7 Simple Tricks to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pipes

Plumbing problems are something every homeowner has to deal with eventually. Parts of your plumbing will start falling apart, causing issues, so you must be ready. That is important because water damage is costly to fix when it occurs, and it can happen very quickly. As such, keeping an eye out for plumbing problems is vital, but prevention is always the best option. To this end, we’ve put together a list of 7 simple tricks to extend the lifespan of your pipes.

1. Keep an eye on your water pressure

Using a water pressure gauge, you can easily spot when your pipes begin failing. The ideal range of water pressure is anywhere between 40 and 85 psi. Anything less indicates something is wrong with your pipes, like a leak or worse. That essentially serves as an early warning system showing that something needs tending. And one of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your pipes is to fix more minor issues as they pop up. Additionally, during winter, you should know how to spot a frozen pipe; low water pressure is one of these potential signs. Remember, being proactive is the best way to keep your pipes in shape, so don’t ignore this.

2. Be quick with fixing smaller issues

As we already mentioned, quickly fixing smaller issues with your plumbing is vital if you want to extend the lifespan of your pipes. That is because something like a leak doesn’t necessarily mean the pipe needs replacement, but you need to do something. Leaks, while not immediately too concerning, can quickly evolve into bigger issues and cause serious damage to your plumbing. The same applies to clogs and corrosion. They are not an immediate threat, but you should fix them ASAP. Regularly inspect your pipes; if you spot any issues, get them fixed immediately. Smaller things can be fixed DIY, but we always recommend contacting a plumber to help you out. Additionally, experts from Manhattan Movers NYC note that checking the plumbing for minor damage is the first thing you should do after a move. Especially if you’re moving long-distance, minor problems can pop up between buying and moving in.

3. Avoid clogging your drain and toilet

One of the most common causes of a clog is putting something down the drain that you shouldn’t. That also applies to what you flush down the toilet, as clogs can be as bad there. If either the drain or toilet gets clogged, there’s a good chance something gets damaged if you don’t fix the clog. However, as the golden rule goes, being proactive is vital when dealing with these issues. After all, a clog can never cause damage if it never gets a chance to. So, knowing what to avoid putting down the drain is vital. Never allow your pipes to clog; they will last much longer than they would otherwise.

4. Make sure your faucet aerators are clean

A build-up of calcium inside a faucet aerator is a common issue that can lower water pressure. Getting this fixed immediately is important, as it can distract you from other problems. So, remove and clean the faucet aerators before you detect low water pressure. Simply using vinegar to clean the aerators will get them working again in no time. And with that out of the way, re-check the water pressure to ensure no other ongoing issues. And while we usually recommend working with experts to fix problems, this is one of the few repairs you can safely do on your own. But, of course, be careful not to damage the aerators while cleaning them.

5. Do your best to keep the pipes in good condition

Generally, keeping your pipes maintained is a great way to make them last longer. Regular maintenance is something you should get in the habit of doing anyway. Occasionally inspect your pipes, keep them as clean as possible, and so on. Again, when it comes to making your pipes last longer, prevention is by far the best solution. So, preventative maintenance like this is the best choice, all in all. Knowing how to maintain your plumbing well can also help quite a bit, but always remember to be careful. Don’t use any experimental methods using chemicals you’re not certain are safe to put in your pipes, as they usually cause damage.

6. Learn how to caulk properly

Knowing how to properly seal your showers, toilets, and sinks can help quite a bit in the long run. Or, at the very least, learn how to re-seal your showers, toilets, and sinks. That will prevent water from getting into where it shouldn’t and causing damage, which keeps your pipes in good condition for longer periods. Simply put, caulking is one of the bits of regular maintenance you should get used to in the long run.

7. Keep the exterior plumbing maintained as well

Remember to give it some attention if your home has any exterior plumbing. That is even more important as exterior pipes are more open to elements and fall apart quickly. With this in mind, getting in the habit of regularly cleaning and maintaining these pipes is vital. Though they might not be in the house, exterior plumbing can still cause damage, which you should avoid whenever possible.

7 simple tricks to extend the lifespan of your pipes – wrap up

Keeping your pipes in good condition helps, but plumbing problems are something that every homeowner will have to deal with eventually. But being proactive makes problems easier to deal with, so actively trying to make your plumbing last longer is still a good idea. We hope that this list of 7 simple tricks to extend the lifespan of your pipes helps you out, and we wish you a good day.