Tag Archives: plumbing pipes

Jan '24

When to Consider Replacing Your Aging Plumbing Pipes

Although they practically make your home livable by carrying water to and from the house, your building’s plumbing network probably needs to be addressed. That’s because, despite its massive size, most of the pipes in the system are entirely out of sight.

Because they are buried in the ground or hidden inside the walls of your house, the BRS Management team, it is very easy to overlook plumbing pipes when doing general maintenance. Even worse, some homeowners wrongly assume that plumbing pipes are so sturdy that they do not need to go out of their way to look after them.

This belief is completely false. Like any other home feature, your plumbing pipes are vulnerable to wear and tear. Plumbing pipes are even more susceptible to wear because of their environment. These pipes transport water and are often underground.

Consequently, your home’s plumbing pipes are constantly subject to the corrosive effects of the water inside them and the forces of degradation in the surrounding soil. The combination of these factors is why those plumbing pipes wear out after some years and need replacement.

But the big question is, how do you know when it is time to replace the plumbing pipes in your home? Or should you wait until the pipes fail before replacing them? The trouble with waiting until your pipes fail is that you often have to fix other problems caused by the pipe failure. The easier way is to learn the signs of an impending in your plumbing system.

Critical signs that your plumbing pipes should be replaced

The pipes are old

Plumbing pipes have a 40 – 100-year lifespan, depending on the material and the environment where they are laid. The typical lifespan for different kinds of pipe materials is as follows: brass (40-70 years), copper (50+ years), cast iron (75-100 years), and PVC (100+ years). Check your home’s maintenance records to know the kind of pipes you have and how old they are.

You have frequent leaks

If your pipes leak frequently, it could be a sign that the pipes and pipe connections have become weak. Pipes can sometimes become fragile before they end their useful life. That may happen if the pipes are exposed to highly corrosive soil or water. If your pipes leak frequently, you could save money by replacing them instead of repairing them.

Reduced water pressure

There are two ways aging water pipes can affect the water pressure in your home: Mineral deposits can build up on the inner surface of pipes, reducing their internal diameter and slowing the rate at which water flows. Leaks in your pipes can also affect the water pressure in your home by letting water escape from the system.

Water quality issues

Aging pipes can also affect the quality of water entering your home. For instance, metal pipes, such as lead pipes, can leach dangerous metals into your home’s water supply. If there is a lot of corrosion and deposits inside the pipes, it may alter the water’s color, taste, and smell. Soil and bacteria may also find their way into the water through cracks in the walls of your home’s aged piping.

Why should you replace your old plumbing pipes?

Reduce maintenance costs

Newer pipes cut the time, money, and effort spent fixing leaks and clogs. Additionally, you can eliminate the cost of fixing water damage caused by those broken pipes.

Lower heating costs

Modern pipes such as PVC and CPVC can maintain water temperature during transit. This reduction in heating costs can result in significant energy savings each year.

Prevent wear and tear

Leaky pipes can cause constant water damage and mold growth, accelerating the deterioration of a building’s features. New plumbing pipes will not subject your home to this risk.

Compliance with building codes

Building codes and regulations are constantly being updated. Replacing your home’s plumbing pipes will allow you to bring your property up to code.

Improved property value

Newly installed plumbing improves a home’s appeal and market value. Buyers are willing to pay more for the peace of mind that comes with new pipes.

To conclude, is there a way to detect the actual condition of your home’s plumbing without waiting for any of the signs above? There is. By having your entire plumbing system inspected yearly by a professional plumber, you can preempt problems in the system.

Scheduled plumbing inspections by a professional plumber will allow you to see problems in the system before they become significant issues. By having your plumbing evaluated regularly, you can start planning and preparing beforehand for the eventual replacement of your pipes.

Jul '23

How Can You Repair Your Pipes While Saving Your Landscape?

