Our plumbing pipes have a hard life; they are at work 24/7; we rely on them every time we wash our dishes, take a shower, brush our teeth, flush the toilet, and many other activities. Each and every day, our plumbing pipes move a large volume of water around our homes, and this causes significant wear and tear. Eventually, they can thin out, pinhole leaks may appear, and the pipe may even burst altogether. Plumbing pipes will wear out eventually. Nothing lasts forever, but you can slow the process and make your pipes last longer. Here are four simple tips to extend the useful lifespan of your plumbing pipes.
Avoid Chemical Cleaning Products
If you purchase a store bought chemical cleaning product, you will notice the warnings on the label. These types of cleaners contain very harsh caustic chemicals that can damage your skin, and this is equally true for your plumbing pipes. A chemical cleaner may seem effective, but they don’t address underlying plumbing issues that may be causing a clog, and the clog often returns later. This is why professional plumbers prefer to use manual removal methods to clear a drain. If you have a clog try a cup plunger first. If that doesn’t work, try using a plumbing augur (snake) and if it is still clogged, contact your local certified plumber.
Check Your Water Pressure
Let’s face it, we all enjoy a shower with good water pressure, but if the pressure is too high, it can actually damage your plumbing pipes and fittings. The best way to protect your home plumbing system is to keep the water pressure below 85 PSI. This should provide more than adequate water pressure for a great shower and reduce the stress on your plumbing pipes. If you have high water pressure problems, contact your local professional plumber and ask them to install a water pressure gauge.
Don’t Ignore Leaks
A small leak may seem trivial, but they only get worse over time, and this will lead to a more expensive repair bill. Tiny leaks wear at the plumbing pipes as they develop, and this is a cyclical process. Always contact a professional plumber as early as possible because water damage is expensive to fix.
Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
When a drain starts to slow, it’s a sure sign that a clog in the drain is becoming larger. This will increase the pressure in the pipes, and they will wear out faster. Again, you can attempt to clear the clog with a plunger or augur yourself. If the clog is deep in the drain, this may not be effective, and it’s time to call a local certified plumber. They have the training, experience, and specialize tools to manually remove the clog safely.
If you’re interested in saving money by prolonging the lifespan of your plumbing pipes, contact your local certified plumber today. Adopting the four tips detailed above and scheduling some regular drain cleaning can reduce the stress on your plumbing pipes significantly.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
