Pipeline corrosion is very common in the plumbing industry. Residential and commercial plumbing systems face this problem from time to time. Whether it’s a gas line, sewer line, or water line, no pipeline is immune to developing this issue. Even so-called corrosion-resistant piping material isn’t 100% immune to rusting and leaks. So what can you do? Consider the following three ways to prevent pipeline corrosion in your home or business.
Check Your Water Quality
Calcium and magnesium are major contributors to pipeline corrosion. When these minerals build up in the plumbing system, they cause piping material to rust. If your home or building has hard water, it’s likely that there’s already damage to the pipelines. Signs that you have hard water include rust-colored stains inside toilet bowls, orange water flowing from your pipes, or unusually dry skin and hair. Have your water tested to determine its hardness level.
All water, whether it’s from a public water system or a private well, is at risk of being hard. Although, if you get your water from a private well system, your chances of having hard water are higher than average. Small amounts of hard water might not be something to worry about, but when you have moderate to extremely hard water, you need to take action. Installing a water filtration system or installing a water softener are two great ways to condition your water and protect your building’s pipes.
Check Your Water Pressure
If you think that there’s no such thing as too little water pressure, think again. Often, people are considered with low water pressure. Yet, high water pressure puts a great deal of stress on pipes. Overtime, this stress leads to corrosion. If you have high or inconsistent water pressure, these are problems that need addressing right away. Contact a plumber to come out to your home or place of business to test the water pressure. Follow the plumber’s instructions for correcting the problem and protect your pipes.
Get Regular Drain Cleaning
Nothing corrodes pipes faster than clogs. When deep-seated clogs are allowed to continue to grow, this puts pressure on the pipe material. Even the strongest pipes experience problems after a while. The best way to get around this situation is to take a proactive approach. Regular drain cleaning services keep pipes clean and in the best condition for many, many years.
How often do you need drain cleaning services? That depends on a couple of things. First, is it a residential or commercial plumbing system? Commercial plumbing systems experience greater wear and tear and demand on the system. Therefore, they often need more frequent drain cleaning. Second, how well do you treat your plumbing system? Are you careful about what gets poured down the drain and what is flushed? If so, yearly drain cleaning keeps you one step ahead of pipe corrosion. Households that treat their toilets and drains like trash cans and grease interceptors often require twice-a-year drain cleaning.
To determine the best drain cleaning schedule and for more tips for preventing pipe corrosion, contact The Pink Plumber.
