Five Common Mistakes that Shorten The Lifespan Of Your Water Pipes

Functioning water pipes are an essential element of any home. When these pipes wear out or break, the consequences can be costly. As a result, it’s worth doing all you can to extend the lifespan of your pipes for as long as possible. To help you accomplish this, here are five common mistakes that tend to shorten the lifespan of water pipes according to our water damage cleanup experts at Restoration 1 of Charlottesville.

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Using Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are an appealing choice because they seem like a quick, easy fix to clogs. However, it is not so simple as just pouring the drain cleaner down the drain and forgetting about it. Over time, the caustic chemicals in the cleaners can wear away at your pipes and make them more susceptible to cracking and bursting. 

Leaving Leaks Unattended

Leaks are often more than they appear to be. What looks like a small leak to you may actually be a symptom of a far greater problem like a pipe that is on the verge of bursting. This is why it’s so important that you act immediately if you discover a leak somewhere in your home. Acting quickly now can prevent a much larger water damage disaster in the future. 

Having Your Water Pressure Too High

High water pressure is a great convenience, but it can take its toll on your pipes over time. The optimal water pressure for a home should fall between 40 and 45 psi. It should never go over 60 psi. The intense flow of water through your pipes are anything above 45, and especially 60, psi will cause your pipes to expand and possibly burst over time. If your water pressure inexplicably rises to worrisome levels, call a plumber right away before it causes any permanent damage.

Not Cleaning Your Drains Regularly

The more blockage that builds up in your pipes, the more work those pipes have to do to transport water. Eventually, all that work can wear out the insides of your pipes until they start leaking or worse. Cleaning out your drains on (at least) a yearly basis will help you avoid build-up. They’ll work more effectively and you won’t have to worry about clogs or leaks. 

Flushing Items Down Your Drain That Don’t Belong There

Last of all, it’s important that you only flush things down your drain that belong there. The rule of thumb for this is simple: only flush toilet paper down you toilet! Flushing anything else is simply not worth the risk. Even if you don’t think there is a problem with flushing something else it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

Avoiding these common mistakes will go a long way toward making your pipes last longer. For any water damage concerns you may have, give us a call at Restoration 1 of Charlottesville for help.