A home's plumbing system is integral to its proper functionality. Your pipes work all day and night and keep your plumbing running smoothly. Each time you run the dishwasher, wash a load of clothes, wash your hands, or take a bath, the pipes are working. As time goes on, the pipes can become worn and even possibly break, leaving you with a major mess.
Because your pipes work hard on a consistent basis, you should do all you can to ensure they remain in good condition. The following are some things you can do each day to ensure the longevity and health of your pipes.
Avoid Chemicals in the Pipes
One mistake many homeowners make is to use chemical drain cleaners to remove a clog in a pipe. Chemical drain cleaners are corrosive. They eat away at anything they come into contact with. While the cleaner may eat away at a clog, it also eats away at your pipes. With prolonged use, you could end up with weak and broken pipes from the inside.
Have Professionals Clean the Pipes
Just like anything else in your home, your pipes need regular maintenance. You should plan to have professionals clean your pipes at least on an annual basis. Each year, more buildup accumulates and can cause the pipes to leak or clog.
Check the Water Pressure
Another thing you can do to protect your pipes is to ensure the water pressure is at a healthy level. When the water pressure is too high, it can cause damage due to the harshness of the water spray. If your water pressure tends to fluctuate, you may want to install a water pressure gauge to monitor it more easily. Typically, the PSI should not be over 75 for healthy pipes.
Only Flush Appropriate Items
When flushing your toilets, very few items should go down the drain. Only toilet tissue should go down the toilet and into the pipes. Baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and facial tissue are not designed to be flushed down the toilet. Pieces of these items can break off and stick to the inside of the pipes.
Bits of debris in the pipes can cause a backlog and could put too much pressure on portions of the pipes. This pressure can cause weak spots and potentially result in broken pipes.
Do Not Avoid Small Leaks
At some point, all homes have drippy faucets. These dripping faucets may seem like no big deal, but they can have an impact on your pipes and connections the longer they occur. Leaks can wear away at pipes. As the pipes wear away, the leaks get bigger and can contribute to more significant water damage.
Do Not Avoid Improper Drainage
If you notice your drains have slowed down, something could be blocking a pipe. When you have a blockage in the pipes, the pressure will often build up inside. This causes the pipes to have to work harder and will decrease the longevity of the pipes.
If your tub or sink starts to drain slower than normal, you should call a plumber to determine the issue as soon as you can. These slow drains may eventually stop draining altogether and cause a more severe issue.
If your pipes give you problems on a regular basis, you may want to consider replacing them, particularly if they are older. If you have any questions about your home's pipes or if you notice anything odd going on with your plumbing, please contact Complete Plumbing. We are happy to visit your home and help you figure out the issue.
