How to Give Your Pipes the Care They Need

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It can be both expensive and inconvenient to replace the plumbing in a home. The cost of replacing pipes in the average home can be upwards of $15,000.

To avoid expanding a renovation budget enormously, it’s a good idea to keep pipes working efficiently. Fortunately, keeping them in good working order doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. A few established routines and best practices will provide pipes the care they need to last.

Keep reading to find out the best ways to care for pipes and how to address some potential problems.

Maintain a regular maintenance schedule

The best way to keep any pipe system in working order is to address problems before, or at least shortly after, they happen, so inspect the pipes regularly to detect and repair issues promptly.

For the average homeowner, the best advice is to consult with a professional for maintenance services. Numerous potential problems require a trained eye to spot, such as that of an experienced plumber.

Moreover, if problems are found, a professional may be able to fix them on the spot or at least recommend a course of action. Small repairs and welds can be completed in short order and may prevent future catastrophic damage to the system.

Best practices to avoid clogs

Because clogs are one of the primary causes of residential pipe damage, it’s crucial to keep them to a minimum. Some of the best ways to do that include:

  • Keeping cooking oil or grease out drains. These liquids can solidify in pipes before reaching the main sewage and cause hard-to-reach clogs.

  • Avoid the use of bar soap. Bar soaps tend to leave a lot of soap scum, which can accumulate in pipes. Shower gel or body wash is a better alternative for pipes.

  • Covering drains. Using drain covers is a simple and effective way to prevent unwanted objects from reaching the pipes.

  • Avoid chemical drain-clog removers. Chemical drain cleaners are often highly toxic and potent. Since it’s difficult to control how long they’ll remain in pipes, they can cause severe damage before getting flushed through.

  • Use a toilet as intended. Toilets and the plumbing around them are designed to handle human waste and some toilet paper. Nothing else belongs in the toilet.

Your pipes will thank you

Giving pipes the care they need will pay huge dividends in the long run. It is not necessary to make a significant investment to do so.

Changing some routines and finding the right professional to provide regular maintenance will make pipes last as long as the home does.

Much Better Plumbing is the premier residential and commercial plumbing service for homeowners and businesses in the Las Vegas area. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Call us today at 702-996-5220.

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