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5 Benefits Of a Water Filtration System
Are you tired of the taste and smell of your tap water? Worried about potential contaminants lurking in your water supply? A water filtration system could be the solution you’re looking for. Investing in a water filtration system is an investment in your health, your home, and the environment. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to filter their water. Let’s explore the top five benefits of investing in clean, filtered water.
1. Improved Taste and Odor
One of the most noticeable benefits of a whole-house water filtration system is the improvement in taste and odor. Chlorine, minerals, and other impurities can give your water an unpleasant taste or smell. A quality filter can effectively remove these contaminants, leaving you with fresh, clean-tasting water.2. Healthier You
Your body is mostly water, so it’s crucial to consume clean, pure water. Water filtration systems remove harmful contaminants like lead, bacteria, and pesticides that can pose health risks. By investing in a filtration system, you’re protecting yourself and your family from potential health issues. Not only that, but you could also see a major change in your skin and hair because water filtration can help soften the water.
3. Protect Your Appliances
Hard water, filled with minerals, can damage your appliances over time. Water-using appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines can all suffer from mineral buildup. Like we mentioned above, water filtration system can soften the water, ultimately extending the lifespan of these appliances and saving you money on repairs.4. Environmental Impact
Did you know that an estimated 1.3 billion plastic bottles are used each and every day across the world? Bottled water, as we have all heard many times before, contributes to plastic pollution and waste. By choosing a water filtration system, you’re significantly reducing your reliance on single-use plastic bottles and helping to protect the environment. According to WWF, plastic water bottles take about 450 years to decompose. And, 79% of the plastic that has ever been made still sits in the natural environment or in landfills.5. Save Money
While there’s an initial investment in a water filtration system, it can save you money in the long run. You’ll no longer need to purchase bottled water, and you may see a reduction in your water bill due to improved water efficiency. Statistics show that every person in the United States purchases roughly 13 bottles per month. Over time, that adds up and eventually will equal to be more expensive than investing in a whole-home water filtration system.
Contact Steve’s Plumbing for All Your Water Filtration System in Lynnwood, WA and the Surrounding Areas
Looking to enjoy the benefits of clean, filtered water in your Lynnwood home? Look no further than Steve’s Plumbing! As a trusted local plumbing company, Steve’s Plumbing offers expert installation and maintenance of water filtration systems. Our team of skilled professionals can assess your specific needs and recommend the perfect solution for your home. So, are you ready to take the plunge? Contact Steve’s Plumbing today to schedule a consultation!
The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning
We often overlook the unsung heroes of our homes – our drains. They diligently carry away our daily waste, but like any hardworking system, they need regular maintenance to perform at their optimal level. Neglecting drain cleaning can lead to a host of problems, from inconvenient clogs to costly repairs. So, stop letting clogs drain your sanity! Let’s dive into why regular drain cleaning is essential for a happy and healthy home.
Why Regular Drain Cleaning Matters
- Prevent Clogs: This is the most obvious benefit. Hair, soap scum, food particles, grease, and more can accumulate over time. This not only can lead to slow drains, but it can also cause complete blockages. Regular cleaning removes this buildup, ensuring smooth water flow.
- Eliminate Foul Odors: Clogged drains are breeding grounds for bacteria, resulting in unpleasant smells that can permeate your home. Drain cleaning removes the source of the odor, leaving your home fresh and inviting.
- Protect Your Plumbing System: When drains are clogged, water pressure increases, putting stress on your pipes. This can cause pipes to leak, crack, or even burst. Regular cleaning helps maintain the overall integrity of your plumbing system.
- Save Money: Preventing clogs and pipe damage through routine cleaning can help save you money on costly repairs and emergency plumbing calls.
How Often Should You Clean Your Drains?
The frequency of drain cleaning depends on several factors, including household size, habits, and the type of pipes. As a general rule, it’s recommended by most companies (like Steve’s Plumbing) to schedule professional drain cleaning at least once a year. However, if you notice signs of trouble like slow drains, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant odors, it’s time to call a plumber.
DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Professional Service
While there are DIY methods for clearing minor clogs, professional drain cleaning is essential for addressing persistent issues and preventing future problems. Plumbers, like here at Steve’s Plumbing, have specialized equipment and expertise to effectively clean your drains and identify any underlying problems. Handmade contraptions, like bent wire hangers, can cause more damage to your pipes. And, those store bought chemical drain cleaners? Also not good for your pipes (or your health). They’re toxic and really only provide temporary relief of a much bigger issue.
Remember: Prevention is key when it comes to drain care. By scheduling regular professional cleanings and adopting good drainage habits, you can enjoy a clog-free and odor-free home for years to come.
Contact Steve’s Plumbing for All Your Drain Cleaning Needs in Lynnwood, WA and the Surrounding Areas Today
Is a clogged drain driving you crazy? Don’t let a pesky clog disrupt your daily routine. Steve’s Plumbing is here to rescue you! As a trusted plumbing company serving Lynnwood and the surrounding areas, we specialize in efficient and effective drain cleaning. Our amazingly talented team uses state-of-the-art equipment to clear even the most stubborn blockages. So, don’t wait until a minor clog becomes a major headache. Contact Steve’s Plumbing today for professional drain cleaning services you can count on.
A Homeowners Guide To Water Heater Services
Warm water is more than just a luxury. It helps you keep your dishes clean, makes showers pleasant, and ensures that you can do your laundry. If you find yourself without hot water, life around your home gets a little more complicated.
Of course, your water heater doesn’t have to stop working entirely to disrupt your daily routine. Even minor failures caused by age or wear and tear can make your water heater work less effectively than it should. Luckily, there are water heater maintenance experts ready and willing to help you get your unit back into working order.
Steve’s Plumbing, LLC, has served residential homes in Lynnwood, WA, for several years. If you’re having trouble with your water heater or want to get ahead of potential damage, our team can help you out.
Beneficial Water Heater Services
Your water heater keeps a lot of the appliances in your home running. When it comes to servicing your unit, the team with Steve’s Plumbing is just as versatile. For every abrupt change in temperature, discontented rumble, or necessary installation you have on your hands, our team has the tools to make the related work as simple as possible. That’s why our services include:- Plumbing inspections
- Water heater maintenance
- Water heater repair
- Water heater replacement
Installing a New Water Heater
Moving into a new home can be as jarring as it is exciting. Once you’ve settled in—whether it’s a new construction home or an older residence—you’ll need to make sure that all of your amenities work as efficiently as possible. If you have a fixer-upper, new construction, or older home on your hands, you may want to consider installing a new water heater. The team at Steve’s Plumbing can help you browse through some of the best water heaters on the market today.Choosing the Best Water Heater for Your Home
There’s more than one type of water heater available on the market. Some of the most common ones used in Lynnwood, WA, residences include:Storage Tank Water Heaters
Whether you’ve lived in an apartment or home, you’ve seen a storage tank water heater. These traditional water heaters rely on the aforementioned tank to heat the water inside of your home. This water ends up preheated and contained within the tank, making it easier for your water heater to deliver near-immediate warm water to any faucet in the house you want to use. Unfortunately, storage tank water heaters have their limits. Because the unit only stores enough hot water to fill its tank, your water can abruptly go cold. Your water heater will also need to take its time to replenish, which means that you may not be able to do another load of laundry or even finish your hot shower without waiting. Even so, the widespread availability of storage tank water heaters makes them appealing for homeowners.Tankless Water Heaters
As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t have traditional tanks. Despite this design, tankless water heaters can actually push significantly more hot water through your home than standard units. If you have a large family or anticipate doing a lot of day-to-day chores around the house, the tankless water heaters capacity is one of its best selling points. The tankless water heater also tends to use less energy than its more traditional peers. If you’re in the market to cut down on both your water and your energy bill, you can discuss tankless water heater installation with the team at Steve’s Plumbing.Water Heater Repairs
