prevent Archives - Apple Valley Plumbing Company

3 Ways To Prevent Pipe Corrosion

What Exactly Is Corrosion?

Corrosion is the enemy of plumbing systems everywhere. In essence, corrosion is the deterioration of metal due to chemical reactions between the metal surface and the surrounding environment. When it comes to water pipe corrosion, there are several possible causes, including excessive water velocity, mineral deposits, and even microbiological contamination of the water.

Corrosion can cause pipes to leak or damage fixtures and appliances, so homeowners should do everything they can to prevent it. Fortunately, they have a few different methods to do so. Read on to learn about the three most common ways to prevent pipe corrosion!

Protective Coatings and Linings

One of the most effective ways to prevent pipe corrosion is to coat the pipe with some sort of protectant that forms a barrier between the pipe metal and the environment. Pipe coating is commonly used for underground pipes to protect against abrasions and corrosive materials in the soil. A few common types of pipe coatings include zinc, polyethylene, polypropylene, and fusion-bonded epoxy.

While coatings protect the outside of the pipe, it may also be necessary to add protection to the inside. This is done using a protective lining such as liquid epoxy, Teflon, or cement mortar. A pipe lining is commonly used to repair corroded or damaged sewer lines without digging a trench and removing the old pipe. Similarly, one can use a special liquid epoxy in water supply pipes to seal the pipe interior against corrosive materials in the water.

Water Softeners

While coatings and protective linings can be great for protecting the pipes, it may also be necessary to address any corrosive materials in the water supply directly. That’s where a water softener comes in. Water softeners use an ion exchange process to remove dissolved minerals from a home’s water supply as it enters the home.

Minerals like calcium and magnesium can form hard deposits inside the pipes and cause corrosion, so removing these substances from the water can go a long way toward corrosion prevention. A water softener can also help extend the lifespan of the pipes as well as fixtures and appliances by preventing mineral scale buildup.

General Plumbing Maintenance

Another way to protect the home’s plumbing from corrosion is with professional plumbing maintenance. A pro plumber can thoroughly inspect the home’s plumbing system for signs of corrosion, identify the underlying cause, and address the issue before it gets worse - whether using one of the above solutions or something else entirely.

For instance, excessive water pressure may be the problem, or an overly high temperature setting on the water heater. An improperly installed pipe fitting or joint may be causing water turbulence that has gradually scoured the pipe and exposed it to corrosion (a phenomenon known as erosion corrosion). A qualified professional can spot these problems and recommend solutions to not only repair the corroded water pipes but also prevent corrosion in the future.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

The Apple Valley Plumbing Company has been providing award-winning service to the Apple Valley community for over a decade. They offer same-day service, up-front pricing, and free estimates so every customer can return to their routine quickly and with no unpleasant surprises. They also guarantee 100% satisfaction on every job, so homeowners know they’re in good hands when they call Apple Valley for plumbing maintenance in Apple Valley, MN!

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The Three Top Ways to Prevent Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Prevent Frozen Pipes From Ruining the Holiday Festivities!

One of the easiest ways to ruin a fine holiday vacation is a burst pipe and accompanying repipe. It's also one of the most easily preventable household disasters. For many homeowners, the hardest part is remembering to follow proper advice. After all, keeping pipes warm is easy, but it seems like plumbers become very busy during the winter with flooded homes from burst pipes. Read on to discover the best ways to prevent pipes from freezing this winter.

Make Sure Your Pipes Are Insulated Properly

The top way for homeowners to keep their pipes from freezing is proper insulation. This is especially important for any exterior pipes and plumbing fixtures because they are more exposed to the elements and less protected by the house's heat and insulation.

For these easily-accessible outdoor pipes, it is fairly easy for homeowners to install the insulation themselves. Most hardware stores sell pre-cut pipe installation that will easily slip over the pipes. There is also spray-foam insulation available for added protection for those hard-to-reach pipes and fixtures.

Let Water Drip

One of the other best ways to prevent burst pipes during the winter is to let water drip out of the faucet. This is effective because pipes don't actually burst from the ice itself. A common misconception is that water expansion from turning to ice causes the pipe to burst. However, this isn't the case. Instead, it's the buildup of pressure that happens behind the ice blockage in the pipe. This water pressure is essential for the flow of water into the home. Without it, water would only flow out of a trickle, instead of the powerful flow that homeowners enjoy.

