Plumbing Problems FAQ | Ace DuraFloor Pipe Restoration

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – ACE DuraFlo

What type of pipe can the ACE DuraFlo® process restore?

The ACE DuraFlo® System is designed to restore all metallic piping systems; however, we

specialize in copper restorations only. The most common application is for pipes ranging in size

from ½” to 2 ½” in diameter. In some applications, we can restore pipes up to 4” in diameter. A

variety of different processes are used for larger pipes.

Is the ACE DuraFlo® system safe?

YES! The ACE DuraFlo® process does not use chemicals in its cleaning process, meeting North

America's strictest water safety standards. In addition, the epoxy used in the process is

certified safe for use in potable water systems by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)

under their stringent Rule 61. Copper pipes exposed to aggressive water cannot meet the

same NSF standards for safety.

The ACE DuraFlo® ePipe™ lining eliminates the leaching of copper and lead into your domestic

water supply from your existing pipes. Copper pipe corrosion results in copper oxide in your

drinking water, which not only tastes bad but also presents a health risk.

Does ACE DuraFlo® save money?

YES! Since ACE DuraFlo restores a building's piping system within the walls, owners save

money by not destroying walls, and having to patch, tape, texture, paint, wallpaper or tile. The

savings in the reconstruction cost makes pipe restoration the less expensive alternative.

Does ACE DuraFlo® outlast a repipe?

YES! New copper pipes start to deteriorate the moment the water is turned on. ePIPE™ lined

pipes prevent the water from coming in contact with the copper, protecting the pipes from

future corrosion or pinhole leaks indefinitely.

Who has used ACE DuraFlo®?

Some of the largest companies and cities worldwide have taken advantage of this proven

technology for many years. Our customers include hotels, government agencies, property

managers, building owners, hospitals, U.S. military, primary care facilities, single family

residences, homeowner associations and universities.

Will carpet and flooring be protected?

Ground covers are put down before work begins. ACE DuraFlo technicians take pride and great

care to ensure your home and its contents are protected.

What if my pipes have holes in them? Will the epoxy seal them?

In most cases, yes. However, if a hole has gotten too large, a conventional repair will be

performed and then we will continue installing the ePIPE.

How do you keep shower and tub valves from getting “gummed up”?

We have adapters to fit most manufacturers’ valves which allow us to bypass the valve and

directly access the pipe.

How thick is the epoxy lining?

The epoxy is 4 to 10 mils thick, depending upon the application and size of the piping.

With the ACE DuraFlo® process, can the destruction of walls be avoided?

Yes! Unlike a repipe, which must open walls to replace pipes, the ACE DuraFlo® process can

restore a pipe right within the walls. In most cases, no walls have to be opened at all. If a

crew does need to get access to a hidden mixing valve, a small incision will be made to gain

access and the wall will be returned to paint ready condition.

Do residents have to move out during the installation?

No! The ACE DuraFlo process is fast, clean and quiet and should not compromise a resident’s

standard of living. Down time is minimal.

Will my water pressure or volume be affected?

The diameter of the pipe is being slightly reduced with the ePIPE lining, but, the smooth

surface of the epoxy reduces friction on the water flow and generally compensates for the loss

in diameter.

Any noticeable change in water volume is usually due to a defective pressure regulator or a

regulator set above a safe standard for piping and fixtures. 80 PSI is the maximum per code.

During your restoration, we will check your regulator and make any necessary adjustments per

code. If the pressure regulator is defective, it will be repaired or replaced. It is possible, but

not common, to notice a slight decrease in water flow in some locations of your home after this

correction is made. In no case will the flow be lower than what is required by the uniform

plumbing code.

How durable is epoxy coating material?

Our barrier coating material has been thoroughly tested by a well-respected independent lab

in Garland, TX. The testing was conducted at the request of the International Association of

Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) in conjunction with the ACE DuraFlo® listing process

under the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). The tests conducted included immersion, cohesion

and adhesion. These are all rigorous tests and there was no blistering, peeling or

disbondment of the barrier coating material. All tests were passed by very large margins.

Can you be sure that the pipes are cleaned and lined?

Yes! The professionally trained ACE DuraFlo® process application team can use a number of

methods to ensure that the piping system is cleaned and lined.

What happens if I want to remodel or make modifications to the plumbing after the pipes

have been restored? Can only ACE DuraFlo® technicians perform them?

Any repairs or modifications to epoxy lined pipes may be performed by any plumber, but they

must be carried out using flameless technology. If soldering is the only option, be sure not to

overheat the fitting. Use propane, not acetylene. We suggest using push-on fittings, such as

Sharkbites, which can be found at any plumbing wholesaler. Please note that modifications

made during the warranty period could nullify the warranty, so make sure you call us at (800)

359-6369 for authorization.

Will the epoxy make my water taste different?

No, the epoxy is inert and has no odor or taste. Your water will be safe to use immediately.

However, it may take a day or two for the odor of the NSF Certified pipe compound used to

connect fittings, to completely disappear.