Water heater repairs and plumbing maintenance go hand in hand. When you have a problem with one, you’re likely to have a problem with the other. With that being said, there are some forms of damage that are unique to your water heater. As your unit gets older and more worn, you may find yourself dealing with:- An ineffective temperature and pressure relief valve
- Sticking valves
- Damaged gaskets
- Leaks from your water tank or plumbing
- Frayed electrical wires
- Inefficient fans and filters
- Poor water pressure
Common Signs of Water Heater Damage
Age and excessive use work together to wear your water heater down. While regular water heater inspections can help you get ahead of the most common types of damage, there may still come a point where you’re taken by surprise when your water heater fails. To get ahead of the worst water heater failures, keep your eyes peeled for early signs of damage. You’ll know it’s time to invest in water heater repairs if you find yourself dealing with:- Cool or cold water
- Unusual thumps or other strange noises
- Rusty water
- Inconsistent water pressure
- Rattling pipes
Inspecting Your Water Heater and Your Plumbing
Steve’s Plumbing offers water heater services outside of installations, maintenance, and emergency care, too. If you want to learn more about your water heater’s overall condition and get ahead of potential damage, you can schedule a water heater inspection. Water heater and plumbing inspections let professionals get a better idea of what weak spots—if any—your unit may have. After an inspection, our team can pre-emptively install protective measures that can limit this spot-based wear and tear. In short, you get to keep a better eye on your unit’s overall condition while saving money.Replacing an Old Water Heater
Repairing an old water heater can get expensive over time. If your water heater has been part of your house since it was built, there’s a chance that the parts professionals need to keep your water heater up and running may not even be in circulation. If you find yourself crunching the numbers trying to determine how to afford water heater maintenance, it may be time to consider a replacement. Replacing your water heater doesn’t have to be a hassle. Instead, you can lean on the team at Steve’s Plumbing. Our expert plumbers can help you explore the existing catalog of water heaters that may be compatible with your home. Once your initial research is out of the way, the team can deliver your water heater and have it installed quickly. Steve’s Plumbing can even remove your old water heater from your premises, ensuring that it is carefully disposed of.When Do You Need to Replace an Older Water Heater?
Determining when the best time to replace your water heater depends on the unit’s overall condition. An initial inspection of the water heater can let both you and professionals know whether the heater has held up over its years of use. There are other symptoms that can indicate that your water heater’s time is coming to an end. These include:- Increasingly high maintenance bills
- More frequent calls to plumbers
- Decreased water temperatures throughout your home despite recent repairs
- Decreasing water pressure
- Signs of infestations or severe leakage
Finding Plumbers Near You
Steve’s Plumbing is a Lynnwood, WA, staple. If you’ve been having problems with your water heater, we’re here to give you the helping hand you need. Get in touch with one of our representatives to learn more about our available services. We’ll schedule an inspection of your plumbing system and let you know what kind of repairs or labor your water heater requires. Your water heater makes your home a little more comfortable. It’s time you gave it some TLC in return. Give us a call today!
Prepping Home Plumbing For The Holidays
With the holidays right around the corner, plumbing is probably at the back of your mind. You’ve got flights to plan, calls to make, and dozens of other tasks to complete before you finally have time for plumbing.
However, you understand how important it is to prevent embarrassing accidents as you invite company over for the holidays. You only get to see your extended family a few times a year, so you want to make the best impression possible and offer a comfortable and cozy environment.
For this reason, we’ll go through exactly how to prepare your home plumbing for the Holiday season.
