Your pipes are kind of like the veins of your plumbing system. They bring in fresh drinking water, get rid of harmful wastewater, and even vent toxic gasses, allowing your individual plumbing appliances and your home at large to function smoothly. But because your pipes are basically working all day, every day, it can be easy for them to wear down quickly. Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to prevent this from happening and protect the health of your pipes as much as possible. Keep reading for the top five ways to make your pipes last longer from our expert plumbers at Moe Plumbing Services. Remember, we are available for all your essential plumbing needs!
5 Simple Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Pipes
- Check Your Water Pressure: The higher your water pressure is, the more strain that gets put on your pipes. Ideally, your home’s water pressure should be between 60 and 70 PSI (pounder per square inch,) and it should never go above 85. If your pipes are wearing down quickly and you’re seeing signs your water pressure is too high, you can check by using a water pressure gauge. Just purchase one of these devices at your local hardware store or at multiple outlets online, screw it into a hose bib outside your house, and turn the water on.
- Avoid Using Liquid Drain Cleaners: While it can be tempting to try and get rid of clogs using store-bought drain cleaners, these products usually contain extremely toxic chemicals that are very bad for your pipes. Moreover, liquid drain cleaners often just sit on top of a clog, or only eat partway through it. This can make for a dangerous situation if a backup occurs, so leave the chemical drain cleaners on the shelf, and instead…
- Have Your Drains Professionally Cleaned: The more clogged your pipes get, the harder they have to work, and the faster they will wear down. Rather than letting obstructions build up over time, consider calling a professional to clean your pipes. At Moe Plumbing Services, we offer high-pressure hydro jetting to get rid of blockages deep within your sewer and drain lines.
- Be Careful What You Put Down Your Toilet/Garbage Disposal: When it comes to your toilet, the cold hard truth is that you should never flush anything but regular toilet paper. Paper towels, cotton balls, tampons, pads, and even so-called “flushable” wipes are all pretty likely to cause a clog. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, avoid putting fibrous and starchy foods, grease and oils, and anything hard like fruit rinds, bones, and seeds down your garbage disposal. This device is only supposed to be used for light food waste, and you not only risk destroying your disposal but causing a clog if you fill your lines with food that should just be thrown in in the trash.
- Don’t Hesitate to Call for Service: Bottom line: calling a plumber when you experience clogs, backups, and leaks can save you a ton of money on pipe repairs and replacements in the long-run. Failing to hire a plumber when pressure builds in your pipes, on the other hand, may cause them to become cracked or even burst, potentially forcing you to pay for extensive repiping service. Watch out for slow drains, bad smells, and leaking/backed up water around your house, and if you believe there’s a problem with your pipes, err on the side of caution and give us a call for a video inspection. We are also available for 24/7 emergency service, if you do suddenly experience a broke or burst pipe.
Call Moe Plumbing Services anytime at (818) 396-8002, or contact us online for information about specials and financing.