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Pipe scaling refers to the build up of rust and minerals in the inner walls of your drain or sewer lines. Some of the most common minerals that accumulate naturally over time are calcium carbonate and magnesium, which create a scaly residue that occupies the majority of your pipe’s drain flow real estate. Once your pipes are lined with a thick, jagged layer of buildup, they begin to capture and amass additional waste that flows down through your drains. This in turn eventually leads to blockage which prevents draining all together.

Cast iron pipes are more susceptible to severe scaling because their inner walls become coated with not only calcium and magnesium salts but also iron oxide. While some slight scaling can actually be considered beneficial because a coat of harmless minerals such as calcium and magnesium acts as a barrier against corrosion, iron oxide is essentially rust that does the exact opposite and leads to pipe deterioration.

Descaling is a pipe rehabilitating procedure which restores old cast-iron pipes to promote effective drainage and a working condition. Here’s how it’s done! 

The pipe descaling process

Descaling is a non-invasive method of removing the dense, rusty scales that have accumulated inside cast-iron pipes over time, through the use of professional descaling equipment. The tool used specifically for this purpose consists of a metal rod with a chain link attachment. This attachment sends the chain link head spinning, using centrifugal force to keep it centered inside the pipe to thoroughly clear the inside of your drain or sewer line of any buildup, without compromising the pipe’s integrity. It’s also designed to provide extra protection for descaling cracked or damaged lines.

Paired with a hydro-jetting rod that sends high-pressure water blasting, keeping the chain link attachment lubricated, this process scrapes off mineral buildup and flushes it out at the same time, leaving your pipe looking and working like new. This equipment includes attachments for all types of pipes making this fully adaptable and suitable for any descaling job. 

Pipe descaling is often performed as a means to prepare your pipe for a epoxy brush coat. Epoxy is a chemical compound which we use to coat and infuse the inner walls of your pipes. This in turn provides waterproofing, strength and durability. Once cured, the epoxy coat is three times as strong as concrete and can withstand up to 10,000 PSI meaning that high pressure water will not disturb its integrity. While the descaling process is a lengthy process, epoxy brush coating is performed much faster and can usually be done in one day, depending on the state of your pipes.

Cast-iron pipes usually began to show signs of severe mineral buildup after being used regularly anywhere from 35-50 years. After we implement a thorough pipe-rehabilitating descaling and epoxy brush coating process to an old cast-iron drain or sewer pipe it can gain another 35-50 years of use! This extends the life of your drain and sewer lines which helps home and business owners alike, avoid costly drain replacements. 

Descaling can be a very tedious process of filing away mineral buildup, hydro-jetting away any loose particles, video inspecting to ensure quality of work and applying a fresh coat of epoxy lining. The results, however, are well worth it as the combination of hydro-jetting, descaling and epoxy brush coating is a non-invasive, trenchless method that vastly improves the condition and efficiency of your drain and sewer lines for a very long time! 

This process does take patience, skill and knowledge of a trained and experienced professional. Call us today to make an appointment or for a free estimate and remember that for plumbing emergencies, we are at your service 24/7. 

— We offer full-service drain cleaning for residential and commercial properties

Drain Cleaning Services in Orange County

Epoxy brush coating is a new method of restoring and rehabilitation for sewer lines and drain pipes. This pipe renovation technology is spreading fast throughout the States and for good reason! Here is what you should know about epoxy brush coating.

What is Epoxy Brush Coating

Epoxy is a chemical compound which can be used to coat and infuse various materials. This in turn provides waterproofing, strength and durability. Once the epoxy coating cures and hardens, it can be used as an adhesive or filler. 

There are different forms of epoxy, geared towards different uses and needs, however the one used for plumbing purposes, creates a coat around your pipes. This coat fills pinholes, cracks and corrosion, making this an alternative method to pipe replacement, extending the life of your current drain pipes.

How it’s applied

Before the epoxy coating is applied, your pipe is cleaned and descaled to ensure the epoxy coat will go on smoothly and stick evenly to your pipe’s walls. 

Once your pipes are ready, this method utilizes equipment which includes a set of brushes that spin around the inside of your pipe, pushing the epoxy resin out onto the pipe walls. With an attached video camera, a professional plumber can monitor the process, to make sure that an even and complete layer is applied and all the nooks and crannies are sealed. 

Pros of Epoxy Brush Coating

It’s trenchless. Epoxy brush coating can be performed without digging up your sewer line or drain pipes making it a simple, fast and practical method of pipe restoring.  

It’s adaptable. Epoxy brush coating can be used to coat an entire pipe or just a small section, depending on the problem at hand. This new method of epoxy brush coating is also able to coat any diameter of pipe, meaning it can be used on a pipe which is too small or too big for traditional lining methods. 

It’s safe to use. Epoxy coating is NSF certified meaning it complies with specific and high standards for safety, quality, sustainability or performance. It is safe to use on any types of pipes, whether it’s a sewer line, a gas pipe, an oil pipe or a drinking water pipe. It is also suitable for pipes made of concrete, PVC, fiberglass, clay, cast-iron and ductile.