Plumbing Tips to Prevent Holiday Disasters
The best way to prevent plumbing accidents during the Holiday season is to hire an expert to inspect your home and fix all detected issues. Unless you have extensive experience fixing leaky faucets, cleaning your drains, or repairing toilets, it’s a good idea to get help from a professional. However, you can follow these simple tips to keep everyone in your home happy, safe, and dry.The Bathroom Is a Safe Haven
When people visit the restroom, they are looking for a moment of privacy to take care of their business and then leave without any obstacles. Your toilets will be subjected to the most traffic of any plumbing equipment during the holidays, so it’s essential to prevent any mishaps. One typical toilet problem is when the toilet doesn’t flush because the chain in the upper tank gets disconnected from the flapper. If you’ve ever experienced any flushing issues with your toilet, make sure to examine the problem and replace the parts so it doesn’t happen again, or better yet, call a plumber for a permanent solution. Furthermore, you should always keep a plunger in your bathroom. Most individuals know how to unclog a toilet but are left in a horrible situation if there’s no plunger present. Nobody wants to be the person who asks the homeowner for help in the bathroom because of a clogged toilet. So keep a plunger present in each bathroom. Lastly, keep the bathroom well-stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and towels. However, make sure that the toilet paper is easily broken down and not too thick. This approach will help prevent clogs if anybody uses too much paper without flushing in between. If your home needs a toilet repair in Bellevue, WA, before the Holidays, make sure to call Steve’s Plumbing today.Respect Your Kitchen Sink
While eating amazing home-cooked food is the best part of the Holiday season, the actual preparation is usually burdensome. For this reason, it’s essential to practice good habits in the kitchen and prepare for any potential incidents. First, check your kitchen faucet and see if you notice any leaks. The faucet will be heavily used when friends and family arrive, and any current issues will be intensified. We recommend installing a new faucet if your existing faucet is on its last legs. The holidays are a great time to upgrade your appliances and show your new gear off to your family. If you need help fixing leaky faucets, call our expert team at Steve’s Plumbing today.You Put What Down the Garbage Disposal?
Next, it’s important to remember what’s safe to put down a garbage disposal. Although the exact items that are safe depend on how much horsepower your disposal has, here are some basic guidelines to follow. Safe to put in the garbage disposal:- Bread
- Cold water
- Small scraps of food
- Cooked meat and vegetables
- Eggshells
- Ice cubes
- Bones and fruit pits
- Grease, oil, and greasy food
- Pasta and rice
- Stringy vegetables
- Fruit and vegetable peels
- Glass, plastic, banana peels, and onion skins
Use a Dedicated Food Scraps Bin
Since people often throw food into the garbage disposal despite being warned, it’s a good idea to have a dedicated food scraps bin. Simply label a garbage can with the words “Food Scraps” and place it near your sink. Make sure it’s easily visible and readable. We recommend making sure the food scraps bin is large enough to support the number of people in your home during the holidays. If not, make sure to take out the trash and replace the bag once it’s full.Why Is There So Much Hair in My Drain?
Clogged drains are inevitable if you have your entire extended family using the same shower. For this reason, we recommend placing a mesh strainer over the shower drain to catch any fallen hair. Furthermore, you may want to consider placing strainers in your bathroom sinks to prevent clogs in there as well. However, if your drain is already clogged before the Holidays even begin, we offer cost-effective and customer-first drain cleaning services at Steve’s Plumbing in Bellevue, Wa. Contact us today, and we’ll clear your clogged drain and offer you in-person advice on how you can get your specific home ready for the Holiday season.Who Used All the Hot Water?
