Pipe problems in historic building solved with pipe restoration system

CuraFlo recently restored the domestic water lines in a Cleveland Heights historic landmark building. The College Club of Cleveland is housed in a large building built in 1905. “Our pipes were in very bad shape,” said Bernice Jefferis, president of the College Club. “The increasing frequency of problems throughout the building forced us to consider a system-wide fix. Replacing the system also meant cutting into the antique cherry paneling, art nouveau tile in the bathrooms and two-foot thick plastered walls. I felt like crying. CuraFlo has proven an affordable and non-invasive solution to a very large heartache, and the 10-year warranty gives us confidence in our decision.” 

“We’re very pleased with the outcome,” continued Jefferis. “The team is efficient and professional and is able to work around our busy schedule of events. Best of all, we once again have full water service to all of our faucets, and we’ll no longer have those annoying leaks.”

The CuraFlo Process well serves the primary objectives of property owners and managers -- increasing asset value and improving occupant satisfaction. When water leaks result in building damage, or when mold infestation, poor water flow or bad tasting water cause tenants to take notice of aging plumbing systems, CuraFlo can help building owners avoid traditional disruptive pipe repair, replacement and costly remediation.

CuraFlo’s network of quality providers offer minimally invasive long-term solutions for pipe problems eliminating and preventing pinhole leaks, re-establishing flow restricted by corrosion and maintaining water quality.

Many factors can contribute to pipe failure: the age of the pipe; the quality of the water coming into the building or home through the pipe; and the techniques used to install the pipe. Water chemistry is one of the primary causes of corrosion in metal pipes.

Hard water is full of dissolved minerals that can cause pipes to become encrusted and plugged resulting in low pressure, discolored water and staining. Soft water can be acidic, which can rapidly dissolve pipe walls causing pinhole leaks. In the case of galvanized pipe, corrosion results in mineral deposits that can severely restrict water flow and can impair the quality of the drinking water. With copper pipes, interior pipe surfaces erode and walls become thin, leading to higher levels of copper in the water and eventually giving way to pinhole leaks and pipe failure.

Pipe replacement, which has been traditionally sourced for fixing problem pipes, involves removing large sections of walls, ceilings and floors to access the pipes. With demolition, one may also face the risk of asbestos, lead or mold abatement issues and costs. Once the pipes have been replaced, interior renovation begins on the drywall, plaster, tile and other areas that have been removed or damaged throughout this time consuming, disruptive and costly process.

Challenged with delivering the best all around solutions for water infrastructure, CuraFlo devised a method of attacking pipe problems, which puts the highest priority on the short and long term needs of the owner and occupants. These solutions include cleaning existing pipes and restoring them with an application of a safe, durable and proprietary epoxy coating to the inside surface of the pipe. Pipes are accessed through existing plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers or external spigots, minimizing occupant disruption and renovation time. CuraFlo upgrades pipes to meet ansi/nsf Standard 61, the government’s safety standard for materials in contact with drinking water, with its CuraPoxy epoxy lining. The epoxy lining provides a protective barrier to the pipe while improving water quality and flow because of its unique non-toxic composition, which prevents copper and other pipe material contaminates and toxins, as well as encrustation buildup from being extracted into the water.

CuraFlo has been providing solutions for pipe problems since 1996. CuraFlo’s network of providers, including CuraFlo Services Inc. -- the company-owned service provider -- offer solutions for pipes ranging in size from 1⁄2" to 36" in multi-tenant residential buildings, including high-rise structures, homes, commercial and institutional structures and municipalities. In 2007, CuraFlo Franchising Inc. began offering franchises throughout North America. “By building a franchise system, we are able to better manage our brand, and offer consistently high quality and customer experiences. In addition, as we explore and expand our product offering, we will be able to add new services more efficiently,” said ceo Morris Wheeler. The CuraFlo franchise model provides a proven business opportunity with leading-edge technology backed by years of experience in thousands of projects throughout North America. Plumbing contractors will find that the CuraFlo solution provides a cost-effective, time saving alternative that exceeds expectations while addressing all of their customers needs.

CuraFlo Franchising Inc. and CuraFlo Services Inc. are wholly owned subsidiaries of Cohesant Inc. For complete details on services provided please call CuraFlo at 800/714-9259 or visit www.curaflo.com.