It’s quick. Epoxy brush coating is a fast process which can usually be done in one day, depending on the state of your pipes. The epoxy is fast-curing so your pipes will be back in service within three to eight hours.

It’s durable. Once cured, the epoxy coat is three times as strong a s concrete and can withstand up to 10,000 PSI meaning that high pressure water will not disturb its integrity. 

Cons of Epoxy Brush Coating

It’s not suitable for all pipe problems. While this method of pipe rehabilitation will solve many plumbing related problems, it’s not a solution for all. For example, a pipe heavily damaged by tree roots, will not be restored with an epoxy coating and will need replacing. 

It’s not a DIY project. Because applying an epoxy coating is not suitable in every situation, it’s important to have a professional plumber perform an inspection and clean your pipes thoroughly before the coat is applied. Knowledge and proper training is also essential to use the necessary equipment properly, allow for appropriate curing time and verify the amount of coats required for your specific drain system. 

Epoxy brush coating is a safe and effective alternative to pipe replacement and can greatly extend the lifetime of your drain system if done properly by a professional. Our licensed and trained experts are ready to assist you with your drain needs. Call VIP Drain Service to make an appointment today and remember that for plumbing emergencies we are available 24/7. 

Professional Water Leak Detection Services

Here at VIP Sewer and Drain services we use thermal cameras to find hot water line leaks in your walls and Electronic Leak Detection equipment which makes it possible to pinpoint the location of a leak underneath your slab foundation. How? Water leaks, even very small ones, create some amount of noise with different sound frequencies determined by the pressure in the pipes. So even if you can’t hear it, an electronic leak detector can pick up these frequencies making it possible to detect a link in toilets, drains, water systems, pipes that transport steam or other liquids, such as oil.

Common signs of a hidden water leak include:

1. Stained, damaged or sagging walls, ceiling or floors. 
2. Mold or mildew
3. A sudden jump in your water bill
4. Peeling or blistering paint or wallpaper
5. A lingering, musty smell 

If you suspect a leak, don’t wait‼️ Early water leak detection can prevent significant structural damage and expensive repairs.

Water leaks can be caused by many factors. Rapid temperature drops, root infestation, broken seals, clogged pipes or regular wear and tear can all contribute and cause your pipes to leak. Another factor that will determine your likelihood of detecting a water leak on your property is the type of pipes that are installed. The three most common types of pipes are: CPVC, Copper and PEX piping. 

• CPVC – or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, are plastic pipes that are excellent at withstanding high temperatures (they are fire resistant) and are a cost effective solution. They are non-toxic, resistant to chemicals and formation of biofilms, keeping your water purity intact.
• PEX – Cross-linked polyethylene is light weight and easy to install, making it a cost-effective solution. This material is more durable and has become a standard when it comes to house repiping. PEX piping is available in a variety of lengths, from short 10-foot pieces (for small repairs) to rolls over 500 feet long, which are used to install a home’s entire water supply system. PEX piping is color coded which makes it very easy to identify what the specific pipe is used for. 
  • Red PEX pipe carries hot water.
  • Blue PEX pipe carries cold water.
  • White + Gray PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water.
    PEX piping is very flexible making it significantly easier to install than CPVC or Copper piping. With the correct fittings, PEX piping can be connected with existing lines. Because this material can expand it is more resistant to freeze-cracking and it does not corrode.  The only draw-back of PEX piping is that it is sensitive to UV rays, making it non-suitable for outdoor use.
• Copper – Copper piping has been used for domestic water supply for over 50 years and is the most popular material for plumbing systems. Since 1963, over 5.3 million miles of copper plumbing tube has been installed in about 80 percent of all U.S. buildings. It is easy to use, resistant to corrosion and permeation by liquids and gases, which may be sources of corrosion and contamination. However, changes in water chemistry, unrelated to water quality, have caused the water to become aggressive towards the copper piping making it susceptible to pinhole leaks. 

Pipe bursting is a Trench-less method of replacing buried pipelines (such as sewer, water, or natural gas pipes) without the need for a traditional construction trench. “Launching and receiving pits” replace the trench needed by conventional pipe-laying.Pipe bursting conventionally involves the insertion of a cone shaped bursting head into an old pipe. The base of the cone is larger than the inside diameter of the old pipe and slightly larger than the outside diameter of the new pipe to reduce friction and to provide space for maneuvering the pipe. The back end of the bursting head is connected to the new Polyethylene (PE) pipe and the front end is attached to a cable or pulling rod. The new pipe and bursting head are launched from the insertion shaft and the cable or pulling rod is pulled from the pulling shaft, as shown in Figure 1. The bursting head receives energy to break the old pipe from one of the following sources: a pulling cable or rod, a hydraulic source, or an air compressor. The energy breaks the old pipe into pieces and expands the diameter of the cavity. As the bursting head is pulled through the old pipe debris, it creates a bigger cavity through which the new pipe is simultaneously pulled from the insertion shaft.