4 plumbing problems that increase water pipe maintenance cost at homes, offices

Various studies have established that water transported for human consumption through well or dam using water pipe is compromised due to varied plumbing problems and not safe for consumption. However, to purify the water to the international standard for consumption at homes and workplace requires proper maintenance which mostly involves huge cost. Earlier detection of the problems and consultation with professional facilities management providers would go in a long way in reducing the cost in cities and towns especially places such as Lagos, Ibadan among others that have been linked with chlorinated tap water supply. The tap water in many Lagos homes and offices contains contaminants that can cause expensive plumbing problems and increase utility bills.

4 plumbing problems leading to increased maintenance cost

Hard water. It does not have adverse health effects but it has been discovered to be a small contributor to the daily need of calcium and magnesium. Whenever there is hard water passing through pipes it shrinks the amount of space that’s available for water to flow through them. The end result of the activity is pipe replacement.

Clogged pipes. Failure to address mineral deposits associated with hard water lead to clogged pipes. When it becomes severe it could lead to a total blockage. Apart from hard water, iron bacteria also create a sludge inside pipes which causes clogging. Emergence of this deprives taps and/or appliances opportunity of receiving any water at all.

Pipe leaks. A water source with low pH levels is acidic which makes water corrosive. The corrosiveness could eat through pipes and lead to pinhole leaks that allow water to escape. In addition, sulfur and zinc are two common water contaminants that are corrosive by nature and can damage your pipes. A pipe leak is not only a waste of money but can also cause expensive water damage to homes and offices.

Reduced efficiency of plumbing appliances. Another problem with hard water is that it can reduce the efficiency of appliances like dishwasher and water heater. That’s because limescale can coat the heating elements used by these appliances, which impairs their ability to heat water. As a result, those appliances have to work harder and consume more electricity and/or gas than normal in order to heat water.

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Preventing plumbing problems and reducing the bill

One of the available solutions to the identified problems is installation of water treatment system. This is an investment that will save money for many years and expand pipes’ lifespan. To avoid the problems, softener, acid neutralizer, filtration and iron-removal water systems are appropriate. Water softener is designed specifically to take care of issues related to hard water. It removes hardness minerals from water, which will prevent them from building up in pipes and appliances. Acid neutralizer solves corrosive due to low pH levels. When the corrosive is due to sulphur or zinc, the contaminants should be addressed with a water filtration system like an activated carbon filter or reverse osmosis system that is capable of removing them. High levels of iron in water is removed using a water treatment system that is designed specifically to remove iron. This is often needed in homes with well water. Beyond the systems usage, persons or employees in charge of water should always carry out condition assessment to assess the current state of pipes and predict the future condition. Failure to do this will lead to costly repairs and maintenance.