Home Habits That Will Protect Your Pipes

Protect Your Pipes

An important part of being a homeowner is taking care of your plumbing system. Even if you get a great water heater and regularly service your sewer or septic systems, you also need to maintain the elements that bring it all together: your pipes.

Your pipes need care in order to work properly – that includes preventing leaks and deterioration. Here are some tips to keep your pipes in top working order.

Keeping Drains Clean

What you put down the drain has a direct impact on the longevity and stability of your pipes. Don’t pour harmful chemicals, cooking grease, or even chemical drain cleaners down the drain, as they can corrode your pipes.

Also, don’t put things down your drain that are likely to cause clogs. This includes:

• Coffee grounds
• Rice
• Pasta
• Meat
• Oil
• Paper products
• Hair

Using a drain catcher will help keep out foods that come off when you clean your dishes. And if you do develop a clog, make sure to have it removed as soon as possible to prevent a larger issue.

Using the Right Pipes

You need the right material to have safe and effective pipelines. Many homes use copper pipes, but these are vulnerable to corrosion. The better option is PEX pipes, the new standard for plumbing pipes in modern homes.

PEX pipes can last for half a century and are very resistant to corrosion. This makes them the superior choice to copper and other metals like iron or steel. Your home may also have a piping material called polybutylene. This material was used in the late 20th century on many homes but has since been found to be ineffective. Some insurance companies won’t insure your home if it has polybutylene pipes, so a repiping may be necessary.

Your Plumbing & Piping Partner

If you need help reclaiming the health of your pipes, turn to the professionals at Aztec Plumbing & Drains. Contact us for more information on installing the right pipe material in your home.