | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on January 22, 2003 12:55pm

Greetings – Several of my neighbors in the Washington DC metro area are considering having their supply and fixture feed piping lined with epoxy from a company called Ace-Duraflo.  This to prevent the reoccurrence of pin-hole leaks.  Anybody out there have experience with this methodology pro/con.

Much Thanks for your short comments,

Eric Svendson

Silver Spring, Maryland

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. booch | Jan 22, 2003 05:37am | #1

    Hunhh?

    How do you coat the inside of a pipe with epoxy? Lets see, blow all the water out?, then flow liquid epoxy thru the pipes and hope it sticks to the scale & water left behind. Oh yes of cours it woin't mess up the toilet, shower head and water heater. What are you nuts? Must be a hell of a sales pitch.

    If it leaks replace it. If it leaks because of bad water that eats the pipes, move and get out of that hell hole. It sounds like a worse case version of a toxic waste dump.

    Someone is blowing warm air up your skirt. It sounds like a scam.

    Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?
    1. UncleDunc | Jan 22, 2003 07:04am | #2

      After the fireplace thread, it feels good to be able to agree with you on this one.

      I have read about retrofitting epoxy lining in sewer pipes, but that's just straight runs, from one manhole to the next. I can't imagine this being anything but a scam.

    2. User avater
      BillHartmann | Jan 22, 2003 07:06pm | #5

      Nope

      They clean the pipe out. From the description it seem that they "sand blast" it.

      http://www.aceduraflo.com/

      Look at The Process.

      Looks interesting, but I am not convinced.

      One of the news stories I saw indicate that it cost about the same as repiping, but no (or limited) wall repair.

      1. booch | Jan 22, 2003 07:38pm | #6

        Then a miracle happens is the missing step.

        I don't know how well they abrade the crud out of the pipes but I think there would be substantial mechanical energy put into the grinding out of crud. I can barely chip it with a screwdriver in some of mine.

        Further concern is that they show a fully coated interior of a pipe. It isn't gonna happen. Unless they can ensure turbulence throughout the fluid will flow in the bottom 2/3 of the pipe. There will be missing places.

        Replace the pipe is my belief. The price couldn't be too much more if they responsibly did this work.Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?

        1. User avater
          rjw | Jan 22, 2003 08:37pm | #7

          I can barely chip it with a screwdriver in some of mine.

          Good God man!  A screw driver?  Used to chip scale?  Have you no decency?!?

          We're going to have to send you over to the Family Handyman for a timeout! {G,D&R}!!!

          _______________________

          "I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different."  Oscar Wilde

          1. booch | Jan 23, 2003 01:19am | #8

            Whaaat!

            They are Craftsman brand. You want that I should use a wood chisel? Even that I could return to Sears. Frankly their screwdrivers hold up just fine and replace easily. Only problem is the loss factor is high. (they spring legs at night)

            I'll go to my corner now.

            Reminds me of one of the boys when they were 2 or 3 years old describing the day at preschool. When asked about the day he responded, "I went to the sinking chair"

            HunH? was the response.

            He continued that "when you do the wrong thing, you have to spend time in the sinking chair to sink about what you did wrong."Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?

          2. JJ | Jan 25, 2003 04:30am | #9

            i worked as a plumber with ace and i am convinced it is the way to go for a larg complex [apt. ,condo ] dont know if i would do a home progect i've done replumbs with min disturbence to occupents by carefull planing . but this is ease to say without seeing the house design or lay out but if there was ever a time to redesign say hwh close to use or bath up  date i would say now is the time. just call a plumber to help you he should do it for free just to be concidered for the job.  

          3. booch | Jan 25, 2003 04:52pm | #10

            I don't doubt it is effective. I doubt this would be effective in small houses.

            The problem I see is the removal of the scale in the pipes. I can't concieve of a way without chemical scouring to remove all of the crud in these old pipes. And that chemical scouring would exascerbate the leaks.

            Now in a building with 6 inch mains I could see an attempt at this but where 1/2 inch copper is 5-10 bucks a 10 foot section I don't see the point of this. Possibly one run embedded in concrete would justify this treatment.

            Too many ways for this to go wrong or be ineffective.Jack of all trades and master of none - you got a problem with that?

  2. xMikeSmith | Jan 22, 2003 07:06am | #3

    our town is lining all of our old sewer pipes with epoxy... quite a process

    Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  3. EricS | Jan 22, 2003 02:33pm | #4

    Greetings again -

    I am not an advocate of this process - just was/is trying to gain info for the flock of neighbors.  I believe the pipes should be replaced with CPVC or copper.  I believe the WH is bypassed and the lining is only taken to the individual fixture shut-offs.

    Much thanks again for any short comments,

    Eric Svendson

    Silver Spring, MD

  4. EricS | Jan 26, 2003 04:28pm | #11

    Much thanks for your inputs - I will try to post the results of this "adventure" some of my neighbors are off to when the jobs are complete.  True performance will obviously take a few years.  Bill Hartman - if you have any reference to that "news story" I would appreciate some leads.

    Eric S.

    Silver Spring, MD

    1. User avater
      BillHartmann | Jan 26, 2003 04:41pm | #12

      I just did a google on "Ace-Duraflo". Found the company web site along with a bunch of new stories an news release.

      Also on the company website there was one section, if I remember correctly, of news storys or customer storys.

      1. EricS | Jan 26, 2003 05:12pm | #13

        OK, much thanks.  I've been to their site also but didn't think they would post an article wherein cost is about same save for wall repair/disruption.

        Thanks again,

        ES

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data