ORLANDO HOMEOWNERS SHOULD KNOW WHY WATER PIPES CAN LEAD TO LEAKS
Plumbing systems have been used for thousands of years to provide drinking water and remove water-borne wastes from buildings. In fact, “plumber” is derived from the latin word “plumbum,” meaning lead.
Beginning with the Romans, lead was the material of choice for plumbing pipes because it was soft and easy to fabricate. Some older cities, such as Boston, still have much lead plumbing. So residents with lead plumbing are advised to let water flow briefly to dispel any lead that has leached into the water.
Let us check below the plumbing problems that lead to leaks.
PLUMBING PROBLEMS THAT LEAD TO LEAKS
Leaks rank among the most common problems in any plumbing system, and here in Dumont, NJ, we see quite a few of them. They can be repaired fairly quickly, but they can also cause a lot of damage in the interim, especially if they take place in hidden areas like behind the walls where you won’t always notice them. Leaks rarely occur in a vacuum and most come about after a lengthy period of wear and tear on the pipes. By reducing the strain, you can reduce the damage, and thus keep the possibility of leaks to a minimum. Here’s how.
REGULATE WATER PRESSURE
Water pressure in your pipes is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi. You should probably keep it somewhere between 40 and 60 psi to avoid unnecessary strain on the pipes themselves (which can lead to leaks and bursts over time). A pressure regulator, installed by a professional in your plumbing system, can let you adjust water pressure levels to your liking, while a hose bib gauge (available for about $10 at any home improvement center) can let you monitor the water pressure in your pipes.
SOFTEN THE WATER
In addition to high water pressure, hard water — with a lot of mineral content — can be very hard on your system. Hard water deposits entail that crusty white build-up on your outlets, and over time can corrode the pipes themselves if left unaddressed. They can also cause other problems, like fading the clothes in your laundry and giving your drinking water an odd metallic taste. Consider the installation of a water softener in your home, in order to lower the mineral levels of the water and reduce the impact on your pipes.
Replacements and Repipes
There are other plumbing problems that are not focused on a particular plumbing fixture but are disturbing matters that plumbers can effectively repair. Don’t wait to contact someone for professional help. The problem will not fix itself and it will only get worse with time. Call Orlando Plumbers Today: (407) 477-5868.
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