Glossary – ANROSAN

Abrasive mixture – Natural cleaning agent used when cleaning the insides of pipes to remove deposits and corrosion.

Analysis report – Written documentation of the condition analysis including photos, endoscopy and water analysis. A quote for the renovation with Anrosan is sent separately with the report.

ANROSAN – Sustainable, mineral-based renovation system for the internal coating of drinking water pipes, without epoxy resin, developed by Werner Näf. The only system worldwide that does not use epoxy resin.

Bisphenol A – Bisphenol A is the basic building block for the production of polycarbonate plastics (epoxy resin). BPA is classified as toxic to reproduction. The use of bisphenol A in contact with food is a serious cause for concern. The EU is now calling for a ban.

Carbon neutrality – The Naef GROUP offsets all unavoidable residual emissions from renovation processes entirely in Switzerland. This has been the case since 2015.

Cellar layout – Exposed plumbing. In most cases, this is conventionally replaced during an internal pipe renovation, as the cost is lower.

Cement coating – Cement-based protective coating applied to the inner walls of drinking water pipes to prevent deterioration. Organic material and food-safety compliant.

Ceramic polymer – Marketing term for epoxy resin coatings; not comparable with ANROSAN. Bisphenols are also used here, which is inadvisable in contact with food.

Circulation pipe – The hot water riser is connected to a T-piece on the top floor that directs the flow back to the boiler, and a pump is used to circulate the water to keep the delivery time to a minimum.

Circulation valve – Controls the hot water circulation at the various riser zones.

Coating – Cement-based protective layer on the inner wall of the pipe; prevents corrosion and contamination. The Anrosan coating material is inorganic rather than organic in the case of its competitors.

Condition analysis – Technical inspection of the pipe system as a basis for deciding on the need for renovation. Endoscopy, pipe sampling and the hydraulic test are essential in order to reach any conclusion at all. Quotes without analyses are untrustworthy.

Copper pipes – Water pipes made of copper, both for cold and hot water.

Corrosion – Rust or pitting in iron or copper pipes, the main cause of a need for renovation. If you wait too long, this can mean that the pipes can only be replaced conventionally and at a massive additional cost.

Dead leads – Inactive pipe sections that must be removed or decommissioned for hygiene reasons. By using our Pipefinder, we can detect and rectify such points.

Dead-end pipes – Pipe sections without flow, which increase the risk of bacterial growth (e.g. Legionella). This often happens during renovation work if the old drinking water pipe is not professionally dismantled or disconnected.

Declaration of Conformity – Proves compliance with food and drinking water regulations during renovation. Only the Naef GROUP’s Anrosan system can provide such confirmation.

Delivery time – Time until hot water is available.

Diagram / plumbing diagram – Schematic diagram of the plumbing lines. Such diagrams are very important for optimum planning and are requested when the order is placed.

Distribution manifold – Component of the plumbing installation to distribute water pipes from a central point.

Drinking Water Ordinance (DWBSO) – Regulates the quality requirements for drinking water in buildings.

Endoscopy – Camera-assisted examination of the pipe interior walls to assess their condition and material. This procedure makes it possible to check the condition of the pipe from the inside. Without an endoscopy, it is impossible to provide a quote, as this is the only way to determine the necessity of an internal pipe renovation.

Epoxy resin – Formerly widely used as a coating material; today it is considered highly problematic due to potential migration of harmful substances. Anrosan is the only system in the world that does without polymers and epoxy resin and uses cement instead, which is food-safe.

External corrosion – Corrosion from the outside due to external factors such as moisture or contact with unsuitable metals. Internal pipe renovation is pointless if there is external corrosion.

Filter – Fine filter to catch suspended particles in the water.

Floor plans – Plans that show the layout of a house. Floor plans are useful in a possible renovation and are requested by us for optimal planning.

Flush-mounted fitting – Fittings that are installed in the wall. Usually only a plate is visible, with a lever to turn the water on and off.

Flush-mounted valve – Installed in apartment blocks to switch off the water in the bathroom of the flats. This was used to ensure that the water did not have to be switched off throughout the entire building.

Food safety compliance – Proof that the materials used do not release any harmful substances into drinking water. Only the Anrosan system can provide this proof of compliance.

FUAO (Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Ordinance) – Legal basis for hygienically safe renovation.

Hydraulic test – Pressure and flow test to determine the condition of the pipework. This test is part of a serious condition analysis.

Internal pipe renovation – Renewal/renovation of old pipes from the inside, without structural measures. The property remains habitable during our renovation and no residents have to move out or relocate.

Leaks – Unintended leakage in which water escapes. This is due to corrosion, which damages the pipe material. Leaks occur in underfloor heating systems due to the ageing process of the plastic. You should never wait until leaks occur, but always have them analysed as soon as symptoms appear.

Legionella – Harmful bacteria that multiply in warm, stagnant water. This is a highly underestimated and major problem in hospitals, old people’s homes and in holiday homes that are rarely occupied.

Loop pipe – Used for hot water instead of a circulation pipe. The hot water forms a closed circuit that passes every tap; it is laid in the top floor slab and returns to the boiler via the taps. Typical feature: Only two pipes are visible in the riser zone instead of three.

Mixed installation – Combination of different pipe materials (e.g. iron, copper, plastic) in a building. In some cases, separation points must be created here, as otherwise the coating will not last. Such points are discussed during the analysis by the Naef GROUP.

Naef GROUP – Swiss family business, developer of ANROSAN and specialist in pipe analysis. The original since 1985. Swiss market leader with 5 locations throughout Switzerland.

PIPEFINDER – In-house-developed detection system for locating dead-end pipes and stubs. This is the only way to detect the such pipe sections.

Pre-wall installation – Alternative method for installing new plumbing pipes flush with the wall.

Quartz sand & cement – Main components of the mineral ANROSAN coating (“liquid stone”). Since 2011, the only system that uses cement and dispenses with the use of polymers (epoxy resin).

Riser zone – Cold, hot and circulation pipes (vertical).

Rusty water – Red or cloudy water is a typical sign of corrosion in the pipes. This is the first sign that the pipes are in a critical condition.

Sandblasting – Mechanical cleaning of the inner pipe walls with an abrasive medium before coating.

Shut-off valves – Valves located before the riser zone to shut off the water separately for the riser zone.

Supply pipes/external pipes – Cannot be renovated using the Anrosan process, as the problem is often external corrosion. These cannot be renovated using any internal pipe renovation method.

Water analysis – Laboratory analysis of drinking water for bacteria, pH value, conductivity, TOC, etc.

Werner Näf – Swiss engineer, inventor of ANROSAN and the HAT system. The original since 1985.