What’s worse than water not flowing down the shower drain is no hot water at all. This issue can be a huge problem as many homes face below-freezing temperatures during the Holiday season. Furthermore, playing rock-paper-scissors for the first shower is an unpleasant way to treat your guests. Check your temperature or pressure relief valve and make sure it’s operating correctly. You can do this by placing a bucket to catch the water and then opening up the valve on your water heater. Hot water should flow out at a regular rate. If there are valve drips or spewing, there’s likely a problem. Next, you should check to see if your anode rod has been replaced recently. Anode rods corrode so your tank doesn’t, allowing your water heater to perform efficiently. If the rod is too old, pieces of it can begin breaking off into the tank and can damage the lining. In addition, we recommend flushing your water heater tank once a year. Sediment and rust deposits lead to inefficient systems, so take the time to flush your tank as you examine your anode rod. Or have your plumbers do it for you. For most standard tank-based water heaters, it’s recommended to wait 10 to 15 minutes in between showers to allow the heater to reset. If your water heater has been struggling and is outdated, it may be time to consider installing a new one. Tankless water heaters provide instant and steady hot water that allow hot shower after hot shower without any downtime. Steve’s Plumbing will examine your current water heater and offer you the best option based on your budget and preferences.Don’t Forget About Your Freezing Pipes
As you’re mainly focused on the inside of your home, it’s common to forget about your home’s outside faucets. Your home’s outdoor plumbing could be approaching its breaking point if temperatures are below freezing. To prevent this from happening, we recommend insulating your exposed pipes with wraps or sleeves. Furthermore, using a freezeless outdoor faucet prevents water from remaining inside the tap to reduce the chance of a burst pipe. If you choose not to replace your hose bibbs, you can also easily install a freeze cap or hose bibb insulator to protect existing outdoor faucets. It’s also a good idea to completely drain your pipes if you live in a colder area. This tactic prevents any water that’s stuck inside the lines from freezing and causing a burst. Find your main water supply shut-off valve and turn off your water. Then, turn on the faucets to drain out the pipes. Always disconnect your hoses and put them away for the winter season. You should always practice this technique if you’re leaving your home for an extended period during the winter season.Count on Steve’s Plumbing During the Holidays
As you know, maintaining your home’s plumbing is a permanent ongoing task that requires consistent effort. However, you can take a load off of your back this Holiday season and give your home the treatment it deserves by calling on our plumbing experts today. In Bellevue, WA, Steve’s Plumbing specializes in fixing leaky faucets, drain cleaning, toilet repair, and anything else plumbing-related. Since 1995, we’ve been proud to provide excellent service to every home we work in. Enjoy the Holidays with peace of mind by scheduling a pre-holiday plumbing inspection from the quality plumbers in Bellevue.
Common Winter Plumbing Issues
Winter is hard on plumbing. As the temperatures drop, the potential for damage to your pipes and plumbing system increases. Whether you’re new to homeownership or new to Washington, it’s good to know what to expect during the winter months as the temperatures trend downward so you can protect your Lynnwood, WA, home.
Dealing with your plumbing in winter is a lot easier if you know what to look for. Having even just a little knowledge of what some of the biggest issues look like can help you to quickly diagnose a potential problem and get it fixed before the situation can get any worse.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common winter plumbing issues so you aren’t caught off guard this season:
Frozen Pipes
By far the most common problem that can affect your plumbing, frozen pipes are something you’ve likely already been warned about. Frozen pipes are the result of water trapped in the pipes freezing solid. As the water freezes and expands, it gets bigger and heavier and can potentially lead to the pipes bursting. This issue can affect both the pipes inside and outside of your Lynnwood, WA, home.Indoor Pipes
Plumbing lines that run along the exterior walls of your home or pipes in uninsulated areas are the most vulnerable. These pipes are exposed to colder temperatures and have an increased likelihood of freezing when the temperatures fall too low. To prevent the pipes bursting, it’s helpful to:Turn On The Water
As soon as the temperatures drop to or below freezing, turn on your faucets to allow water to keep moving through the pipes. This steady dripping helps to reduce the pressure in the lines. You don’t need to turn them all of the way on, just enough to where there’s a noticeable drip.Install Insulation
