5 Benefits of Copper Plumbing

If you are weighing out the pros and cons of all the plumbing material options available to you, then you should consider copper plumbing as the forerunner.  For over seventy years, copper plumbing has been the gold standard, installed in over eighty percent of today’s homes, and for good reason.  Here are five benefits of copper plumbing:

Reliability.  Copper is a naturally occurring material – not a synthetic material; therefore, it does not break down over time the way synthetics do.  This means that it is not unusual for copper plumbing to actually outlast the building it is installed in.  What’s more is that copper will not begin to sag over time, as alternative plumbing materials do, and copper plumbing joints are tight, resistant to  corrosion, and most likely never to leak water over the lifetime of the plumbing.

Clean and drinkable water supply.  Copper is manufactured without lead, so there is no risk of lead poisoning from water that travels through copper piping (as opposed to galvanized piping).  Copper has a biostatic property, meaning it does not enable the growth of bacteria.  It maintains a healthy pH level (perfect for circumstances in which the water supply may be too acid), and is resistant to corrosion and ultraviolet light.

Ease of installation.  Copper is naturally a flexible material, which means it can bend, making it easy for installers to fit it into awkwardly shaped areas.  Copper piping is also thin, which means it can handle a lot of water flow even at a relatively narrow size, making it ideal for installation in tight and narrow spaces.

Cost.  To begin with, copper plumbing is competitively priced in comparison with the alternatives.  Additionally, the fact that it is bendable means that you don’t have to pay extra for things like connectors, fasteners, and joints; this has a two-fold advantage of costing less for the hardware, and requiring fewer installation hours (thus costing less for installation).

Extended warranty.  Copper is the only plumbing material that generally comes with a fifty year extended warranty from the manufacturer.  That is because copper is so durable, low maintenance, and long lasting.  The manufacturer’s warranty covers any defects in the material, or workmanship issues during the manufacturing process.

3 Ways to Prevent Clogged Drains

Some plumbing problems you just can’t avoid, due to faulty materials, poor installation, or simple wear and tear over time.  However, there are certain plumbing problems that you can avoid by taking proper precautionary measures.  To save yourself from unnecessary spending (and unwanted headaches), you should uphold some basic practices to protect your plumbing from avoidable mishaps.  One of the simplest plumbing problems – and easiest to prevent – is that of clogged drains.  How do you keep from blocking up your plumbing in such a way?  Here are three ways to prevent clogged drains:

Drain screens.  These are very simple little contraptions that can go a long way in protecting your drains from clogs.  Drain screens are exactly what they sound like: screens that cover your drains.  They are generally made of metal or plastic, and can be found in any chain retail, hardware, or home improvement store.  Simply place the drain screen over the drain to block hair and soap scum from drains, and be sure to clean the screens frequently.

Boiling water.  Even if your drains don’t become clogged with things like hair and other debris, you can bet that there is a collection of buildup from things like soap scum, water calcium, and other substances that grow on each other to form a nasty, mucky build up.  One of the best, most simple, ways to clear out this buildup and keep drains free and clear of clogs is to pour boiling water down your drains once every week.  Simply heat a pot of water on the stove to boiling, and then slowly pour it down each drain.

Be careful of what you allow into your drain.  Even the smallest things, like hairs, sand, and food remnants, can work together over time to create some major drainage problems.  Pay close attention to what you are allowing down your drain, and use a screen, stopper, and/or drain filter whenever necessary.  Also, you should never pour hot grease down a drain.  That grease may be in liquid form while it is hot, but it will harden when it cools and could very easily stick to your pipes and clog your drain.

3 Simple Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Winter is on its way, and with it comes the need to winterize your home.  One area you can’t afford to take any chances with is that of preparing your plumbing pipe-work for the freezing cold weather.  If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to experience a frozen pipe problem, then you are well aware of the risks of bursting pipes and the resulting water damage.  Avoid this common winter mishap by adhering to these three simple ways to prevent frozen pipes:

Keep pipes warm.  You may find exposed pipes in your home’s crawlspace and/or attic area.  Simply surround pipes with insulation material – the more the better.  If you live in an especially extreme winter weather area, then you may even want to wrap your pipes with heat cables (controlled through your thermostat) or heat tape.  Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper installation method.  Additionally, when the temperature drops, make it a point to open all of your cabinet doors in order to allow the heat into the back wall spaces where your pipes are located.

Seal air leaks.  Even the tiniest leak from the outside in can let in enough cold air to freeze your pipes.  Examine your home thoroughly for any spaces that might be vulnerable to an air leak (spaces around outdoor-to-indoor pipes, electrical wiring, air ducts, and dryer vents are the most common culprits, as well as attic spaces and crawl areas), and then seal off any leaks you find with a combination of caulk and insulation, as is appropriate for the space. 

The water system.  It is a good idea to leave a faucet running (with warm water) throughout the day and night whenever the freezing winter weather kicks in.  If you can, choose a faucet connected to an outside wall, as the cold can very easily come in through even the smallest outdoor pipes (garden hose pipes, for example).  If you are planning on leaving your home unattended for an extended period of time during the winter, then you should shut off your water supply and drain the water system completely before going on your travels.