Issues That Lead to Pipe Replacement

06/06/2016

Plumbing pipes are designed to last for decades, and for the most part they do. However, there are a number of problems that can cut the lifespan of a pipe short. If you want to get the maximum return on investment for your plumbing pipes, it’s a good idea to be aware of the kinds of issues that lead to early pipe replacement. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the more common causes of pipe damage.

Corrosion

The majority of new plumbing pipes in the country today are made of copper. Copper is a great material for plumbing, as it’s resistant to rust and tends to be pretty long lived. The main issue with copper is that of corrosion. Two common chemicals found in the air and soil, formaldehyde and chlorine, react poorly with copper. Formaldehyde causes formicary corrosion, in which small tunnels resembling an ant colony eat through the copper. Chlorine, meanwhile, causes pitted corrosion that tends to degrade the copper very quickly. Both of these make leaks more or less inevitable, and are very hard to prevent. The best you can do is to have your pipes inspected on a regular basis to ensure that there isn’t any advanced corrosion present.

Lime Scale

Lime scale is a type of mineral deposit caused by hard water flowing through the pipes in your home. The initial problem with it is that it restricts the flow of water through the pipes, lessening their efficiency. If the problem isn’t solved, though, the lime scale will harden and become nearly impossible to remove. This will require that the pipe be replaced in order to restore the system to full function.

Rooter Man offers comprehensive piping services throughout Clifton Park, NY. If you need pipe replacement services of any kind, call today for an appointment.