Plumbing pipes are built to last for quite long. Pipes made of lead, metal or galvanized steel can last for about a century. But these pipes are hardly used in building construction any more. These days PVC pipes are installed in the plumbing for most homes.
While PVC pipes don’t last as long as the metal pipes, they are fairly durable and are not vulnerable to rust. The main trouble for PVC pipes is water pressure built up, which can cause damage to the plumbing and connections.
Nevertheless, it is possible to keep the plumbing pipes in great shape and lengthen their life span significantly. Here are the fundamentals of the best care you can give to your home’s plumbing.
1. Leak Vigil
Leaks are always a sign for trouble, no matter how tiny they may appear. Tiny leaks constantly lose water and cause a lot of wastage. Don’t believe us? Well, next time you leave a leaking pipe unattended, check the difference it makes to your water bill.
Unfortunately, a lot of times small leaks may go completely unnoticed until they become large enough to wreak havoc. It is important to pay attention to not only the visible signs of water leaks, but also to those which indicate a hidden leak. Usually, internal pipe leaks can be detected due to presence of mold growth and damp or warped walls.
2. Don’t Ignore Slow Drainage
Sometimes the water in the sink or the bath tub may empty out at a much slower pace. You may find it comfortable to let the drains carry on their job at their own pace. But if you knew the reason behind slow drainage, you’d probably jump right into action.
The truth is that drains slow down primarily because of a clog. The passage of water is interrupted and this creates pressure on the pipes. This is practically slow poison for your plumbing.
Whenever you face slow moving drains, you should try to get it unclogged using a drain snake. You can also call for a plumber’s assistance if the problem persists. A reputed Los Angeles plumber should be able to get you sorted.
3. Water Pressure
So now you know that too much water pressure on the drains is the cause of wearing down your home’s plumbing. The water pressure in the pipes may also rise due to the rising pressure of water supply.
Ideally, the PSI for your plumbing system should remain under 85. You can get the water pressure checked by a plumber or install a water pressure gauge for regular monitoring.
4. Respect the toilet
Your toilet is not a trash can. There is only one thing that’s meant to be flushed down the toilet, human waste. You should strictly avoid flushing tissues, wrappers, wet wipes, diapers, or any other disposables, food items, toys etc. etc.
Anything other than biodegradable waste is likely to cause a clog and problems for your drainage. A clog will build-up the water pressure in the drains and eventually cut their lives very short. So that’s our very frank tip, watch what you dump in the toilet!
5. Say No to Chemical Cleaners
Chemical cleaners are effective and get the dirty job done for you quite quickly. No doubt. But it’s about time someone threw some light on the dirty truth behind chemical drain cleaners.
The chemicals in these drain cleaners are very harsh and they can easily corrode the internal lining of your drains. They might dissolve the clog fully or partially, but they will also harm the plumbing.
6. Regular Plumbing Maintenance
It’s pretty obvious that regular maintenance can significantly increase the lifespan of your plumbing. The deal is that besides taking good care and cleaning up the drains and plumbing, you should also get an annual or half-yearly plumbing check-up done by a professional.
