How to Tell if Your Birmingham Pipes are Clogged
One of the leading causes of plumbing problems throughout your Birmingham home is clogged drains and dirty pipes. Once they become clogged, you’ll need to have a professional clean your drains. And it may be necessary to replace your pipes altogether if things get too bad. If you’re renovating your home soon and the project will involve your plumbing at all, you’ll first want to determine the condition of your pipes and drains. Before you install any new plumbing fixtures, flooring, or cabinets, it would be very beneficial to go ahead and replace the old pipes. But how can you tell if your pipes are dirty or clogged?
The first sign that will alert you to dirty, clogged Birmingham pipes is a weak water flow. If the water isn’t flowing as quickly or as strongly as it should, it’s almost certainly the fault of the pipes. Homeowners frequently blame the problem on “poor water pressure,” when in reality their drains need a thorough cleaning. Water pressure should be consistent throughout your home, and should never vary room-to-room. It should also be the same as other homes in your neighborhood. So if you notice water pressure at a neighbor’s is higher than your home, the trouble is most likely dirty pipes.
Check the water throughout your Birmingham home to be certain that the flow is similar at each faucet. If you find a faucet with a lower flow-rate, you’ll have to investigate further. This should also prompt you to thoroughly check your drains.
Independent of actual water pressure, any whirlpool tubs, showers, or toilets will not be able to function properly without adequate water flow. So before you put in any new fixtures, you’ll need to be certain your pipes and drains are in perfect condition. Otherwise, you may be harming your new fixtures.
If you do need to replace your pipes, here are some things to remember:
Plastic pipes are much easier to work with than metal pipes are.
PVC pipe can only be used for cold water. Be sure you use the PVC pipe made for drinking water if that’s what you need.
ABS pipe can be connected to several different kinds of metal pipe. Usually, however, it’s used in bathrooms for waste removal and drain.
PEX can carry hot or cold water and is a great choice for home interiors.
CPVC is mainly used for hot water and is a great substitute for copper pipe.
Galvanized steel used to be used for water supply lines, but it was discovered to be susceptible to corrosion and mineral deposits. There’s a good chance galvanized steel pipes are what you’re replacing!
