Simple ways to avoid a plumbing disaster

 Life expectancy of materials

Although the life expectancy of the materials from which pipes and fittings are made is influenced by a number of factors, they are manufactured with a certain life expectancy. Proper maintenance can increase their life expectancy. Some examples:

PVC drainage pipes, 25-40 years.

Copper supply pipes, 70-80 years, depending on previous maintenance.

Brass and cast iron pipes and fittings, 100 years or more.

Toilet supply piping, flexible braided stainless steel, 8-10 years.

If you are not sure what type of plumbing was used in your home, call a qualified plumber for an inspection.

Get rid of lead and polybutylene pipes.

Pipes made of these materials should be replaced, regardless of their age. Lead pipes can cause serious and long-lasting health problems by leaching harmful lead into drinking water. Polybutylene pipes were often installed between the 1970s and 1990s as a cheap alternative, but have caused many problems in the past, due to unexpected breaks.

Rust in the water

If the water in your sink or bathtub is brown or yellow in color, it's possible that rust is corroding your pipes. This is more evident when you've been away from home for a while because the water has been sitting in the pipes accumulating rust particles. If you notice signs of rust, replace the affected pipes as soon as possible.

Check for corrosion

Watch for leaks and signs of corrosion, such as discoloration and dimpling. These can be signs that your plumbing system needs to be replaced. Another important indicator of impending fixture failure is spalling and staining. Leaks in one area often predict leaks elsewhere as well. Have them inspected, repaired or replaced as necessary before having to repair walls and floors as well. Another way to detect potential leaks is to see if water is pooling under fixtures. If you notice any unexpected increase in water consumption on your bill when your usage patterns have not changed, it may be an indication of leaks somewhere in your plumbing system. Clogged drains and pipes can also cause unexpected changes in your bill.

Protect your plumbing

Even the best garbage disposals can become clogged and contribute to clogs if too much is thrown down at once. For large amounts of food scraps, create a compost pile if you don't already have one.

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