subject: Solving The Problems Of Clogged Drain Pipes [print this page] Clogging of pipes is not a big deal as it is a very common problem in every household. The clogging is generally caused due to mineral build-up or rust accumulation over time. Some times, due to this corrosion or mineral build-up, the size of your pipe gets reduced. Due to decrease in interior size of the pipe, flow of water through it also diminishes. To solve this problem, you need to unclog these pipes or replace them.
Now the question arises that how to find out if your pipe is clogged? Well it can be easily determined by noticing the flow of water through your pipes and faucets. Many homeowners often confuse between water pressure and water flow. Always keep in mind that due to corrosion or mineral build-up inside the pipes, the flow of water through the pipes gets affected.
Check the flow of water or the amount of water coming out of the faucets in several parts of the house. This should be the same in all faucets in the house. If you find that the flow of water from a specific faucet is less than other faucets, you need to do some further investigation.
Also compare the rate of water flow in your house with your neighbor's house. It will help you in knowing if there is some problem with flow of water in your house or not.
If you would not have adequate water flow in your faucets then it would cause your whirlpool tubs, spa showers and toilets to function in a improper way. Hence, it will always be good if would check all the pipes before installing your new plumbing fixtures.
If you will replace pipes, keep few tips in your mind like plastic pipe is usually easier to work with than metal pipe, PVC pipe can only be used for cold water, be sure that the PVC pipe you have chosen is approved for drinking water, ABS pipe can be connected to several kinds of metal pipe but is used mainly in bathrooms for waste removal and drains.
PEX can carry both hot and cold water and is a good choice for interiors, CPVC is mainly used for hot water and it is a good substitute for copper pipe. Galvanized steel was used for water supply lines but it is susceptible to corrosion and mineral deposits.
If the pipes get clogged then the flow of water through the faucets, shower heads reduces. One good way to solving this problem is to replace old, clogged pipes. This will also help your dishwashers, washing machines, spa showers, whirlpool tubs and other water using devices to work properly.