So, letting water drip out of a faucet or two can keep the pipes' pressure low. It also helps to ensure that water is always moving. Even at a slow pace, moving water can make freezing less likely.

Keep the Thermostat at 55-Degrees Fahrenheit

Finally, the third tip to keep pipes from bursting this winter is all about the thermostat. It can be tempting for homeowners to turn their thermostat off when they leave the house, but turning it down is a better option. Keeping the thermostat above 55-degree Fahrenheit can help keep the pipes from freezing, especially during long periods away from the house. This is because the heat inside the house isn't just for humans, but it can also keep the pipes comfortable and warm.

In addition to keeping the thermostat above 55-degrees, homeowners can keep their interior doors and cabinets open when gone for long periods. This allows the heat to make its way into every room and to the vulnerable pipes under the sinks. Homeowners who are planning on leaving the home for extended periods during the winter need to weigh the possibility of a burst pipe against the cost of keeping the heater running while they are gone.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company was founded in 2013 to serve Apple Valley, MN, and their plumbing needs. They offer free estimates and a 100% guarantee for every job. Their techs are known for being courteous, professional, and communicative. Call now for plumbing services!

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Top Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes In Your Home This Winter

Easy Tips to Keep Your Pipes From Freezing This Winter

It's that time of year again when the snow starts to fall and the temperatures start to drop. While it can be nice and cozy inside, when those temperatures drop, anything that’s outside is at risk of freezing, including your plumbing. The pipes that are the most vulnerable to freezing are the ones exposed to exterior walls or in places that are not heated.

Not only will the pipes freeze and render you without water, but they can also rupture, causing you to be without water and a big repair bill. Because of this potential disaster, plumbing professionals have the following tips to keep frozen pipes from happening.

Try Adding Heat Tape

Heat tape is used to wrap around exposed pipes to heat them when the temperatures drop into the freezing range. Heat tape isn't tape at all, but rather it's a flexible resistive heat-conducting wire that produces heat with electricity.

Heat tape is used to prevent water-filled rigid plastic and metal water pipes from freezing. The tape is wrapped around pipes and connected to a power supply. The wire around the pipe will then hold heat against the pipe preventing freezing.

There are a wide variety of types and styles on the market, so it’s always a good idea to consult a plumbing professional to determine your specific needs. Also, remember that it needs to be connected to electricity, so it’s only applicable to areas where there’s readily an outlet.

How Insulation Can Help

Pipe insulation is a material that is wrapped around water pipes that helps to prevent freezing. Normally pipe insulation is made of foam or fiberglass. Pipe insulation is an easy and affordable way to prevent freezing and thus burst pipes. Like your favorite winter or ski jacket, the insulation holds heat in and keeps cold out which prevents freezing.

In addition, because your plumbing is always relatively warm, your water heater and appliances won’t have to work as hard to provide you with hot water. There are many types of pipe insulation so do your research and determine the correct product for your needs or call on a plumbing professional for help.

Sometimes insulation comes in the form of a simple sleeve that can be wrapped around the pipe, with other options including spray-on foam. Just be sure you’re satisfied with your insulation choice before the winter season rolls around.

Remember to Run A Drip of Water

The cheapest and easiest way to help prevent frozen water pipes is by allowing the faucet to run a constant drip of water through the water cycle. This may seem like wasted water, but by having water constantly flowing through your pipe, there’s less of a chance for the pipe to freeze completely.

As a pro tip, it’s always a good idea to go with cool water instead of hot. Because your water supply is limited by the capacity of the hot water heater, using hot water can increase your costs. In the event that you do notice frost or ice forming in or around your plumbing, addressing it as quickly as possible is key.

As the pipe continues to freeze, it can expand, leading to a break. Instead, try your best to warm the area using a hairdryer or space heater. If all else fails, contact your local plumber immediately, as they can help mitigate damage.

About Apple Valley Plumbing Company

Apple Valley Plumbing Company is a full-service plumbing company that prides itself on providing personalized service at the best value. Their services include drain cleaning, pipe installation, repairs, and emergency services. Apple Valley Plumbing Company provides service to Eagan, Rosemont, Lakeville, and the surrounding areas.