Pipe Descaling: What You Need To Know From A Plumber | Harvey, LA
If you’re living in an older house, you might have noticed that the water pressure may have decreased over time. Or you realize that sinks take longer to drain. You also detect a foul smell from drains or wet areas in your yard.
Blockages and backups can be increasingly annoying for individuals living in old homes. You are tempted to think these problems are usual and do not need professional plumbing service. What you do not know is that these minor inconveniences can signify a bigger problem. If blockages and clogs are not appropriately treated, they can lead to leakages and broken pipes.
Household leaks can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water a year, resulting in increased water costs. Leaks in sewer pipes can contaminate groundwater, a primary drinking water source.
Not only that but fixing broken pipes can be a costly and tedious process. Luckily several methods can help prevent such problems. Your plumber in Harvey, LA, might recommend pipe descaling if the above-mentioned issues have become more persistent.
What Is Pipe Scaling?
For novices, pipe scaling is the buildup of minerals, hard water deposits, rust, debris, and grease inside the pipe. If you live in an area with hard water, the piping is more prone to scaling, as the minerals in the water harden on the inside of the pipes.
Iron cast pipes are commonly found in older homes and can last more than 50 years if properly maintained. But after many years, they tend to have a thick layer of scale buildup inside the pipes, leading to low water pressure and frequent clogs and blockages. Iron pipes are also prone to corrosion and rust, which lead to more blockage.
Fats and grease poured down the drain stick to the already present buildup and can cause even more severe clogs. Certain chemicals cause damage to a pipe’s lining, creating a perfect environment for debris to get stuck.
What Is Pipe Descaling And Why Do You Need It?
If clogs and blockages have become more frequent, you should call a plumber to inspect and clean the pipes. If buildup is not cleared, it can corrode the pipes and cause severe damage that will be very costly to fix.
It can also contaminate water, leading to illnesses if ingested. If you live in an older home, having the pipes regularly descaled is a perfect practice. Pipe descaling is the process of removing accumulated minerals, grease, and debris in the pipes. The procedure is non-invasive, meaning it can be done from drains or pipe openings and no digging up of pipes is necessary.
Different Types of Descaling
The two most common methods for pipe descaling are hydro-jetting and chemical descaling. After performing a thorough video inspection of the pipes, a plumber will recommend one of the two methods. The method chosen will depend on the severity of the buildup, the durability of the pipes, and whether the lines carry potable water or wastewater.
Descaling and Hydro-jetting
Hydro-jetting is when highly-pressurized water is forced through the pipes. The water breaks up clogs and buildup, flushed out of the system. After that, the plumber will attach a scaling nozzle to the hydro-jet.
The nozzle might have a chain or brush that will scrape off the remaining debris in the pipes. It can even remove small tree roots and intrusions. Hydro-jetting may sound simple, but the pipes can break with too intense pressure. That is why you will need a professional plumber to do this.
Chemical Descaling
A plumber will perform chemical scaling if the buildup is not too big and the pipes are still in relatively good condition. A chemical is poured down the drain that will dissolve the mineral buildup and rust.
Chemicals can be very harmful in household use. Therefore you should never do this on your own. A certified plumber will know which chemicals are the best for the particular pipe and ensure the chemicals won’t leak into the environment.
Benefits of Descaling
Pipe descaling is much cheaper than pipe replacement. It will clean the pipes inside out, restoring normal flow in a short time. Because no digging of trenches is involved, your yard will be left intact, and you won’t incur additional landscaping costs.
Also, you won’t have to worry about broken walls or damage to the home’s structure. Pipe descaling is convenient because you can still use the water while the repair is in progress.
Because it is cost-efficient and environment-friendly, it is the best method to prevent severe piping damage and expensive repair costs. If pipe descaling is impossible because of weak and deteriorating pipes, your plumber will give you the best solution for your home in Harvey, LA.
bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans; Your Reliable Plumbing Professional
Mineral buildup in pipes can lead to severe issues if not promptly taken care of. But as with most plumbing problems, you should leave the fixing to the professionals. Our expert plumbers at bluefrog Home Services of New Orleans have the expertise and equipment to do the job right the first time, saving you time and money in the long run.
We take care of any plumbing issues promptly and efficiently. Not only do we descale pipes, but we also install water heaters, maintain sewer systems, fix broken piping, detect leaks, clean drains, replace faucets and sinks, deal with gas leaks and repairs, and have a 24/7 emergency service.
It is our pride to leave our customers happy and satisfied. With our team of professionals, you can rest assured that your plumbing fixtures will keep serving you for a long time. Call us today and start enjoying our personalized services in Harvey, LA.
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