Our plumbing system is here to do a lot of things. These pipes are responsible for bringing water throughout your home as needed. In contrast, drains carry waste and water away. You must know that just like any other system, our plumbing system can also catch some problems over time. Along with considering drain cleaning Tulsa, maintaining your water quality is also important to keep your plumbing system in the best possible condition. This is because protecting your plumbing system is imperative. Problems in plumbing systems can occur due to multiple reasons, including the water quality you are using. Here in this article, we will learn about the role of water quality to protect your plumbing system.
So, here we go:
Learn about water quality.
Water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water that determine whether it is right for specific uses. These characteristics are essential to maintaining the health of our plumbing systems. When it’s to plumbing, several key factors are necessary to consider for water quality:
These usually include:
- Hardness of water:
Hard water usually contains high concentrations of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not harmful to human health, they can wreak havoc on your plumbing.
- Chemical contamination
Water can contain a variety of chemical contaminants, such as chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals like lead and copper. These chemicals can also have detrimental effects on your plumbing system.
- Biological components
Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms can thrive in water when not treated properly. These biological components can cause health problems and degrade the quality of your plumbing system.
How does water quality affect your plumbing system?
Here are some of the most common problems that poor water quality can cause to your plumbing system. These include:
1. Material buildup in the water heating system
Hard water, containing excessive minerals like calcium and magnesium, can lead to scaling inside your water heater. This buildup can result in reduced heating efficiency and higher energy bills.
2. Clogs in your water line
Sediment and debris carried by poor-quality water can accumulate over time. Consequently, it will lead to clogs in your water supply lines. These clogs can cause reduced water flow and pressure issues. It can further make it difficult to deal with the problems, especially if your plumbing fixtures get damaged. Feeding clogs removal tools can also become more difficult in water lines than drain cleaning Tulsa.
3. Increased cracks and leaks in the water line
Extreme water temperatures or pH levels can weaken plumbing pipes. These problems can make them more vulnerable to cracks and leaks. It can result in costly repairs and water wastage.
4. Issues in water pressure
Fluctuations in water pressure caused by impurities or corrosion can disrupt the overall functionality of your plumbing system. It may also result in affecting the performance of appliances and fixtures.
5. Corrosion and scaling effects
Chemical components like chlorine and corrosive minerals can corrode pipes and plumbing fixtures. The problems can lead to premature wear and tear. Moreover, scaling caused by mineral buildup can reduce pipe diameter, restricting water flow.
6. Foul odor, bad tasting or discolored water.
Contaminants and microorganisms can cause water to smell unpleasant, taste bad, or appear discolored. It can be unappealing and lead to different health concerns.
7. Lead contamination
The presence of lead in water is a serious health hazard, especially in older homes with lead pipes or fixtures. Lead exposure can lead to a range of health issues, making it essential to address lead contamination in your water supply.
Effective tips to improve water quality to protect your plumbing system
Now that we’ve identified the potential plumbing issues caused by poor water quality let’s discuss how you can protect your plumbing system by maintaining water quality.
So, here we go:
Water Testing is imperative
Regular water testing is the first step in understanding the quality of your water supply. You can hire a professional water testing service or use DIY water testing kits available at hardware stores. Water tests can help you identify the presence of contaminants, mineral levels, and pH levels in your water. As a result, you can better treat your water and protect your plumbing system.
Install a water softener.
If your water is hard, installing a water softener is one of the most effective solutions. Water softeners use ion exchange to reduce the hardness of the water. It prevents scale buildup in your plumbing system and appliances.
Use a water filtration system.
Water filtration systems can remove different contaminants from your water supply. There are different types of filtration systems available, including:
- Activated carbon filters
- Reverse osmosis systems
- UV filters.
You must choose a filtration system that targets the specific contaminants present in your water and can help you have improved water quality throughout your house.
Regular Maintenance
Another effective solution to protect your plumbing system here is scheduled maintenance. It is crucial for preventing plumbing issues. So, you must have your plumbing system inspected by a professional plumber regularly. They can identify and address potential problems before they become major issues.
Perform Lead and Copper Testing
If you live in an older home or suspect that your plumbing system contains lead or copper pipes, consider having your water tested for these heavy metals. If high levels of lead and copper are detected in your home water, you may need to replace or reline your plumbing pipes. This practice is highly important to prevent lead or copper contamination in your water supply.
Monitor and regulate water pressure.
Monitoring and regulating water pressure is crucial to protect against harm to your plumbing system. High water pressure can strain pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and damage. Low pressure indicates the presence of clogs in your plumbing system. Therefore, monitoring and regulating water pressure is imperative to protect your plumbing system. It will also help in the longevity and functionality of your plumbing, reducing the risk of costly repairs.
Conclusion
Water quality plays a crucial role in protecting your plumbing system. It is also necessary to ensure a safe and efficient water supply for your home or building. Here, this article certainly has helped you to understand the factors that affect water quality and how they can impact your plumbing infrastructure. So, now you must take proactive measures to protect your plumbing system. Drain cleaning Tulsa is our specialty, contact us if you need assistance.
Read more about our business by visiting About Us | Plumbing Tulsa | Acts of Service Plumbing today. We specialize in professional plumbing services, including drain cleaning Tulsa.
Also, check out one of the many clients we have served around the Tulsa area: Navien Inc.