How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Pipes

• Ensure You Have Proper Water Pressure

Maintaining proper water pressure is important for the longevity of your plumbing pipes. The ideal range of water pressure is anywhere between 40 and 85 PSI. If your water pressure exceeds 80 PSI, it can wear out your pipes and even cause bursting. Pipes are made to withstand a certain amount of pressure. Excessively high water pressure constantly pushes against the pipe walls. Over time, this weakens the pipes and makes them more susceptible to cracks and leaks. The most effective way to prevent high water pressure is to install a pressure-regulating valve on your main water line. This valve regulates the flow of water entering your house and reduces it to a safe level. If you already have this valve in place and the pressure is still high, call a nearby plumbing repair service to perform an inspection and make the necessary repairs.

• Install a Water Softener

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals can be corrosive to metal pipes, especially older galvanized steel pipes. While hard water itself won’t cause immediate damage, the long-term effects of scale buildup and corrosion can significantly reduce the lifespan of your pipes. If your home has hard water, call a nearby plumbing service to help you install a water softener. An effective water softener not only extends the lifespan of your pipes, but it’s also better for your appliances and softer on your skin and hair.

• Insulate Your Pipes to Avoid Bursts

Winter can be hard on your plumbing, especially your pipes. The best way to prevent your pipes from freezing and even bursting is to have a professional plumbing repair service insulate them. Frozen pipes are almost sure to burst, resulting in a costly pipe repair process. You don’t have to insulate all of your pipes. Focus on the pipes that are running through unheated areas and those running along the exterior walls. While pipe insulation comes with a significant upfront cost, insulating your pipes will save you money in the long run.

• Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaner

When you have a clogged drain, your first move might be to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. This is an incredibly common mistake that many homeowners make. Most store-bought drain cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can erode your pipes. In addition to being corrosive to your pipes, chemical drain cleaners won’t get the job done. They’re a complete waste of money. For the health of your pipes, avoid using chemical drain cleaners whenever possible. Instead, opt for harmless methods, such as plunging or using a plumbing snake. If DIY techniques do not clear the clog, call a professional plumbing service that specializes in drain cleaning.

• Be Aware of Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause cracks and blockages. If you have large trees near your house, be aware of the potential for root intrusion and have your sewer line inspected regularly by a trusted plumber.

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Pipe Repair, Repiping, and All of Your Plumbing Needs

As you can see, there are many ways to extend the lifespan of your pipes. It all comes down to taking a proactive approach to plumbing maintenance. Please call Mr. Rooter Plumbing if you need help with pipe repair, pipe replacement, or repiping. We are professional plumbers that you can rely on for all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs.