Pipe Gripes - HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric

Why Copper Pipes Are the Best

No, opting for copper pipes in your home isn’t the most cost-effective route to take. For the more frugal minded, plastic will always win the day on cost. But as you know, cheaper does not equal better. In fact, spending a little more money on copper pipes may just save you a lot of money down the road.

What are the benefits of copper pipes?

• Copper is durable and fire resistant (plastic pipes in the event of a fire are a disaster)
• It’s earthquake tolerant
• Just about every building code accepts copper plumbing
• Copper plumbing is excellent for the resale value of your home
• Copper is biostatic – meaning it resists the growth of bacteria
• Copper is malleable, so it can be made to fit just about anywhere

The next time you’re confronted with figuring out the plumbing in your new home, consider copper over plastic or galvanized steel. Its longevity and benefits will far outweigh the slightly increased cost up front.

 

Are Your Pipes Banging?

Have you ever heard a banging sound coming from your pipes that can put you on edge wondering about whether or not a pipe is about to burst? It’s not a good feeling, and it’s certainly not a pleasant sound. Fortunately, it’s probably not as big a deal as you think.

Typically, if your pipes make a banging sound, it’s likely coming after someone in the house has just cut the water, maybe washing dishes or turning a shower or faucet off. Known as “water hammer,” the knocking sound is common to older homes, but can occur in new homes as well.

Here’s how it works:

Water flowing through pipes creates energy, so when the water flow is abruptly stopped, the energy created can cause a bang. Many homes commonly have plumbing systems with short pieces of pipe that fill with air and act as air cushions to absorb the water’s energy when the flow is quickly cut off. As time passes – especially in older homes – the air leaks out so there’s no air cushion left to absorb the energy of the water.

If your home is new, you likely have a water hammer arrester installed. If you experience regular banging, call a plumber and have it checked out. Over time, the banging can damage your pipes.

 

Poll: Hot Water Heating Blankets

Hot water heating blankets can be used to save money by reducing the heat lost on the hot water heater itself. These blankets can provide a substantial option to save in energy costs over a period of time. 

 

Do you use a hot water heating blanket?

• Yes
• No

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