The Importance of Plumbers
Plumbing is something that is easy to take for granted. It’s one of those matters where you don’t notice how much of a role it plays in your daily life until it stops working or something goes wrong. The fact that we can simply walk up to a faucet and expect hot water to come out every time we turn the handle is all thanks to plumbers. The modern lifestyle we currently enjoy would be impossible without the knowledge and skills these professionals possess.
The Impact Plumbers Have on Society
Being a plumber is a physically demanding job. People who are in this profession don’t just unclog drains and fix faucets, they are responsible for the assembly, installation, and repair of pipes, fixtures, and fittings. It’s this plumbing that allows us to easily access water and gas and to dispose of waste. These advantages have a bigger impact our lives—and in a deeper way—than many people realize.
Here are a few ways that society depends on plumbers.
Health
Did you know that the World Health Organization has declared plumbers to be the most important frontline health workers in the world? With their knowledge and expertise, plumbers can design plumbing systems that give us access to clean water sources. That clean water can be used for everything from practicing proper hygiene to sanitizing operating rooms. Sustainable health is not possible without clean water.
Waste Removal
Plumbing isn’t only for the collection, transportation, and dispersal of clean water, it can also be used to remove liquids and waste. Plumbers work to ensure that plumbing systems perform waste disposal in an efficient and safe manner. This makes it possible to separate your clean water from harmful contaminants. When plumbing is done poorly, it could allow for those contaminants to leak into undesirable areas, posing a danger to anyone nearby.
De-centralized Conservation and Reuse
Unfortunately, clean water is a finite resource, meaning it’s important to use it wisely and maximize our use efficiency. Plumbers and the plumbing industry help us optimize our water usage through technology and water management. They work to ensure there’s always enough water to go around. They also play an important role in taking actions such as harvesting rainwater, desalination, wastewater treatment, and water reuse.
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When Should I Replace My Old Plumbing?
Your home’s extensive plumbing network is essential to you and your family’s daily comfort — from taking a hot shower in the morning to doing the laundry and cooking dinner at the end of the day. Many homeowners might assume their home’s plumbing will naturally function and perform smoothly and reliably as long as the house is still standing. While having quality plumbing fixtures and pipes that function indefinitely would be ideal and less hassle, depending on the plumbing materials your home has, its age, environment and regular maintenance upkeep, they could need replacement.
Failing pipes and plumbing are not only inconvenient, but if unaddressed, they can lead to significant and costly property damage such as severe water damage. Knowing the expected lifespan of your plumbing and understanding the signs of plumbing failure can help local homeowners know when it’s time to replace household plumbing.
How Long Do Residential Plumbing Systems Last?
The pipes and plumbing snaking throughout your home won’t last forever, but with regular care and maintenance, most pipe materials can perform for several decades before showing signs of wear and still need a replacement. Take a look throughout your home and determine which materials your pipes are crafted from — depending on the plumbing materials, any issues may indicate a simple repair need or show the pipes are nearing the end of their usable expectancy.
The lifespan for the most common residential plumbing systems are:
- Brass: 40 to 70 years
- Copper: 50 or more years
- Galvanized steel: 20 to 50 years
- Cast iron: 75 to 100 years
- Polyvinyl chloride: Indefinitely
While most of these materials have long lifespans, it’s also important to consider pipe joints, fittings and other components connecting your plumbing and fixtures that may be faulty and causing leaks, clogs and other plumbing issues.
What’s the Average Plumbing Life Cycle?
Along with the materials used, the average plumbing system’s life cycle will depend on each individual part, including:
- Water heaters: 12-year average life cycle
- Garbage disposals: 10-year average life cycle
- Toilet flappers: Five-year average life cycle
- Water softeners: 20-year average life cycle
In addition, toilets manufactured after 1992 need to flush on 1.6 GPF or less, or it’s time to replace them. Once you are aware of the life expectancy of your plumbing system, you will better understand when to replace your old plumbing and avoid major problems.
When to Replace Your Home’s Plumbing
Once you better understand the materials of your plumbing and its performance expectations, you should also know the common signs of failing plumbing and when to replace toilet pipes, leaking faucets, slow drains and other plumbing fixtures. The following are signs it’s time to replace your home’s plumbing:
- Discolored water: Water with an unusual color or brownish tint typically indicates pipe corrosion, and your water supply is likely carrying rust particles that can cause water discoloration.
- Water with an odor: Avoid using any water with a strange odor, which could indicate significant bacteria buildup inside pipes or mold growth in your pipes and drains.
- Slow drainage: If you have a drain that refuses to unclog no matter how many cleaning agents and snakes you use, then it could be extremely corroded and need replacement.
- Low water pressure: Persistent poor water pressure could indicate a clogged water pipe somewhere in your system, a leak downstream from the fixture or reveal a leaking pipe.
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Is PVC pipe safe for drinking water?
PVC plastic is an affordable choice for home plumbing. It doesn’t corrode, is flexible and easy to install, and can be used with many different connections. But PVC can’t handle extreme heat, it melts and could potentially cause negative health impacts. Because of this, using PVC pipes for your drinking water supply is not advised.
What is PVC plastic?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was one of the first synthetic plastics that was discovered, synthesized by a German chemist in 1872. It’s made from salt and oil or gas and is the world’s third-most widely produced plastic polymer.
PVC is made into rigid and flexible plastic products. Rigid PVC plastic can be used for such items as signage, flooring, window frames, and pipes. Flexible PVC is used for making products like plastic bank cards, food containers, water bottles, footwear, and inflatable pools, among many other uses. It can even be blended with cotton or linen to make canvases for painting.
Using PVC plastic for plumbing and pipes
This synthetic plastic is affordable and doesn’t rust or corrode over time, which is why it is such a popular choice for indoor plumbing. PVC plastic is easy to work with, requiring no welding or metalwork, and is versatile. It can be used with many different fittings and sizes.
Typically, PVC pipes are used for sink, toilet, and bathtub drain lines, as well as for main water supply lines, irrigation piping, and vent stacks. PVC was one of the first types of plastic pipes that were used to replace old copper pipes.
Usually, PVC pipes are coloured white but also come in different colours and thicknesses and with different marks on the pipe, for specified uses. A primer is used to soften the PVC for making connections, then applying PVC glue to melt the joints and pipe together.
Limitations of PVC pipes
While it is a great option for most warm and cold water plumbing, PVC pipes can’t be used for your hot water supply. PVC will start to warp under extreme heating conditions and will degrade under UV light for an extended period of time, such as outside in the summer.
PVC plastic has many uses but it can also be dangerous. It’s made of vinyl chloride and organotin compounds which can cause negative health reactions and are carcinogenic. Chemicals usually stay locked inside the pipe material but can leach into your water supply. In fact, drinking water from a PVC pipe may have a plastic taste to it. This is why we discourage PVC plastic pipes from being used for drinking water.
Safer options for your home’s drinking water supply
Thankfully, there are many other material choices for your home’s plumbing system pipes. Galvanized steel, copper, CPVC, and PEX are all typically used for pipes. Each material has different strengths and weaknesses, in terms of how they handle extreme temperatures, how long they last, how easy they are to install and repair, and how long the pipes will last.
Galvanized steel pipes: If you have an older home, your water pipes may be made of galvanized steel. These pipes are made of steel, yet treated with a zinc coating to prevent corrosion, and can handle hot water.
Cutting, threading, and installing galvanized steel pipes can be expensive and time-consuming, so updated plumbing systems generally use other materials. For older homes, galvanized pipes should last from 30 to 50 years.
Copper pipes: When galvanized steel pipes became less popular, copper pipes were often used instead. While not an affordable option, copper pipes are great for both hot and cold water distribution. However, with age and use, copper pipes begin to thin and leak, though they should last for up to 50 years.
Copper is resistant to corrosion and doesn’t degrade with water, which makes it safe for pipes used for drinking water. Care should also be taken when installing copper pipes in a place with acidic water. As even slightly acidic water, with a pH of 6.5 or less, can cause copper particles to leach out of your pipes and into your water supply.
As copper is one of the most expensive materials used, there is a high risk of theft in vacant houses.
CPVC pipes: For a plastic pipe that can withstand high temperatures, CPVC is a great option. CPVC, which stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is more flexible and can handle much higher temperatures than PVC. CPVC pipes can handle water heated up to 82 degrees Celsius, so warping isn’t an issue.
CPVC is a thermoplastic made from PVC resin and is safe for use with drinking water. It’s easy to work with, such as with welding, forming, and machining, and is a strong material. Typically it’s made in a cream-coloured or off-white coloured pipe. CPVC pipes have the same diameter as copper and PEX pipes so the same fittings can be used. They’re also very long-lasting, generally able to work for 50 to 80 years.
