Is your office or home suffering from water accumulation, or are you witness to the consequences of cracked pipes that have developed into significant problems? Many residential and commercial spaces in Springfield rely on drain and sewer pipes functioning well. If these systems fail, it could lead to higher maintenance costs than initially anticipated. It is important for building owners and occupiers alike to be aware of the different types of drain pipes. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 important things everyone should consider about drain and sewer pipe care.
1. Different types of drain and sewer pipes
- PVC Drain Pipes: The most common type of drainage line is PVC pipes which are frequently used in residential construction. PVC pipes are relatively easy to install, durable and resistant to corrosion, making them an ideal choice for homes.
- Cast Iron Drain Pipes: Cast iron pipes tend to rust easily, making them more difficult to maintain than PVC Drain Pipes. However, they can be long-lasting with rust prevention techniques and paints.
- Copper Drain Pipes: Copper pipes are generally found in older homes. These drain pipes are durable and resist corrosion. However, they are pricey and generally installed indoors to avoid theft.
- Clay Drain Pipes: Clay pipes are very common even today. Though they can be tricky to cut, they are highly resistant to chemicals. However, since clay pipes are porous, the moisture can attract tree roots, leading to cracks and infiltration.
- Orangeburg Pipes: Orangeburg pipes were lightweight and easy to work with, and much-lesser priced. However, they became obsolete decades ago, and the ones that exist today are in a fragile condition due to wear and tear.
Most often, a building will have a combination of drain or sewer pipes, depending on the age of the structure and where they are installed. Each type of drain has its benefits and shortcomings. A Springfield plumbing expert can help you decide the best drainage for your house or office.
2. How Long Do Home Drain Pipes Last?
Drain pipes are a vital part of any home and can suffer from wear and tear over time. In general, drain pipes should last anywhere from 50 -100 years depending on the type, with PVC and Cast-iron being the most durable of the lot. Drain cleaning regularly is one way to help extend the life of your drains and prevent a clog. Regular plumbing maintenance for your Springfield home is necessary to ensure the longevity of the drainage system. If you face any stubborn clogs, call in a plumber immediately for repairs. Trying to unclog the drains yourself can damage the pipes and cost more in the long run. Correct installation is another factor contributing to how long the drainage system will function properly. Always ensure that you work with a reputable and experienced plumbing company for new installations and regular repairs.
3. How frequently should you get plumbing maintenance done?
Plumbing maintenance is an essential responsibility of owning a home or running an office. According to plumbing experts in Springfield , you should get a professional inspection for the drainage and any associated systems at least once per year. This regular maintenance helps identify developing problems early on and can often prevent a more costly repair down the road. Also, it’s important to recognize any warning signs that may be present at other intervals between yearly visits, like low water pressure, slow-draining pipes, odd noises from the pipe, foul smells from the sinks or toilets, or any visible leaks.
4. The most common causes of drain clogs
Annual maintenance will help ensure your drainage system stays in good shape for a long time. However, knowing the main causes of damaging clogs and taking steps to prevent them can help reduce frequent repairs. The most common causes of drain clogs, according to plumbing experts in Springfield , include:
- Hair in bathroom drains . Use drain guards to prevent hair from falling into drains.
- Fats and food waste in the kitchen sink. Avoid flushing them down kitchen sinks; use disposable bags and put them in the trash can.
- Tree roots. If you have trees growing near your drain and sewer pipes, get a plumbing expert in Springfield to frequently check and clear away any roots growing toward the pipes.
5. DIY or Professional plumbers
While DIY is ok for everyday cleaning of sinks and drains, clearing stubborn clogs is a job for professional plumbers. They have the experience and equipment for fixing damages. Very often, we are called to fix damages that started out as minor leaks or issues but were ignored and turned into costly repairs. Regular plumbing maintenance can help spot leaks, clogs, rust, root damage, backflow and other issues at the initial stages, saving you time, money and stress. So DIY for the basic cleaning, and call in the professionals for anything bigger than that.
Are you concerned about the state of your home or office’s drain and sewer pipes? Are you looking for sewer pipe and drain installation services in Springfield ? Contact our team of professionals today for more information about how we can help diagnose and solve any issues you may be having.