There are a lot of different ways to insulate pipes, from foam sleeves to heating tape, all of which are easy to install. Focus on your home’s most vulnerable pipes, the ones that are along exterior walls, as these are the ones closest to the cold outside.Open The Cabinets
Open up the cabinet doors under your sinks to exposed closed-off pipes. This exposure allows warm air from the home to circulate through the cabinets and helps prevent frozen lines or pipes bursting.Outdoor Pipes
It’s no surprise that the plumbing outside your home is particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures. You can reduce the risk of damage with a few simple preparations prior to the cold arriving.Get the Pipes Blown Out
When sprinkler season ends, it’s a good time to have your pipes blown out. This process eliminates any water sitting in the lines, so it can’t freeze up in the winter. Once the pipes are cleared, shut off the valve that serves the outdoor spigot to prevent any more water or moisture from accumulating in the pipes.Disconnect Hoses
Disconnect any hoses that are attached to your outdoor plumbing fixtures and bring them inside for the winter.Insulate
Insulate outdoor pipes the same way you insulate indoor pipes protect the lines that carry water to the outdoor spigots.Signs of Burst Pipes
If a pipe bursts in your home from the freezing temperatures, it can create some pretty costly damage, so the sooner you can catch it, the better. If the pipes are frozen, you’ll tell right away from the lack of running water. You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to help thaw them out before they burst. If you aren’t able to catch the pipes before they burst, there are some key signs to let you know that it’s happened, such as:- Damp drywall
- Rings on ceilings
- Bubbling paint on the walls or ceiling
- Musty smells
- Banging, clanking, or whistling sounds
Clogged Drains
With the winter months comes the holiday season, and with the holidays, more guests potentially stay in or visit your home. This increased traffic leads to one of the most common winter plumbing issues: clogged drains. The increased number of people in your Lynnwood, WA, home puts additional strain on the plumbing. With increased food waste going down the drains from holiday meals, more hair accumulating in the shower drains, and more toilet flushes, it can all add up to the potential for more drain clogs. A clogged drain in your home, though frustrating, is an easy fix for a skilled plumber. If you’re thinking about saving money by using a liquid drain cleaner, don’t. These cleaners contain caustic chemicals that can make the problem worse. If your drain is backed up, call in a professional to make sure it’s cleared correctly the first time. The only thing worse than a clogged drain is a damaged one, so don’t take any chances. If multiple drains in your home are clogged, it’s not a coincidence. It’s likely a clog in your plumbing’s mainline that requires a professional plumber to fix. If you’re expecting an influx of family and friends in your home during the holidays, you can also get ahead of the game by making sure your drains are ready for the additional strain. Professional drain cleaning is the best way to make sure your plumbing is clear prior to the increased workload. Drain cleaning should be done annually to keep your pipes clear of grease build-up and debris, but if it’s been a while, or you feel the lines are due for a cleaning, call the pros to help avoid any unexpected plumbing problems this holiday season.Water Heater Issues
An increase in people staying in the home isn’t just hard on the pipes. It places an increased demand on your water heater as well. You may begin to notice that showers aren’t lasting as long as they used to or that it’s taking a lot longer for the water to heat up. Problems with water heaters during the winter months aren’t uncommon, but that doesn’t make them any less frustrating. You can avoid some of these issues by having your water heater serviced prior to the busy holiday season. A plumbing professional can help to eliminate any sediment build-up in the tank and inspect it for any signs of wear or damage that may become amplified with the upcoming increased usage.Clogged Toilets
Toilets also see an increase in usage during the holiday season, which means more chances for potential clogs. You can avoid some of these issues by making sure your guests know what’s safe to flush and what isn’t to help prevent clogs. Things such as feminine products and “flushable wipes” are big “No’s” when it comes to your plumbing. Even when products say they’re flushable, they really aren’t and can lead to sewer line clogs and back-ups, something no one wants to deal with, especially during the holidays. Limit what goes down your toilets to waste and toilet paper as best you can with the increased traffic in your home. If you do encounter a clog that a plunger can’t fix, it’s time to call in a professional. Avoid the home remedies you see online such as hot water (which can shatter your toilet bowl) and drain cleaners, which can do more harm than good. A professional plumber can get the situation handled quickly and in a manner that’s safe for your plumbing system.Sump Pump Problems