Maintaining a healthy home landscape goes beyond having beautiful gardens and lush lawns; it also encompasses preserving the infrastructure that supports it. One of the key components of your landscape’s infrastructure is the piping system that supplies water and irrigation to the various areas of your property. However, over time, these pipes may experience leaks, cracks, or other damages that can lead to significant water loss and potential landscape damage.

To prevent further harm to your landscape and ensure the longevity of your piping system, proper pipe repair techniques are crucial. This article will explore some effective methods to repair your pipes while saving your precious landscape.

Detecting Pipe Issues

Before addressing pipe repairs, it is essential to identify and locate any issues within your piping system. Signs of pipe problems may include low water pressure, unexplained increases in water bills, damp areas on your lawn, or pooling water where it shouldn’t be. Additionally, if you notice an unusual decrease in the health or appearance of your landscape despite regular maintenance, there may be hidden pipe issues contributing to the problem.

To detect pipe issues, it is advisable to hire an underground leak detection plumber or use specialized equipment such as leak detection devices or thermal imaging cameras. These methods help locate potential leaks, cracks, or clogs within your piping system, enabling a targeted approach to repairs.

Non-Invasive Pipe Repair Techniques

When it comes to repairing your pipes while saving your landscape, non-invasive techniques are the most favorable option. Not only do they minimize disruption to your landscaping, but they also save you from incurring significant costs associated with digging up and replacing pipes.

One popular non-invasive pipe repair technique is trenchless pipe lining or relining. This process involves rehabilitating damaged pipes from within without the need for excavation. A durable lining material is inserted into the existing pipe, creating a new, structurally sound pipe within the old one. Trenchless pipe lining effectively seals cracks, prevents leaks, and improves the overall functionality of the piping system without disturbing your landscape.

Another non-invasive technique is pipe bursting. This method is commonly used to replace sewer pipes that are severely damaged and beyond repair. With pipe bursting, a new pipe is pulled through the damaged one, causing it to burst and displace the remnants while simultaneously installing a brand new pipe. This approach eliminates the need for extensive digging and trenching, minimizing landscape disruption.

a sewer camera video inspection taking place.

Schedule periodic sewer camera inspections of system to identify and address any sewer line issues promptly.

Preventive Measures for Pipe Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your pipes and reduce the likelihood of landscape damage, implementing preventive measures is essential. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy piping system and preserve your landscape:

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule periodic sewer camera inspections of system to identify and address any sewer line issues promptly. Timely identification can prevent minor problems from escalating into major ones, saving you time, money, and potential landscape damage.

2. Proper Planting Techniques: When landscaping your property, be mindful of the proximity of plants, trees, or shrubs to your piping system. Plant roots can pose a risk of intrusion, leading to cracks or blockages. Consult with a professional landscaper to ensure proper plant placement, especially near buried pipes.

3. Adequate Drainage: Proper drainage systems play a vital role in maintaining the health of your landscape and preventing water accumulation near pipes. Ensure proper grading, install drain covers, and regularly clear debris from gutters and downspouts to minimize the risk of water-related pipe damage.

4. Insulate Exposed Pipes: In colder climates, insulating exposed pipes is crucial to prevent freezing and potential bursting. Burst pipes not only impact your piping system but can also cause extensive damage to your landscape if left unaddressed.

5. Educate Household Members: Teach everyone in your household about the significance of water conservation and responsible water usage. By avoiding excessive water usage, you can reduce the strain on your piping system, minimizing the chances of leaks or damages that may affect your landscape.

The Importance of Professional Assistance

While some minor pipe repairs can be handled by homeowners, it is often recommended to seek professional assistance for significant or complex issues. Experienced plumbers have the knowledge, tools, and expertise necessary to diagnose and repair pipe problems efficiently without causing additional damage to your landscape. Hiring a professional plumber ensures that plumbing repairs are conducted accurately, providing long-lasting solutions and peace of mind.

In conclusion, protecting your landscape while repairing your pipes is not only possible but also essential for maintaining a healthy and visually appealing outdoor environment. By utilizing non-invasive repair techniques, implementing preventive measures, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can repair your pipes without compromising the beauty and integrity of your landscape for years to come.

