Ready for a new challenge, what about
the next big “Leak” issue. Only this time it
is international in scope and involves the building’s
piping system, leaking from the effects of corrosion.
Out of sight and out of mind, hidden behind walls and
in ceiling cavities, water pipes have been deteriorating
with few paying any attention to scope of the problem
and the potential cost to cure.
For those involved in the appraisal profession it may
be time to take a look behind those walls, so to speak,
and understand just what is happening to those water lines.
Consider the effects on building valuation and how repairs
can be made to mitigate direct damage and loss of revenue.
In this article we will look at the causes of corrosion
in a piping system, traditional repair methods and how
a modern system of pipe restoration, not only repairs
the piping system while it is in the walls of the building
but stops the corrosion process from coming back. With
pipe restoration, no walls need to be torn out, no tile
to be removed, no mess, loss of room revenue is kept to
a minimum and typically a piping system can be restored
in ½ the time with savings in the 30% to 60% range
over the cost of a conventional re-pipe.
Ready for a new challenge, what about the next big “Leak”
issue. Only this time it is international in scope and
involves the building’s piping system, leaking from
the effects of corrosion.
Out of sight and out of mind, hidden behind walls and
in ceiling cavities, water pipes have been deteriorating
with few paying any attention to scope of the problem
and the potential cost to cure.
For those involved in the appraisal profession it may
be time to take a look behind those walls, so to speak,
and understand just what is happening to those water lines.
Consider the effects on building valuation and how repairs
can be made to mitigate direct damage and loss of revenue.
In this article we will look at the causes of corrosion
in a piping system, traditional repair methods and how
a modern system of pipe restoration, not only repairs
the piping system while it is in the walls of the building
but stops the corrosion process from coming back. With
pipe restoration, no walls need to be torn out, no tile
to be removed, no mess, loss of room revenue is kept to
a minimum and typically a piping system can be restored
in ½ the time with savings in the 30% to 60% range
over the cost of a conventional re-pipe.
WHAT TO ASK AND WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
A good starting place is to get familiar with the pH
levels in your local water supply. A low pH will indicate
the water has an acidic nature which can be corrosive
to a piping system.
When on site, your inspection of the building’s
mechanical systems should include a look at the piping
system. Note the type of material the piping system is
constructed of. If copper, look for green stains in sinks
or tubs. In areas where the pipe is visible look for evidence
of leaks or repairs including sections of new pipe or
the use of gear clamps, which are used as a temporary
stop gap measure on pin hole leaks. Look for water stains
on ceilings and ask the question to the building manager
about his experience with leaks in the piping system.
If the piping system is constructed of galvanized steel,
again look for evidence of repairs or leaks but also check
the water pressure as you tour the building. Low water
pressure and changing water pressure usually indicates
that the pipes are encrusted and the water flow is being
restricted. As well as asking the building manager about
leaks, repairs and water pressure, ask about water pump
replacement. Pumps that work harder to deliver water through
heavily encrusted pipes usually wear out faster, another
good indicator of encrusted pipes.
A good starting place is to get familiar with the pH
levels in your local water supply. A low pH will indicate
the water has an acidic nature which can be corrosive
to a piping system.
When on site, your inspection of the building’s
mechanical systems should include a look at the piping
system. Note the type of material the piping system is
constructed of. If copper, look for green stains in sinks
or tubs. In areas where the pipe is visible look for evidence
of leaks or repairs including sections of new pipe or
the use of gear clamps, which are used as a temporary
stop gap measure on pin hole leaks. Look for water stains
on ceilings and ask the question to the building manager
about his experience with leaks in the piping system.
If the piping system is constructed of galvanized steel,
again look for evidence of repairs or leaks but also check
the water pressure as you tour the building. Low water
pressure and changing water pressure usually indicates
that the pipes are encrusted and the water flow is being
restricted. As well as asking the building manager about
leaks, repairs and water pressure, ask about water pump
replacement. Pumps that work harder to deliver water through
heavily encrusted pipes usually wear out faster, another
good indicator of encrusted pipes.
