Your home’s plumbing is one of its most important features. When it works properly, you hardly even notice it’s there. But when something goes wrong, you feel the effects! That’s why it’s so important to take proper care of your plumbing and prolong its lifespan as much as possible. Do you know how to care for your pipes properly? In this article, we will outline some simple ways a plumber recommends to prolong the lifespan of your pipes. Follow these tips, and you can be sure that your pipes will last for years to come.
- Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals Near Your Plumbing Fixtures
When drains are clogged, we all go for a quick fix to instantly solve the problem. You may be tempted to buy a liquid drain cleaner, but beware, it can do more harm than good to your pipes. Most drain cleaning products have an ingredient called hydrochloric acid. Although the ingredient is very effective for cleaning, it is harsh and can cause a lot of damage to your pipes, especially with regular and long-term use.
Still, it can have the same effect on other finishes in your kitchen and bathroom. If your pipes are clogged, hire a plumber in Brandon, FL, instead of rushing to buy cleaners. They will have the right tools to unclog your drain without causing any damage.
- Ensure Water Pressure In Your Home Is Not Too High
A water pressure that is too high can cause a lot of wear and tear on your pipes. It can also lead to leaks in your fixtures and fittings. You can check the water pressure in your home with a water pressure gauge. The ideal range is between 40 and 60 psi. You should have a pressure-reducing valve fitted if it’s higher than that. Have a professional plumbing service to ensure it’s done correctly.
- Fix Any Drips And Leaks Immediately
It may seem like a small problem, but that tiny drip from your faucet can cause a lot of damage to your pipes over time. Not only will it waste water (and money), but it will also put unnecessary stress on your pipes. The constant dripping can corrode the pipes and cause them to break down over time. So, if you notice any drips, no matter how small, make sure to have them fixed as soon as possible by a professional plumber.
- Install A Water Softener If You Have Hard Water
Hard water is not good for your pipes. The minerals in hard water can cause a build-up of deposits inside your pipes. This build-up can eventually lead to clogs and blockages. It can also cause your pipes to corrode from the inside out. A water softener will remove the minerals from your water, preventing them from causing any damage to your pipes.
- Insulate Your Pipes During Winter To Prevent Them From Freezing
Hiring a plumber to insulate your plumbing during the winter season may be expensive, but it will save you more in the long run by helping you avoid costly repairs and replacements from winter pipe hazards. Mostly, pipes in heated areas of your home are not at much risk of freezing; however, pipes in unheated places such as garages, attic, and crawl spaces are exposed to the cold during winter months. If not insulated properly, the pipes can cause trouble in your home.
If the ice in your pipes doesn’t find a way to melt, it will cause a lot of damage to the plumbing system. Still, it can cause the water pressure in your home to reduce because of ice build-up. Therefore, hire a plumber to insulate pipes in cold areas to protect your home from unwanted damage in the winter.
- Don’t Ignore Slow Drains
Slow drains are caused by a blockage somewhere in your pipe system. Blockages always lead to increased pressure, which can easily lead to blockage. The more pressure builds up in your pipes, the harder the drains find it to work smoothly, causing them to wear faster. The moment you notice the issue, don’t ignore it because it won’t go away, and it will get worse. So, if you notice the water is running down slowly, call a plumbing service provider in Brandon, FL, right away. Plumbers have the right tools and skills to unclog a drain and ensure your pipes are back running smoothly again.
- Avoid Flushing Things That Are Not Supposed To Be Flushed
Any time you enter your bathroom to flush sanitary products, toilet paper, and oil, remember that; your toilet is a toilet, not a trash can. Avoid flushing things that aren’t supposed to be flushed. Some of them break off in your pipes when you flush these materials. Over time, these broken-off pieces will collect other debris and form severe clogs.
Unless a professional plumber sorts out the clogs, the whole plumbing system will suffer, and you will have to deal with expensive repairs. In the worse scenario, flushing any items besides toilet paper can lead to bursting, leaking, and back-ups in your pipes. Instead, don’t wait for this to happen; take preventive measures to protect your pipes.
- Have Your Drains Cleaned Regularly
The same way debris and dirt collect in the living areas of your homes, the same happens to your drains and pipes. If debris accumulates for long in your pipes, you will have to deal with clogs and back-ups. Backups are always a health hazard and hard to deal with. To prevent this, contact a plumbing service provider in Brandon, FL, to clean your drains at least once a month. Having your drains cleaned will prevent build-up, and you won’t have to worry about clogs or leaks. Avoid using home remedies to maintain your drains because they can slowly cause damage to your pipes.
Contact Us Today To Help Maintain Your Plumbing System
If you want to know more about how you can increase the lifespan of your pipes, call Drain Flo Plumbing today. You will get adequate advice on how to care for your pipes. Furthermore, we have plumbers who can help install water pressure regulators, pipe maintenance, and repair. Most of all, we offer drain cleaning services to ensure your plumbing system runs smoothly. Give us a call today, and we will send a plumber to your home in no time.