ePIPE® Awarded 11th U.S. Patent for In-Place Pipe Leak Sealing

Pipe Restoration Technologies, LLC (PRT), makers of the ePIPE® product line, announced that it has been granted its 11th U.S. patent, Patent #8795768, for methods and systems used to coat and seal the inside of piping systems with a barrier coating leak sealant.

The patented ePIPE® process is designed to restore pipes from the inside, helping address common pipe problems such as pinhole leaks, slab leaks, corrosion, and water loss without the disruption often associated with traditional pipe replacement.

“Preventing leaks and saving water is becoming more critical every day. Many parts of the US are facing serious drought conditions. Some estimates suggest that water leakage from “pinhole leaks” in small diameter supply pipes, can account for more than 20% of the total water loss experienced by a water utility. A troublesome and common problem of repairing leaks located under a buildings foundation or slab, a slab leak can in most cases be easily prevented or repaired without cutting up the building or digging using our ePIPE process”, said Larry Gillanders, CEO, PRT.

What Does the New ePIPE® Patent Cover?

PRT’s latest U.S. patent expands the company’s intellectual property portfolio for in-place pipe restoration. The patented methods and systems relate to coating and sealing the interior of piping systems using a barrier coating leak sealant.

This technology supports an alternative to conventional repiping by allowing qualified applicators to restore existing pipe systems internally. For property owners, building managers, utilities, and contractors, this can help reduce demolition, downtime, water waste, and the need to access pipes hidden behind walls, under slabs, or beneath a building’s foundation.

Why In-Place Pipe Restoration Matters

Water loss caused by small pipe leaks can create major problems for homes, commercial buildings, utilities, and municipalities. Pinhole leaks and slab leaks may begin as small issues, but they can lead to property damage, increased water bills, service interruptions, and costly repairs.

The ePIPE® process is designed to help prevent and repair leaks while keeping pipes in place. Instead of cutting through walls, flooring, or concrete slabs to remove and replace piping, the process focuses on restoring the pipe interior with a protective barrier coating.

Expanding Patent Coverage in the U.S., Canada, and Europe

This patent adds to PRT’s growing portfolio of pipe restoration technologies. The company has patent coverage in the United States, Canada, and Europe, supporting the continued development and application of the ePIPE® system for in-place pipe rehabilitation.

Gillanders added: “Our 2 hour return to service “in-place” lining material approved by NSF in the US, Belgaqua in Belgium, OTEC in Spain, SABS in South Africa and by the UK’s Secretary of State (Drinking Water Inspectorate) for use in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland is an added benefit for both applicators and users as pipes can be restored in-place with minimal down time.”

Recognized Innovation in Pipe Restoration and Sustainability

ePIPE® technology has received recognition for innovation, sustainability, and resource conservation. The technology was named winner in the “Best Innovation Adopted” category at the UK Energy Innovation Awards for developments in protecting natural gas lines.

The Spanish ePIPE® team was also awarded second place in the “Selected Products” category at the Construmat Fair for Innovation and Sustainability in Barcelona.

In addition, ePIPE® has been recognized by National Grid, UK for its contribution to the circular economy, where intelligent product design and supply practices are used to reduce waste and retain resource value.

ePIPE®: A Patented Alternative to Traditional Repiping

With its 11th U.S. patent, Pipe Restoration Technologies continues to advance in-place pipe restoration methods that help property owners and utilities address leaks, corrosion, and aging piping infrastructure.

By restoring pipes internally, the ePIPE® system offers a patented solution designed to reduce disruption, conserve water, extend pipe life, and support more sustainable infrastructure repair.