Avoid Pre-Delivery Debris
Debris of any kind is something to pay attention to during the construction of a pipe system, because it may be particularly challenging to fix after it has been built. Debris can come from a variety of sources: the manufacturers of the pipes, compounds that leak into a damaged pipe, and even the material of the pipe itself. It is always wise to consider potential debris and how they may affect a building.
Extending the Life of Your Pipes
Just because a pipe is out of view does not mean that it should be forgotten; all pipes have a lifespan, and the materials used in building them will play a big part in determining how long new construction piping might last. Supply pipes—the pipes that deliver water when a faucet is turned on, for example—are constantly under pressure from the water they contain. For this reason, they are the most likely to leak or burst and have a shorter lifespan than other pipes.
Supply pipes are made of a variety of materials, such as copper, brass, and galvanized steel. While brass can last anywhere from 40 to 70 years, steel can last from 20 to 50 years and copper for about 50 years. Understanding these numbers is important when considering what type of pipe to use as well as when to think about replacing piping.
Drain lines, which carry water away, do not see the same constant pressure that supply lines do, so they have an average lifespan of 75 up to 100 years (in the case of cast iron). If PVC pipes are serving as drain lines, they are so resilient that their lifespan is considered to be indefinite.
To be sure your pipes serve you for as long as possible, be conscious of the differences in piping material and how long they might last. You may also consider pipe thread protectors made from plastic; these protectors help to shield pipes from wear and tear to extend their life.
Chemical Cleanings
Cleaning is an important part of maintaining a healthy and well-functioning piping system. When a pipe is dirty, a number of issues arise that affect both water quality and efficiency. If a pipe is clogged or corroding, it will expel these particles, which could then be harmful.
Similarly, a corroded or dirty pipe will no longer have a smooth interior, which puts unnecessary strain on the pipe as high-pressure water passes through. In addition, water that must pass across a rough surface is not as efficient in its flow, and this may be reflected in the water bill that the business pays.
Chemical cleaning can smooth out a pipe’s internal structure, removing not only objects that interfere with water flow but also debris and corroded surfaces. It is important to get the help of professionals who are familiar with the chemical substances being used.
Preventing Corrosion
Corrosion is one of the most damaging things that can happen to new construction piping; in order to be sure that new pipes will last for as long as possible, take a few extra steps when setting up the piping system.
First, ensure that pH levels correspond to proper piping materials. For example, low pH water in copper pipes will cause corrosion, so check the water you will be drawing from to make a piping decision that will last.
Second, adding protection to pipes can help to extend their longevity. Pipe sealants are a choice worth exploring, and some circumstances may call for galvanization to protect pipes from corrosion.
Finally, protect pipes against contact. Jiggling, friction, bouncing, or coming into contact with certain materials encourages corrosion. For example, when two contrasting metals come in contact, one metal will pull electrons from the other in a process called galvanic corrosion. Insulating metal that prevents the two from touching is one way to avoid this corrosive issue.
Use Tower Water for Long-Lasting Water Treatment Systems
Tower Water is an expert in water treatment and assessment. If you need professional guidance to ensure that new construction piping is set up in a safe and environmentally friendly way, Tower Water would be happy to lend a hand. Get in touch at any time to speak to a representative about the project you have in mind.