A slow drain or clogged pipe is one of the most frustrating things you will experience as a homeowner. However, many individuals face these issues across Scottsdale, AZ, every year. Of the many solutions for slow drainage or clogs, one isn’t too popular: pipe descaling.
What does it mean? How does it work? What are the advantages? The most trusted plumber in Scottsdale, AZ, has all the answers you’re looking for in this post.
What Is Pipe Descaling and How Does It Work?
Pipe descaling is an approach plumbers use to remove accumulated mineral deposits in water pipes. These deposits occur for several reasons, including the use of hard water, corrosion buildup, and the buildup of organic material.
Many homeowners in Scottsdale, AZ, do not know they have accumulated deposits in their plumbing pipes until the buildup becomes problematic.
Plumbers complete pipe descaling in three different ways:
- Mechanical descaling. This process involves attaching brushes or scrapers to a rotating head. The rotating mechanism will scrape off the buildup from the insides of the pipe.
- Hydro jetting. In some cases, the plumber might recommend hydro jetting to clear the buildup. The process involves forcing high-pressure water through the inside of the pipe.
- Chemical descaling. Some pipe cleaning products containing alkaline or acid as part of the ingredients can dissolve the buildup of minerals even in tight sections of plumbing pipes.
The approach your plumber will use when cleaning your drain pipe will come down to the severity of the scale buildup, the type of pipes you have, the age of the pipes, the difficulty in reaching into the pipes, and more.
What Are the Signs Your Pipes Need Descaling in Scottsdale, AZ?
The water in Scottsdale, Arizona, is very hard. Therefore, it always feels like scale buildup is unavoidable for homes that do not treat their water. However, depending on the plumbing material you have, it can take years, if not decades, for the buildup to rise to levels where you’ll need pipe descaling.
How do you know you’re at that point? Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Low water pressure. If you’ve noticed a drop in water pressure across your home, you may have a significant scale buildup in your supply line.
- Slow drainage. Are your bathtubs and sinks taking too long to drain? It may be due to scale buildup reducing the diameter of the pipes.
- Frequent clogs. A pipe smaller than it should be on the inside will likely trap more dirt and debris. Materials that should ordinarily pass through might end up getting stuck, forcing you to deal with blockages frequently.
- Discolored water. If the water in your home looks cloudier compared to elsewhere within your neighborhood, you might have severe scale buildup in your pipes.
- Sewage odors. The smell of sewage coming through your drains may point to trapped waste due to scale buildup in your sewer lines.
- Sewage backups. Sewage backups can occur when you have severe blockages caused by accumulated buildup in the sewer line.
If you notice any of these signs, you should reach out to a plumber right away.
What Are the Benefits of Pipe Descaling?
Some of the top benefits of pipe descaling include the following.
Blockages and Clogs Are a Lot Less Likely
Scaling removal reduces the risk of obstruction forming in your pipes. Therefore, quality descaling work can help reduce the risk of backups and overflows to the barest minimum.
You’ll Enjoy Cleaner, Free Flowing Water
If your pipes are scale-free, you’ll have very little mineral and dirt in your water. Even if you have a water purification system, reducing its workload can save you a lot of money. The system will also find it easier to deliver very clean water to your taps and faucets.
Similarly, a lack of scale buildup also means a lower risk of water pressure issues. You won’t have to deal with the frustration of slow-running showers and kitchen taps.
Your Pipes Will Last Longer
Quality pipe descaling work will reduce the need for complete pipe replacement. So, you can squeeze out a few more years, if not decades, from the pipes. Descaling also reduces the risk of sudden pipe damage as it can slow down corrosion and prevent pipe bursts due to accumulated pressure.
Get Pipe Descaling Service From Your Local Pros in Scottsdale, AZ
Do you need pipe descaling services in Scottsdale, AZ? Call the professionals at Zippity Split Plumbing today to schedule a consultation.
To learn more, check out our page on the causes of sewer pipe collapse.