Your Pipes Need Love, Too
Your home’s pipes are almost entirely hidden from view, but they are a crucial part of keeping your home clean, safe, and functioning. Behind the scenes, they’re either bringing water in or taking waste out. And, unfortunately, pipes need occasional care to last long and remain efficient.
Here’s how you can show your pipes some love and keep them in optimal condition!
Keep These Things Out
One of the best ways to take care of your pipes is to prevent harm from befalling them in the first place. How? Don’t let these down the drain:
- Oil
- Grease
- Coffee grinds
- Produce stickers
- Rice
- Pasta
- Other solid foods
- Hair
- Chemicals
Got a clog? Don’t be tempted by those bottled chemicals you see in the store. While they may promise short-term solutions (which often aren’t real), the chemicals will damage your pipes in the long run. Not to mention the chemicals are harmful if inhaled or accidentally ingested.
There are also inexpensive tools to help keep solid foods and hair from entering your drain. Look for these at any store that sells home goods!
Reduce Water Pressure
While we love strong water pressure in the shower, going overboard can cause damage to your pipes. Strong water flow can strain joints and valves, eventually making your pipes vulnerable to a leak.
Try to find a happy medium where your water pressure is comfortable but not too strong. Start by lowering the pressure from where it currently sits until it’s no longer suitable. From there, adjust to get the right level!
Treat Hard Water
Did you know your water can be hard or soft? Hard water doesn’t mean ice, but it’s actually based on what minerals are present in the water. It varies based on where you get your water from, usually the local municipality.
Through a simple test, you can see if your water is hard or soft. In Atlanta, you can even do some research to see water mineral data.
Hard water, due to its increased mineral content, can cause corrosion on pipes over time. You’ll eventually see mineral deposits coming out of your shower or creating blockages in your water heater. Treating water to make it softer will help reduce these issues and keep your water flowing smoothly!
Prevent Pipes From Freezing
This is less of an issue in Atlanta, but the past few years have seen some frigid winter temperatures, leading to frozen pipes for many homeowners. Frozen pipes, which can cut off your water supply, are not only an inconvenience but a safety hazard.
When pipes freeze, it prevents water from flowing, and the pipe’s sitting water will turn to ice. When water freezes, it expands, and then you have a blocked pipe. Pressure builds up around the blockage, causing the pipe to break and start spewing all that water trying to get through. Burst pipes can bring expensive damage to your plumbing system and any of your belongings that happen to be in its path.
If the weather is expected to enter freezing temperatures (below 32 degrees), try running a slow drip in your sinks to help water continue to flow. Also, make sure your home is adequately heated, as your pipes’ temperature will be much lower than the temperature inside your home.
Fix Problems Right Away
Another way to make sure your pipes stay in good condition is to fix any issues that may come up. Don’t delay because you think it might not be a big deal. When it comes to plumbing, leaving a lingering problem will only make it worse.
Plumbing Solutions in Atlanta
When you need a trained plumber to solve your plumbing issues, look no further than Integrated Plumbing Solutions. Call us today at (678) 627-1067 to get the fast & effective service you deserve.