The role of your sump pump is to drain water in low areas away from your home. Snow can make it challenging for your sump pump to keep up, making sump pump trouble one of the most common issues for plumbing in winter. In years where the snowfall is particularly heavy, your sump pump may not be able to keep up. As it becomes overwhelmed, the moisture builds up, causing backups as the water freezes. If you’ve seen this before during periods of heavy rain or snow, you may already know that preventive measures are the best course of action. Call in a plumbing professional before the winter weather starts to clean and inspect the sump pump in your Lynnwood, WA, home. A frozen sump pump doesn’t just quit working. It tries to keep doing its job, ultimately causing it to overheat and burn out. If your sump pump freezes during the winter months, call in a professional plumber immediately.Expert Plumbing Repair in Lynnwood, WA
In need of a local professional to help with your Lynnwood home’s plumbing? The plumbing professionals at Steve’s Plumbing are your local experts. For over 20 years, Steve’s Plumbing has provided expert plumbing repair and installation services for King and Snohomish counties. With a staff of highly trained and experienced plumbers who stay up to date on the latest plumbing repair technologies, you can expect that whatever ails your plumbing will be quickly diagnosed and resolved. With Steve’s Plumbing, you can always expect two-hour appointment windows, courtesy calls when the plumber is on the way, straightforward pricing, and courteous service throughout the entire process. Don’t wait to address plumbing issues in your Lynnwood, WA, home. Contact Steve’s Plumbing today to schedule an appointment for your plumbing in winter and all year round.
5 Main Types Of Plumbing Pipes Used In Homes
When you think about your home’s plumbing system, it might seem pretty straightforward. One set of pipes brings clean water to the taps, and another set of pipes carries wastewater away.
But have you ever stopped to think about what all those pipes are made of and what their specific functions are within your home’s plumbing system? If one of your pipes bursts or is in need of repair, do you know what questions to ask your plumbers?
This article is designed to inform you about all five types of plumbing pipes that reside in your home. By learning more about how the different pipe types function, you will be better equipped to make decisions regarding your home plumbing in the future. This understanding can help you work closely with your local plumbing professional.
Pros and Cons: Metal vs. Plastic Plumbing Pipes
You know that pipes are the backbone of your home’s plumbing system, but when it comes time to repair or replace a busted-out pipe, should you go with a metal or plastic piping option? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind for each type of material. Metal is durable but rigid, and plastic is flexible but might wear out faster. Additionally, there are different options for specific types of pipe plumbing, even within the broader choice of metal or plastic. To find out which choice will benefit you and your home the most, you might want to ask professional plumbers to give you some advice. In the meantime, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the pros and cons of metal and plastic pipes:Pros of Metal Pipes
Metal has some great advantages when it comes to plumbing. It’s the most common kind of piping in older homes. If you’re a resident of Everett, Lake Stevens, or Marysville, you are probably familiar with older homes, which means that it is likely you’ve seen some of these types of pipes up close and in person. Metal pipes come in three kinds of metal:- Copper
- Galvanized Steel
- Cast Iron
Cons of Metal Pipes
The only viable option for metal piping is copper. Due to advancements in plumbing technology, we now know that any other metal is inferior, and only copper can handle the highly abrasive effects of a home plumbing system. Cast iron can rust through completely, and most plumbers use a hard plastic option (like ABS) to take its place. Furthermore, galvanized steel is no longer an option at all due to its highly erodible nature. This pipe material is only used for natural gas now.Pros of Plastic Pipes
Plastic is the new kid in town with a lot of great qualities. Due to its malleable nature, this kind of piping is great for the twisting, corner-heavy walls of modern homes. It comes in a few different options, including:- PVC Piping
- Flexi Piping
- PEX Piping
- ABS Piping