How to Maintain Old Pipes
Did you know that one of the oldest homes in America is in New Mexico and was built sometime between 1,000 and 1,450 CE?
Chances are your home isn’t nearly as ancient as that one, but even a few decades of age can cause problems. That’s why it’s important to be on top of your pipe maintenance.
Are you wondering what you need to do? Keep reading to learn all about how to maintain old pipes.
Watch Out for Discolored Water
When it comes to plumbing tips, you should be on the lookout for any discolorations in your running water. For instance, it’s possible for it to appear yellowish-orange, especially if you’ve been away on a trip for a while.
Whatever you do, avoid drinking this water, as well as showering or brushing your teeth with it. Instead, you should find the main valve of your water supply and shut it off as soon as possible. Calling a professional can allow you to get a trustworthy diagnosis.
Be Mindful of Water Damage
Simply put, old pipe leaks are much more common than pipes that are brand new. Left untreated, these leaks can cause all kinds of damage to your home.
You should be on the lookout for water stains, wood warping, wall discoloration, and other signs. You can also spend some time listening for leaks. If the water problem is down below, then it’s worth it to learn how to fix a leaky basement.
Unclog the Smart Way
If you want to avoid expensive pipe repairs, then you should be careful when choosing drain cleaners. Some of them can be too effective and even eat away at pipes. Others may not be effective at all and can even add to the clog rather than get rid of it.
Not all types of clogs need industrial-strength solutions. For instance, you can get rid of smaller clogs by making a solution of vinegar and baking soda.
You can also avoid pouring things down your drain altogether. There are tools that you can run down the drain so that you can fish out the clog bit by bit or in one fell swoop.
Replace Galvanized Pipes
It’s an unfortunate fact that galvanized pipes are a thing of the past because they can rust and corrode over time.
If you have old pipes like this, then you’ll have to replace them before they taint your water.
Are You Ready to Maintain Old Pipes?
Now that you’ve learned all about how to maintain old pipes, you can make sure that they keep working long into the future. Replacing pipes can be expensive so it’s worth maintaining the ones you already have. Of course, nothing lasts forever but that doesn’t mean you can give it your all.
There is a ton of other home tips you can use to run a tight ship. For all of the latest info, be sure to click around our website and be sure to bookmark us before you move on with your day.
Trevor Anderson wrote this article on behalf of FreeUp. FreeUp is the fastest-growing freelance marketplace in the US. FreeUp only accepts the top 1% of freelance applicants. Click here to get access to the top freelancers in the world.
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