Apr '23

5 Types of Plumbing Pipes You’ll Find in Homes

The plumbing system in your home comprises a vast network of pipes crisscrossing the entire length and breadth of the house. This system can be divided into two major parts; pipes carrying freshwater to the plumbing fixtures or water-utilizing appliances and pipes transporting gray water and sewage from your home.

As a homeowner, you know the damage plumbing problems can do to your home and belongings. Likely, at one point, you have had to deal with hidden water leaks and burst pipe emergencies in your home. Anyone who has experienced the stress and financial losses that follow a plumbing issue in their home does not want a repeat of the events.

But Graf Property Management advises you will only minimize the incidence of plumbing problems in your home if you understand how your home’s plumbing works. Due to the size of the plumbing network and how often the system is used, it is almost impossible to eliminate plumbing issues. But you can minimize problems by learning more about how plumbing works.

5 types of plumbing pipes in homes

Pipes make up most of the plumbing in your home. Plumbing pipes are also where problems are most likely in your home’s plumbing. This is why it is important to know a bit about the different types of plumbing pipes that are already in your home, or that can be used in your home. This knowledge will come in handy when fixing plumbing issues.

Whether working with a plumber or fixing problems yourself, you get better results with this information. Being able to tell the difference between piping materials and what each is best used for will help you choose the right pipes for your home re-piping project. Choosing suitable pipes from the outset will lead to fewer plumbing problems.

PEX (polyethylene cross-linked) pipes

This type of pipe is used for water supply lines; it doesn’t add traces of rust or corrosion to water. PEX pipes are rigid enough to withstand water pressure, yet they are flexible and easy to work on.

Unlike rigid PVC pipes, PEX pipes can be maneuvered around corners, and you can use different connection methods with them. Another reason to use PEX pipes is that they are color-coded for easy organization; red (hot water), blue (cold water), and white (hot or cold).

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes

This is the white plastic material many people visualize when considering plumbing pipes. PVC pipes are mainly used as the home’s main drain and main vent stack. Smaller PVC pipes (three inches) may also be used for sink drains and plumbing vents.

PVC is best for installations with low-temperature and low-pressure needs. This makes them the ideal material for toilet drain lines. They are not suitable for high-pressure water supply lines or transporting hot water. PVC pipes are fairly inexpensive but harder to work with than PEX pipes.

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes

This material is made from thermoplastic resin and is similar to PVC. But ABS pipes come in black and are slightly softer than PVC. If you ever find a black pipe in your toilet drain or sink, it is probably an ABS pipe.

They are slightly better than PVC in terms of their durability in high-impact environments. But they are not durable enough to withstand direct sun exposure; they will warp and degrade in direct sunlight. ABS pipes come in the same sizes as PVC pipes and are mostly used in vents and drain lines.

Copper pipes

Copper pipes have been used for decades, and you will likely find one around your sink, shower, or bathtub. Copper pipes – mostly made of pure copper – have a shiny reddish-brown color and are used primarily as water supply lines.

The biggest reason for their continuing popularity is that they do not alter water quality. The main issue with copper pipes is that you need a propane torch to install them; this makes their installation unsuitable for DIY. Moreover, copper pipes are expensive.

Galvanized (steel or cast iron) pipes

These types of pipes are no longer used in new home construction but can still be found in older houses. The major advantage of galvanized pipes was that they offered a lead-free alternative. Galvanized pipes were used mainly for water supply and drain lines, but this practice has been discontinued due to their tendency to rust.

You may still find galvanized steel being used as gas supply lines. Cast iron is still used as sewer and drainage pipes in commercial and high-rise buildings.

To conclude, another type of pipe often found in homes is the flexi or flexible pipe. This is a flexible tubing made of stainless steel. It is the final piping connection for appliances and plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and toilets. You cannot use them inside walls and floors.