Even though we have the amazing technology of trenchless sewer repair for our pipes these days, it’s still a good idea to take care of the pipes properly so that we can avoid possible sewer repairs all together. If you don’t have to spend the money on it, why should you? Granted, trenchless sewer repair costs significantly less and barely takes any time at all but it’s money of your pocket nonetheless.
We tend to forget about our water and sewer pipes when we are maintaining different areas of our homes but just a little attention to detail can make a big difference when it comes to the life span of your pipes. Here’s a few tips of caring for you pipes.
- Don’t pour chemical products down the train
This includes drain cleaners. Yes, I know, isn’t that what they were made for? Well, sometimes these products do a lot more harm to the pipe than they do good. Clogged drains are a very common problems in residential areas. There are a lot of chemicals that claim to remove blockages and while they may do that, they are also eating away at your pipes. The best way to get clogs out is to buy a plumbing snake at a hard ware store and try to get the blocks out using that. Either that or you can hire a plumber who will use a professional snaking method to clear the drain. - Prevent further clogs
The problem with clogs is that once they are in your pipes, the build up of the water around them can put pressure on the water pipes themselves, causing stress and damage. Keep an eye on what goes down your drains in order to avoid clogs all together. Food scraps, hair and grease should never be allowed down the drain and nothing should be flushed besides human waste and toilet paper. Putting screens over your drains can be helpful to stopping unwanted chunks from escaping down the drain without you noticing. When trenchless sewer repair is done, they usually put a camera down the drain first in order to see where the problem is. Many times it’s a build up of foreign material that the owner has no idea how it got there in the first place. - Be satisfied with less pressure
Strong water pressure can be nice when you’re in the shower but it puts a lot of stress on the pipes which makes them more likely to spring a leak. The pipe joints, faucets and valves all have to work harder to accommodate the higher pressure of water. Have a plumber check your water pressure and reduce the psi if it above 85 psi. Normal pressure should be between 40 and 85 psi. You may feel like higher pressure gives you a better clean, whether it’s dishes or your own body but the truth is, it’s actually the opposite; higher pressure gives you the illusion of a better wash but less pressure will ensure you wash more thoroughly. - Invest in a water softener
If you live in an area that has hard water, this can also shorten your plumbing’s lifespan. The magnesium and calcium are naturally occurring minerals that are in hard water. These minerals build up in the pipes and cause the flow to be restricted which increases the pressure on the pipes. They can also cause corrosion. It’s easy to tell if you have hard water because of the tell tale white spots that build up around your faucets and on your shower doors. A water softener system will filter out your water removing those harsh chemicals which is not only better for your pipes but is also very beneficial to your hair and skin.
Taking care of your pipes can add years to your system. When the time comes to replace them, definitely look into trenchless sewer repair but you don’t want to have to replace your sewer or water system before it’s time. Although this newer method is cheaper, it does not always work for every situation so don’t rely on the fact that you have that option when you are using your water.
