Your home water mains are like the veins of your household plumbing system. They bring the water supply from the main line to your faucets, showerheads, and other water fixtures. But like any other plumbing component in your home, water mains can also be vulnerable to damage and deterioration over time.
If you neglect them, you might face water leaks, pressure drops, and even burst pipes. Fortunately, there are several ways to protect your water mains and keep them in good condition.
Discover three simple things you can start doing today.
Keep Trees and Shrubs at a Safe Distance
Keeping trees and shrubs at a safe distance is essential to safeguarding your water mains because of the expansive root systems of these plants. As trees and shrubs grow, their roots can expand and spread beneath the ground in search of water and nutrients.
Unfortunately, this expansion can exert pressure on your water mains, causing damage. In severe cases, robust root systems can wrap around and crush your water mains, causing cracks, holes, and disconnections. The subsequent water loss not only escalates your water bills but also leads to water contamination, posing a risk to your health.
To avoid this, maintain a safe distance between your trees and shrubs and your water supply lines. A good rule of thumb is to plant trees several feet away from the pipe. Your plumber can also install root barriers near the mains to limit root intrusion.
Removing a tree or shrub that's too close to your water mains can be a complicated job that might involve more than just uprooting the plant. In some instances, you might need to repair or even replace the damaged pipes as part of the job.
And because the main water line is quite a sensitive part of your plumbing system, call a certified plumber to handle the job. They can also help identify any potential risks you might have missed, especially if you're unsure about the location of your damaged pipes.
Insulate Your Pipes
Your water mains may be at risk of freezing during the colder winter months. Frozen or almost-frozen pipes can cause water pressure buildups, eventually leading to cracks and bursts.
When water is exposed to frigid temperatures, it rapidly expands and contracts as it cycles between liquid and solid or semi-solid states. This repeated expansion and contraction can cause pipes to crack or even burst, resulting in costly repairs.
To prevent this from happening, ask your plumber to insulate your pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape. These materials can help keep your pipes warm and prevent heat loss, ensuring a consistent water flow throughout the winter.
Beyond preventing freezing, pipe insulation can also improve the efficiency of your plumbing system. Insulation helps reduce heat loss in hot water pipes and condensation on pipes that carry cold water.
Reduced heat loss means your water heater does not have to work as hard to heat your water, which can lead to lower energy bills. Similarly, curbing condensation can prevent water damage to your home and the growth of mold and mildew, which can pose significant health risks.
Install a Pressure Regulator
High water pressure may feel like a luxurious feature, but it can strain your water mains and cause them to fail prematurely. Most pipes and fittings are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure. So, if the lines supplying your home exceed this threshold, they can easily weaken and eventually break.
To protect against this problem, consider installing a pressure regulator on your main water line. This device is designed to keep the incoming water pressure at a fixed level and prevent surges.
Pressure regulators can also help reduce noise in pipes due to sudden drops in water pressure. When a downward pressure spike occurs, the regulator gradually reduces it until it stabilizes. This eliminates abrupt changes in the water flow and, as a result, reduces noise.
Need to know more about protecting your plumbing system? Contact Express Electrical Services today for a free phone consultation or to book an appointment. Our experienced technicians can help identify potential risk areas and recommend the best solutions for you.
