Your plumbing system, be it the most intricate and most important system in your home, was designed to last quite a long time–which is definitely a good thing! However, there are a number of things that can lead to early pipe replacement, and we want to help you avoid them!
Below, we have listed two of the most common reasons why homeowners end up having to replace their pipes early and what you can do about it. That way, you can keep your plumbing in tip-top shape for years to come. Keep reading to find out more.
What Causes Early Pipe Replacement?
There are two main causes of early pipe replacement:
One: Corrosion
The majority of plumbing pipes in today’s homes are made of copper, which is used because of its resistance to rust. Though it does not degrade as easily as iron, copper is still susceptible to different kinds of corrosion. For example, chlorine and formaldehyde particles in the air and soil do not react well with copper, causing it to weaken.
Another reason why pipes corrode is due to the substances that are put down our drains. If you find yourself reaching for a bottle of chemical drain cleaner every time you’ve got a clog, stop what you are doing and call in a professional. You see, store-bought chemical drain cleaners are extremely corrosive, and in addition to eating away at a clog, they’ll end up eating away at your pipes!
Two: Limescale
Limescale is a type of mineral buildup caused by hard water flowing through the plumbing system over a long period of time. Eventually, this build-up will restrict the flow of water through the pipe, making the plumbing system less efficient and effective. If the limescale isn’t removed early, it will harden and become impossible to remove without damaging the entire pipe, in which case you’ll have to replace.
You can combat limescale with a water softener, which adds sodium to the water to help breakdown these unwanted minerals. You can also consider installing a reverse osmosis system, which filters water through a special membrane to remove contaminants and separate salt from minerals.
Call in a Professional
The best way to prevent early pipe replacement is to schedule annual plumbing maintenance services with a Sanford plumber. During your maintenance visit, your plumber will thoroughly inspect the plumbing system to locate and correct minor issues before they become major. This way, you won’t be stuck with the cost of having to replace your pipes!
And sure, there might be plenty of amateurs willing to provide plumbing services for you, but remember, an attempt to save money could end up costing you much more in the long run. That’s why it is better to call in a professional and get the job done right the first time around.
For all your plumbing services, contact the team at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. Proudly serving Central Florida since 1975.