PEX pipes: Pipes made from PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) are more durable than copper and can handle both hot and cold water temperatures. PEX is much more resistant to acidic water than copper. These pipes, also called XLPEI pipes, are an affordable option and often last for more than 50 years.
PEX can handle water heated up to 120 degrees Celsius without melting or warping. It’s easy to use and install, as it’s flexible and doesn’t need many joints, and it’s easy to transport.
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The Importance Of Plumbing and Why Should Maintain It
Plumbing is the system of pipes and their installation and maintenance in simple words. The plumbing system is usually related to pipes and water and is used to drain wastewater and supply clean water for houses, offices, and buildings. This is not a complete list of the plumbing system because there are some more elements included in the plumbing system like installations and maintenance of the many plumbing-related things like heating systems, water boilers, washing machines, etc.
Importance of plumbing system
The plumbing system is one of the important systems of houses, offices, and buildings. Other systems can be electrical wiring systems, security systems, etc. Proper maintenance of the plumbing system at your place is essential to ensure that water either clean or waste is running properly. This is necessary because proper maintenance of the plumbing system will provide a healthy environment for you and your family.
Types of a Plumbing system
There are 3 different types of plumbing systems that are explained below.
- Sanitary drainage system
The major function of this type of system is to get rid of wastewater. This wastewater removal is done by using a series of pipes that are specially designed for this function. The plumbers not only install these drainage pipes but also open these pipes if clogged. The wastewater is produced in houses from the kitchen, toilets, and laundry. This waste is transferred to the local sewer after it enters the sanitary drainage system.
- Stormwater drainage system
Covered holes on the sidewalk are called storm drains. Their function is to carry wastewater away from the houses. Previously, these storm drains were used to take wastewater to the main sanitary system but now usually these drains are used to drain rainwater.
- Potable water system
This water system is used to supply water within the houses or buildings. In this system, many pipes are connected to the main system. This system includes the installation of valves at different points to cut off the water supply. In some houses and buildings, water usage is also measured by the installation of a meter.
Plumber
A plumber is a professional person who is responsible for installing and repairing pipes of the plumbing system. For example, a plumber not only installs water supply or drainage pipes but also repairs if the pipes are leaked. Similarly, he installs sinks and toilet utilities but also maintains the clogged toilets and sinks. The professional plumber can provide the following services to you.
- Repairing of water leaks
- Clearing of clogged drains
- Reducing calcium build up in the water
- Repairing or replacement of water heater
- Sewer line installation and repair
- Sewer drain cleaning
- Repairing or replacement of main sewer pipes
- Plumbing up-gradation service for homes
When plumbing service is needed
- Occasional plumbing problems or emergency plumbing
If you face any leakage or clogging problem in your sanitary or clean water supply system, then call a professional to solve your problem. Because water leaking can increase moisture on the walls and can lead to fungal infections. If this leakage is from sanitary water then you can feel a stinking smell along with increased moisture.
- Persistent plumbing problems
If you are facing plumbing problems continuously like leakage or clogging then it is necessary to upgrade your plumbing system. call a professional plumber or a plumbing service.
- Renovation of house
If you have decided to renovate your complete house or kitchen, bathrooms, and washing areas only then check your plumbing system especially if it is old. So, call a plumbing service to upgrade your plumbing systems as well.
- New Construction
If you have planned to construct a new house, office, or building then plumbing services will also be needed.
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What is the purpose of plumbing?
Having an effective and properly installed plumbing system is very important in every residential and commercial building. The main purpose of a plumbing system is to deliver clean water in every residential and commercial building and, at the same time, eliminate all wastewater. These two factors will work side-by-side to bring comfort and safety to everyone’s health.
Health has always been one the top priorities of plumbing companies in constructing effective plumbing system. But as the years’ pass and technology has developed, the purpose of the plumbing system is broadening. Now, plumbing systems also serve the purpose of the following:
- Effectively delivering clean and drinkable water to regions that are affected by water shortages. This becomes possible with the help of the latest plumbing products.
- Promoting the use of water efficiently. This is another good advantage of the latest plumbing products (e.g. pressure reducing valve) offered today because they are designed with helpful features. These products lessen the amount of water that is being used in the bathroom, kitchen and other parts with plumbing products installed. This is a great assurance for everyone that no water will go to waste.
- Effectively conserve energy. If you use less water consistently, the amount of water that you need to heat, and transport will lessen as well.
The question ‘what is the purpose of plumbing?’ may seem to be a basic or simple question. But the truth is, it is an effective way for everyone to understand the importance of the plumbing system and take care of it. The only question is, how?
