Stress on the pipes is a main factor of plumbing
leaks. Even though leaky pipes may appear to be a minor issue, it may actually
be an indication of further damage beyond your pipes. Increased pipe stress
over a period of time might signify replacing your entire plumbing system,
meaning thousands of dollars will come out of your wallet.
At Repiping Professionals, we have identified two significant causes of
plumbing stress as:
- High water pressure
- Hard water (water consisting of high mineral content)
Let’s explain each cause in more detail.
High water pressure
High water pressure causes stress in your pipe joints and faucets by making
your appliance valves exert more energy. In order to check if your water
pressure is too high, attach a hose bib gauge to an outside water spigot
and release the water line.
Normal water pressure is between 40 and 85 psi, anything above is considered too high.
The best solution is to hire a plumber to install a pressure reducer/regulator.
If your home is already equipped with one, it might need adjusting.
Hard water
According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, hard water contains over
10.5 grains of minerals, especially calcium carbonate and magnesium, per
gallon of water (or 180 mg/L).
Those minerals are capable of build up inside the pipes and restrict flow,
as well as corrode join and fittings which shortens the lifespan of your
home’s pipes. If you don’t know if you have hard water, locate
your local municipality’s annual water quality report (it’s free).
The best solution is to have a plumber install a whole-home water softener.
If you need to reduce high water pressure or soften your water,
contact Repiping Professionals today!