While the pipes that comprise your home or office’s plumbing system were designed and are intended to last for years and years, they are nonetheless prone to wear and tear. Additionally, some pipes are sturdier than others, and rogue factors, such as tree roots, can play a significant role in the lifespan of your pipes. Having your pipes inspected for their physical integrity before you have a plumbing problem can help save you time and money and can also minimize the inconvenience and headache associated with emergency plumbing repairs.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Most of us don’t pay a lot of attention to our pipes for the very reason that they are usually hidden behind walls. When your pipes and drains are running smoothly, you have little reason to think of them. When they aren’t running smoothly, it’s a different story, however. The fact is that your pipes weaken with age, and over the years, their integrity can be compromised. Don’t wait until your plumbing gives you problems; schedule a pipe inspection with an experienced Boca Raton plumber today.
Everyday Wear and Tear
The pipes in your home or office see action every day, and all this usage – along with other factors – eventually leads to worn and worn pipes. A variety of factors can play a role in the erosion of your pipes:
- Buildup of Debris
Your pipes see a steady flow of water mixed with debris, including hair, bits of food, and soap scum. Once this debris begins to collect on your pipes’ interiors, it encourages further buildup. Dirty pipes are prone to clogs and damage. If you’ve used liquid drain cleaners – instead of calling in the professionals to clean stubborn clogs – you’ve likely caused further damage.
- Hard Water
Hard water is hard on your appliances, your skin, your laundry, and your dishes, but its high mineral count is also hard on your fixtures, your pipes, and their connectors. There are several tell-tale signs that you have hard water, including drinking water that has an off-putting taste; drab, dingy laundry; bath water that’s hard on your skin; ring around the tub; spotty and/or streaky dishes; and/or appliances that need to be repaired or replaced more often than would normally be necessary. If you think you have hard water, speak with a knowledgeable Boca Raton plumber about an advanced water filtration system.
- Tree Roots
Your sewer line flows with water that contains the nutrients and oxygen that trees need to grow, and that is exactly why tree roots are so attracted to your pipes. Trees’ root systems can cause untold damage to your pipes, but – unless you schedule regular plumbing inspections – you likely won’t know about it until you experience a plumbing emergency, like a blockage or backup.
The Condition of Your Pipes
Often, we don’t think about the condition of our pipes until we face a plumbing problem. There are, however, several signs that it’s time to call in a professional Boca Raton plumber pronto:
- You Have a Leak
If you have noticed puddles of water where puddles of water shouldn’t be (directly under or near a fixture, for example), you likely have a pipe leak. Leaking pipes are a sign that you have a problem. They are not only inconvenient but can also cause structural damage and lead to mold and mildew that is associated with health risks.
- Your Home or Office Is Getting On in Years
The older your home or office, the more likely it is that your (original) pipes need professional services. Depending upon what your pipes are made of, their expected lifespan will vary.
- You Have Polybutylene Pipes
There was a time when polybutylene pipes, an inexpensive and flexible plastic, were regularly installed in plumbing systems. These pipes do not withstand the test of time and no longer meet building codes in the United States. Polybutylene pipes are prone to rupture, and if you don’t have them replaced, you should maintain regularly scheduled professional inspections. If your exposed pipes are made of white plastic and are printed with the letters PB on them, they are made of polybutylene.
If It’s Time for a Pipe Inspection, Contact a Professional Boca Raton Plumber Today
Having your pipes inspected now can save you time, money, and inconvenience down the road. The dedicated plumbing professionals at Erica’s Plumbing and Restoration in Boca Raton have the skill, experience, and commitment to customer service to help you maintain your plumbing in excellent working condition for years to come. And because we’re available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week, we can also effectively and efficiently take care of plumbing emergencies. For more information, please contact or call us at (561) 782-2779 today.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & RestorationPhone: (561) 782-2779
