Ensuring the safety and longevity of your building’s plumbing system is essential. However, some installation methods, like the “Gapping” or “Start and Stop” technique, could pose serious risks to your property. This method, often marketed as a quick fix for vertical drainage stacks, fails to comply with international ASTM standards and Florida Plumbing Codes, leading to potential structural issues and costly repairs.
ASTM F1743 and F1216 standards are in place to ensure that all Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) installations are performed safely and effectively. These standards mandate the continuous installation of a lining without gaps and the use of a remote-controlled cutting device to reinstate the multiple branch fittings of each unit, helping to maintain the pipe’s structural integrity and prevent future failures. Unfortunately, the “Gapping” method disregards these guidelines, leaving property owners vulnerable to significant structural problems and plumbing deficiencies.
The Dangers of “Gapping”
When contractors use the “Gapping” method, they install segments of a CIPP liner material with intentional gaps between them, which is a clear violation of ASTM F1743. These gaps can lead to several serious issues, including:
- Compromised Pipe Integrity
- The gaps between liner segments leave the original aged cast iron unprotected, leading to further deterioration and potential cracks and leaks.
- Sewer water can migrate behind the segmented liners, causing bulges, and ruptures due to sewage pooling between the original cast iron pipe and the damaged liner.
- Plumbing Code Violations
- By leaving portions of the original pipe exposed, “Gapping” installations do not meet Florida Plumbing Code requirements, making them illegal.
- Increased Risk of Blockages and Failures
- The segmented liner material develops lips at each edge, causing sewage debris to catch at each segment, increasing blockages and backups.
- Compromised Pipe Integrity
- Non-compliant with ASTM Standards
- Gapping or Start and Stop does not comply with ASTM F1216 or ASTM F1743 installation requirements, making the installation improper and compromising the manufacturer’s warranty.
Protect Your Property with Proper Installation
To avoid these risks, it’s important to ensure that any CIPP installation is done by a reputable contractor who adheres to ASTM standards and Florida Plumbing Codes. At Pipelining Technologies, Inc., we specialize in non-destructive, code-compliant pipe rehabilitation methods that ensure your plumbing’s sewer system remains safe and effective for years to come.
Our team offers professional video inspections and comprehensive reports on your plumbing system’s condition, whether they are original cast iron pipes or have been previously lined by another installer. We provide you with all the information you need to make informed decisions about repairs and maintenance. With our compliant continuous lining method, you can be confident in a solution that offers a 50-year useful life.
If you’re concerned about the integrity of your plumbing system or need a plumbing SIRS reserve study inspection, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to schedule a prequalified free inspection and ensure your property is protected from non-compliant installation methods. Let us help you safeguard your building’s future with reliable, compliant solutions that meet all industry standards.
