Your plumbing system is one of the most frequently used elements in your home. Multiple times a day, toilets are flushed, sinks are used, the shower is run, and clothes are washed. The water must be heated, transported, and disposed of. As you can imagine, this means your plumbing system will experience a significant amount of wear and tear over time. It’s inevitable that your system will experience leaks, clogs, and even breakage.
However, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of problems developing. Below are three plumbing tips from the team at Orange Coast Plumbing to reduce the wear on your pipes.
1. Lower the Water Pressure
We can hear you gasping now—who would want to lower their water pressure? Isn’t low water pressure one of the most common problems in plumbing? While it is a major complaint, when water pressure is too high, it causes problems. Over time, it can damage the faucets, joints, pipes, and valves.
To find out if your water pressure is too high, you need to use a hose bib gauge. If you do not have one or don’t want to spend money on something you will rarely use, simply give us a call us and we will measure the water pressure in your home. The ideal amount of water pressure is a PSI in the 40-85 range.
Anything above 85 is dangerous to the health of your pipes. To reduce water pressure, a pressure regulator will need to be installed. This is the only method that can be used effectively to reduce the damage high water pressure causes. While low-flow shower heads and faucets reduce the water coming out, they do not change the pressure placed on the system.
2. Get a Water Softener
Hard water is unpleasant to taste and is harsh on your hair and skin. For these reasons alone, most people with hard water will get a water softener to fix it. Hard water is water that has too many minerals in it, and in addition to the previously mentioned problems, it also has the potential to cause sedimentation in your pipes. As this sediment builds up and hardens, it can cause the pipes to corrode and become blocked. Over time, this can lead to system backups, leaks, and even total plumbing system failure in your home.
The only way to combat the effects of hard water on your plumbing system is to install a water softener. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all kind of product. You will need to work with a professional to determine the one that is best for your home. Here at Orange Coast Plumbing, we can determine which one is right for you. Chances are we already have it in stock and can install it the same day.
3. Rely on Professionals to Help
The best way to avoid problems with your pipes is to have them checked at least twice a year. And the best way to prevent problems from getting big is to call for help as soon as you see a sign that something is wrong. While it can be tempting to ignore the problem or wait for trouble before calling, you will save time, money, and stress by being proactive instead of reactive.
Orange Coast Plumbing is Waiting for Your Call
Whether you have a problem that needs fixing or want to prevent problems from occurring, we are the team for you. With decades of experience behind us, we have seen it all and fixed it all. To extend the life of your plumbing system, turn to us.
