How To Make Your Plumbing Pipes Last Longer
Every day you brush your teeth, flush the toilet, wash your hands, take a shower, wash the dishes, and maybe even clean your laundry — your pipes have a 24/7 job! According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water per day. And all that water is wearing on your pipes. Don’t forget to give your pipes the special attention they need. Keep your plumbing in tip-top shape with these tips for maintaining your pipes.
Check Your Water Pressure
Your water pressure should be between 40 and 85 psi. If it’s too high, it will put too much wear and tear on your pipes. But if it’s too low, this could indicate a serious clog. In either case, call your local plumber to diagnose the problem and possibly install a pressure regulator to monitor the issue.
Protect Your Pipes From the Cold
Living in California, you may not think that freezing pipes is a concern. But a drastic temperature drop can lead to pipes bursting, especially in older houses. To prevent this from happening, the best thing you can do is insulate your pipes. In addition, always make sure the heat is on when it’s cold out and periodically run hot water to warm up the pipes.
Don’t Ignore Leaks
You know that familiar sound of “drip, drip, drip” that drives you crazy? It’s doing more than just keep you awake all night. It may seem small, but that little leak is slowly wearing away at your connectors and pipes. And that leak will inevitably grow into a bigger and more expensive problem in the long run. Not to mention that increase in your monthly water bill. It’s best to have a trusted plumber fix the leak right away to prevent further damage.
Prevent Clogs
To prevent a clog, mind what you’re putting down your drains. Remember that your toilet isn’t a garbage pail. The only thing you should be tossing in it is toilet paper. Your kitchen sink also isn’t a trash can. Even a garbage disposal has its limits. Shells, bones, peels, coffee grounds and starchy foods can all lead to damaging clogs. Drain screens can prevent unwanted items from entering your pipes and can also be used in the bathroom to save your drains from hair clogs.
Clean Your Drains Safely
If you do end up with a clogged drain, it can be tempting to purchase a chemical cleaner. These harsh products do effectively clear drains, but at a cost. While those powerful chemicals are dissolving your clog, they’re also eating away at your pipes. Opt for a plunger or a drain snake instead. When in doubt, a licensed plumber will be able to find the best way to correct your drainage problem.
Make Your Plumbing Pipes Last Longer With Help From Stephens
Some problems can be fixed with a little caulk, plumbers putty, or tape. But sometimes you may need a pipe replacement. Whether it is pipe maintenance, repair, or replacement, no job is too big or small for Stephens Plumbing. We are there for you 24/7, ready to fix any plumbing emergency at any hour. You can rely on Stephens Plumbing to extend the life of your pipes and take care of all your other plumbing needs.