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.