How to maintain your plumbing system?
Maintenance is always the key to extend the life expectancy of your plumbing systems. You can maintain your plumbing system by following the list below:
- First on the list is installing a water heater expansion tank. This is a safety device that reduces the risk of pressure damage to your plumbing system. As a result, this will ensure long life expectancy for your faucets, water heaters, and other plumbing fixture.
- Second is to never use any drain-clearing products that contain chemicals. Chemical-based drain clearing products are well-known to help your drains clog-free. But the truth is, these chemicals will do more harm than good because it promotes oxidisation on cast-iron drainpipes. Ideally you should do it manually by using plumber’s snake or hire a professional plumber to do the job.
- Third on the list is to install pipe insulation. This is only applicable for everyone who is living in a cold climate or during the winter season. The pipe insulation will help to keep the water on the pipes from freezing, expanding or having any problems that can lead to costly damage. The common areas in the house where you can install it are the basement, crawl space, and garages.
- Lastly, install a water softener. There are areas in Australia (e.g. Around Adelaide and some parts of Brisbane) that have fresh water supplies. Freshwater is great for one’s body, but not for the plumbing because it has high levels of minerals, calcium or magnesium. These elements can corrode the plumbing’s joints and fittings.
The water softener can effectively dissolve those elements and increase the life expectancy of your plumbing system.
DIY or Hire a professional
These are the two common options for homeowners whenever plumbing maintenance comes up. Everyone advises to hire a professional instead of DIY because plumbing problems are often complicated to handle. But this decision depends on the plumbing you have at hand. If your problems lie with any of the following, you can fix it yourself:
- Installation of a new faucet
- Repairing toilet flush mechanism
- Washing machine hose replacement
A little tip: You can fix any plumbing-related problems as long as it will not involve the plumbing lines or pipes inside the ceilings, floors, and walls. Also, DIY is advisable only IF you own the right tools and materials needed. The plumbing problems that are not mentioned above must be handled by a professional plumber.
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5 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumber
When you’re facing plumbing problems, the last thing you want to do is hire the wrong person. But, hiring a plumber that’ll get the job done isn’t always easy.
What are some of the key things to consider before you hire someone? How can you make sure you’re making the right choice?
That’s why we’re sharing 5 crucial questions to help you find the best plumbing professional in town. Read on to learn more!
1. Are They Certified?
Not all plumbers are created equal.
Believe it or not, many self-professed plumbing pros don’t hold a professional license.
To work in the plumbing trade in the state of Washington, you must be certified by the Washington State Plumber Certification Program. But, this doesn’t mean everyone in the plumbing industry is actually certified.
So, how can you be sure that the company you hire is legit?
The simplest solution is to ask to see a copy of their plumber certificate. If they balk at your request or act suspiciously, you should probably think twice before hiring them to do your “dirty work”.
2. What Does the Estimate Include?
You’ll want to make sure that any potential hires provide an estimate for their services prior to entering into a contract. And, be sure to find out what their estimate includes.
In other words, does their estimation cover all potential costs? Or, is there a possibility they might tack on additional fees and charges as they go?
If they aren’t willing to guarantee the estimated costs up front, you could be looking at a bottomless plumbing bill in the very near future.
3. Are They Insured?
When hiring a contractor to perform work in or on your home, it’s important to find out if they’re insured. And, simply having plumbers’ insurance may not be enough to keep you out of hot water should damage occur during the plumbing process.
If they don’t have adequate coverage, you could wind up having to fork out big bucks should anything go wrong. Be sure to find out if their insurance would pay for any and all unforeseen problems that might occur.
4. What Do Their Past Customers Say About Them?
If you really want to know about a plumber’s level of expertise, check out their past customer reviews.
Anyone who receives reviews that rank below 3 stars on a consistent basis probably shouldn’t make the final cut.
5. Do They Have Experience That’s Specific to Your Plumbing Issue?
They can garner all the five-star reviews in the world, but unless they’ve completed jobs similar to yours, you can’t be sure they’ll offer five-star service.
Make sure they know what they’re doing before they begin their work. If they lack experience dealing with your specific plumbing problem, it’s likely best that you keep looking.
Hiring a Plumber With All the Right Answers
Hiring a plumber might seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.
We’re here to make sure that the job is done right. Are you dealing with plumbing problems? Look no further!
If you want to be sure that your plumber is a true professional, let us help. Contact us today to hire your next plumber.
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