The Pipes are Knocking In the Walls The pipes are knocking in the walls; groaning and dying. You roll to the other side of the bed. I roll out of bed and put a *** on. The lights outside are strewn in no particular order and just on the door; as if to say 'we tried'. We try until the pipes burst. We try until the coffee runs out. I let skynet tell me the news brief and sit here. I could be studying a way out of here. But I don't go in until after noon. I make another cup of coffee. Listen to Teagan and Sara. Look at ways to **** time... The pipes haven't burst yet, but they're still knocking in the walls. #coffee #tired #morning #burst #knocking #pipes Kathleen, Dec 2016
We already know plumbing problems are something that every property owner has to deal with sooner or later. And it’s factual as the rain that falls. Whether it’s a leak, a clog, a corrosion, or a burst, plumbing problems can cause serious damage to your property, your water quality, and your health. Not to mention, they can be very expensive and time-consuming to fix.
That’s why it’s important to take care of your pipes and keep them in good condition. By doing so, you can extend the lifespan of your pipes, save money and water, and avoid plumbing headaches.
But how can you do that? What are some simple and practical tips to maintain your pipes and prevent plumbing problems?
In this blog post, we will show you how. We will share with you 7 easy tricks to prolong the life of your pipes and avoid common plumbing issues. These tricks are based on my experience as a professional plumbing service provider in London, as well as on some reliable sources that I found on the web.
So, if you want to learn how to preserve your pipes and prevent plumbing problems, keep reading and discover how to save time, money, and hassle with your plumbing.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance (or Planned Preventative Maintenance [PPM]).
The first and most important trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to schedule regular maintenance. Regular maintenance or PPM should include checking for leaks, cleaning your drains, flushing your water heater, and ensuring correct water pressure in the lines. It’s also a good idea to have a professional plumber inspect your pipes once a year to detect any potential issues before they become costly.
Regular maintenance can help you spot and fix minor problems before they turn into major ones. It can also help you keep your pipes clean and clear of obstructions, mineral deposits, and corrosion. This way, you can improve the efficiency and performance of your plumbing system and reduce the risk of damage and waste.
If you need a professional plumbing service in London, you can contact us at 247 Emergency Plumbing and request a free quote. We offer fast, efficient, and reliable plumbing services for all your needs. We serve all areas of London, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Water Pressure
The second trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to keep an eye on your water pressure. Water pressure is the force that pushes water through your pipes. The ideal range of water pressure is anywhere between 40 and 85 psi (pounds per square inch). Anything less or more indicates something is wrong with your pipes, like a leak, a clog, a corrosion, or a faulty valve.
Low water pressure can affect the quality and quantity of water that you receive. It can also indicate a hidden leak that can cause water damage and mold growth. High water pressure can strain and damage your pipes and plumbing fixtures. It can also increase your water bill and waste water.
To check your water pressure, you can use a water pressure gauge, which is a simple device that you can attach to your faucet or hose bib. You can also have us check your water pressure on our next visit to your property.
If your water pressure is too low or too high, you should contact a professional plumber to find and fix the cause. Your plumbing system may need a pressure regulator, a pressure-reducing valve, or a pressure-relief valve to adjust and control the water pressure in your lines.
3. Watch What You Put Down the Drain
The third trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to watch what you put down the drain. Fats, oils, grease, hair, food scraps, coffee grounds, paper towels, wipes, and feminine hygiene products are some of the common culprits of drain clogs. Never let these things go down the drain; instead, dispose of them properly in the trash or compost.
Drain clogs can block the flow of water and cause backups, overflows, and leaks. They can also create unpleasant odors and attract pests. To prevent drain clogs, you should use drain strainers or stoppers to catch any solid materials before they enter the pipes. You should also flush your drains with hot water and vinegar once a month to dissolve any grease or soap scum that may build up in the pipes.
If you have a slow drain or a sewage backup, you should act quickly to clear the clog and restore the flow of water. You can try using a plunger or a snake to dislodge the obstruction, or an eco-friendly drain cleaner to break down the organic matter. However, if the clog is severe or persistent, you should call a professional plumber to handle it. We have the tools and the skills to clear any drain clog, no matter how big or small.
4. Clean Your Faucet Aerators
The fourth trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to clean your faucet aerators. Faucet aerators are small devices that attach to the end of your faucets and mix air with water. They help to reduce water consumption, increase water pressure, and prevent splashing.
However, faucet aerators can also collect calcium and other minerals from hard water, which can clog the tiny holes and reduce the water flow. To prevent this, you should remove and clean your faucet aerators at least once a year. You can use vinegar to soak and dissolve the mineral deposits, and a toothbrush or a needle to scrub and poke the holes. Then, you can rinse and reinstall the faucet aerators and enjoy a better water flow.
If your faucet aerators are too corroded or damaged, you may need to replace them with new ones. You can find faucet aerators in different sizes and shapes at any hardware store, or you can ask us to provide and install them for you.
5. Protect Your Pipes from the Elements
The fifth trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to protect your pipes from the elements. Exposed pipes, especially those outside or in unheated areas, should be covered or insulated to protect them from extreme temperatures and sunlight. Cold weather can cause your pipes to freeze and burst, while hot weather can cause your pipes to expand and crack. Sunlight can also damage your pipes, especially if they are made of PVC, which can become brittle and break.
To protect your pipes from the elements, you should wrap them with insulation sleeves or foam, which you can find at any hardware store. You should also seal any gaps or cracks around your pipes that may let cold or hot air in. You should also drain and disconnect any hoses or sprinklers that are not in use, and turn off the water supply to any outdoor faucets. If you have any pipes that are exposed to direct sunlight, you should paint them or cover them with a cloth or a tarp.
If you notice any signs of frozen or damaged pipes, such as low water pressure, strange noises, or discolored water, you should contact a professional plumber as soon as possible. We can help you thaw and repair your pipes and prevent further damage.
6. Replace Corroded Pipes and Fixtures
The sixth trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to replace corroded pipes and fixtures. Corrosion is the gradual deterioration of metal due to a chemical reaction with water, oxygen, or other substances. Corrosion can affect the strength, appearance, and function of your pipes and fixtures. It can also contaminate your water and cause health problems.
Some of the signs of pipe or fixture corrosion are:
- Discolored water or stains in your sink or tub
- Leaks or drips from your pipes or faucets
- Low water pressure or flow
- Bad taste or smell in your water
- Pitting or flaking on your pipes or faucets
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a professional plumber to inspect and replace your corroded pipes and fixtures. Depending on the type and extent of the corrosion, you may need to replace a section or the entire plumbing system. You may also want to replace old galvanized pipes with copper or PVC pipes, which are more resistant to corrosion.
7. Install a Water Softener
The seventh and final trick to extend the lifespan of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems is to install a water softener. A water softener is a device that filters out minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from hard water. Hard water can cause scaling, which is the accumulation of mineral deposits on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Scaling can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your plumbing system and increase your energy and water bills.
A water softener can help you prevent scaling and make your water safer and softer to use. Soft water can also improve the quality of your laundry, dishes, skin, and hair. Most London water is notoriously hard, so a water softener is a sensible investment in your plumbing