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Copper pipes are popular for use in homes and businesses. This is because they are durable and resistant to corrosion. For high-quality and dependable copper water pipes, check out Jufang Pipes, a professional manufacturer located at https://www.jufangpipes.com/. But, like anything else, these water pipes need care to keep them in good working order. In this blog, we share the essential maintenance practices for copper water pipes and keep them supplying safe and uninterrupted water for long.
Water Pipes Should Be Inspected Regularly
Regularly scheduled inspections for water pipes is the first step in stopping small problems before they become major issues. For Jufang Pipes copper water pipes, you should inspect all visible sections every 3 months. Check for leaks by looking for water stains on walls and for wet spots on floors and ceilings around the pipes. Copper pipes are made from copper which can corrode. Check for discoloration on the pipes. If you see green or blue spots, they should be dealt with immediately because they are an early sign of corrosion, which will get worse and destroy the pipes. Finally, check all the water pipes for loose or failing connections, especially the joints and valves.
If you notice any leaks or damage, get in touch with a professional plumber right away to fix or change the damaged portions of the water pipes.
Clean Water Pipes Both From the Inside and Outside
For water pipes to last a long time, you need to keep them clean. For copper water pipes, dust and dirt buildup externally can trap moisture and cause corrosion. The pipes can be dusted and wiped with a clean dry cloth. For more dirt, a soft brush, mild soap diluted with water, and a rinse with clean water will work. Without removal, dirt will have to be removed using the same method described with a dry cloth. The inner pipes will need a water softener as recommended by Jufang Pipes and will also help with flow issues. To keep the inner water pipes clean, you can also open all the faucets to full flow for 5 minutes and that will help flush away sticks and dirt that have accumulated.
Prevent Water Pipes From Freezing
In winter, water pipes can freeze and cause a number of issues.
Water pipes can burst or crack when the water inside freezes due to the expansion of the ice. To prevent Jufang Pipes’ copper water pipes from freezing, the water pipes in freezing temperatures basements, crawl spaces, and attics should be insulated. Installing foam or fiberglass pipe insulation sleeves is simple and will effectively help to keep the water pipes at a safe temperature. It is also good to know that if cold weather persists, the inside temperature should be kept above 10 degrees Celsius, even if the house is unoccupied. A good practice is to let a faucet connected to exposed water pipes drip. The movement of water helps to prevent the water from freezing. When water pipes are suspected to be frozen, avoiding open flames is very important. It can easily ruin copper water pipes. Using a heat lamp or low heat hair dryer works very well to gently thaw water pipes.
Control Water Pressure in Water Pipes
Water pipes are built to withstand a certain amount of pressure. If this pressure exceeds the pipes capability, the pipes will start to experience leaks, suffering wear damage, or even burst. In order to minimize the adverse effects of high water pressure, it is best to fix the problem.
Jufang Pipes’ copper water pipes are designed to withstand a specific range of water pressure, typically between 0.3 and 0.6 MPa. To keep water pressure in this safe range, attach a pressure gauge to the main water supply line and check the pressure regularly. If the pressure stays above 0.6 MPa, a pressure reducing valve should be added to lower the pressure to a safe level. Don’t open and close faucets too quickly, as this may cause water hammer effect, a sudden increase in pressure that will violently strike the pipes. Controlling the pressure will prolong the life of the copper water pipes.
Avoid Chemical Damage to Water Pipes
Certain chemicals will cause damage to copper water pipes so it is important to keep them free of any hazardous materials. While cleaning the area around the water pipes, you should never use strong acidic or alkaline cleaners around them such as bleach, ammonia, or hydrochloric acid. These chemicals will oxidize the surface of the copper, and thereby, weaken it. If cleaning products must be used, use a mild, non-oxidizing cleaner and rinse the area well with water to remove any cleaning residue.
Be mindful about the other household chemicals: do not allow paint thinners and other solvents to come into contact with the water pipes. Jufang Pipes tells users that even the smallest amounts of hazardous chemicals can build up and damage water pipes over time, making the improper chemical use a crucial maintenance issue.
Maintenance of Water Pipes
In addition to the necessary DIY maintenance that should be done regularly, water pipes made of copper should be professionally maintained at least once a year. Professional plumbers can get to the parts of the pipes that a homeowner cannot access, those that are hidden behind walls or below floors. They have special tools, even small video cameras, to detect damage, blockages or corrosion to water pipes. For Jufang Pipes’ copper water pipes, qualified plumbers can also complete the other components of the job, including checking the condition of pipe coatings and joints, and the looseness of joints and worn-out valves. You are also be to confident that the additional maintenance advice professionals offer, tailored to your pipes’ age and condition, will improve your maintenance efforts.
Professional maintenance helps avoid problems early on and keeps your copper water pipes in great shape for a longer time.