Category: Plumbing

Pipe corrosion is a major plumbing issue that homeowners want to avoid as much as possible. While corrosion is often associated with plumbing problems, leaks, and water damage, it also can lead to serious health issues as corroded pipes can result in high levels of toxic metals getting into your home’s water supply, affecting your water quality.

While pipe corrosion generally happens in older pipes, it can actually happen within a matter of a few years if your pipes are not properly protected. A number of factors affect pipe corrosion, and there are lots of things you can do to slow down or stop corroded pipes. To help you do this, today we’ll talk about what causes pipe corrosion and what you can do to help avoid it.

What Causes Pipe Corrosion

In most cases, pipe corrosion is caused by a number of different factors. Some of the things that can cause pipe corrosion or increase the rate of pipe corrosion include:

• Your water’s pH levels.
• The presence of oxygen in your water, since oxygen degrades metals.
• Your water’s chemical makeup - the presence of certain minerals, for example, calcium can lead to builds up that cause corrosion.
• The temperature of water in your home - hotter water accelerates rates of corrosion.
• The velocity of the water in your home - high levels of velocity or sudden changes in direction can increase the rate of corrosion.

By having a professional test the quality of your water and inspect your piping system, you can determine whether you are at a higher risk for pipe corrosion. If so, you can take steps to slow down or stop corrosion of pipes.

How to Keep Your Pipes Clean

Keeping your pipes clean is one important step you can take to slow pipe corrosion. By regularly cleaning your pipes, you can clear buildups that would otherwise lead to problems.

If you have hard water - with lots of calcium - it’s especially important that you regularly clean your pipes.

You can do some pipe cleaning on your own. White vinegar is a good way to clear calcium out of pipes, as its acidity levels breakdown calcium buildups. To clean your pipes with vinegar:

• Clear clogged or sluggish drains of excess water.
• Pour white vinegar through the drain.
• Wait 30 minutes.
• Use a long pipe and brush to scrub pipes as much as possible.
• Run water to thoroughly rinse pipes.

It’s also a good idea to have your pipes cleaned professionally. Doing this regularly will help to protect your pipes from buildups and to help stop corroded pipes.

Pipe Cleaning vs. Repiping

The great thing about thoroughly cleaning your pipes is that it can make your piping system function as if it’s been repiped. Without the expense or effort involved in repiping, a thorough cleaning can help to clear clogged, sluggish or blocked pipes.

This means that not only will regular cleanings help to make your pipes last longer, but they’ll also make them function better now. If you haven’t had your pipes cleaned recently, it’s a good idea to schedule either a cleaning, or an inspection as soon as possible.

Call Super Plumbers today at (903) 630-6153 if you’re concerned that your pipes are corroded or if you need to schedule a checkup.

How often do you get to experience the World’s Longest Day? Turns out, only once a year! This June 21st you’ll have a wonderful 17 full hours of summer daylight; be sure to take advantage of every drop of fun, and water, with those you love!

Outdoor activities, especially those involving cool water, are the best way to stay cool and have fun this summer. So, if you’re looking for some tips to have fun with your outdoor plumbing and family that won’t break the bank, be sure to read on!

Use a Sprinkler and Slide to Amp Up the Fun

Using a sprinkler and slide right in your front yard will not only provide limitless fun for the whole family, but it also goes easy on your budget. A slip n’ slide requires minimal water to get it going and can provide hours of fun.

If you want to change it up, or don’t want to spring for the slide, you can have just as much fun splashing in the sprinklers with your loved ones.

And as an extra bonus, your grass will love all the water too! This way you’re doing yard work and having fun at the same time.

Water Hose Fights For the Whole Family

June 21st doesn’t have the reputation of being an especially cool day; so, if you and your family are looking for an inexpensive way to beat the heat, look no further than your front yard water hose.

Water hose fights are a fun way for everyone to cool off while having some fun and getting some exercise. Just be sure to keep an eye on how much water you’re using, or you could be surprised with a large water bill at the end of your next cycle.

If too much water usage is truly a concern, try tossing in some inexpensive water guns to constrict water usage a little more without constricting your family's fun.

Beat the Heat with Water Balloons

Not only are water balloons a fun outdoor summer activity, but they are also budget-friendly and water-usage conscious. Purchasing water balloons at your local store is generally pretty inexpensive, and filling them up is as easy as using your yard water spigot.

Temperatures can get pretty hot during the month of June, and the longest day of the year is no exception; family members will definitely appreciate this fun and cool way to have fun and beat the heat!

The water activities we mentioned are great ways to stay cool and make awesome memories with your family and friends, but it’s also important to remain mindful of water conservation while you’re splashing in the sun. Water conservation is an important way to do your part in helping to protect our Earth’s precious and limited resources.

By taking care to preserve water, it can offset increasing food costs, help to protect us from future drought, ensure our communities continue to look beautiful, promote positive and healthy living, and allow us to enjoy water-related activities throughout the hot summer months. The longest day of the year only rolls around once every 365 days; At Super Plumbers we want you to make the most of it while being responsible with water use so we can all have fun!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we want to thank all of the mothers out there for the time that they have spent. All of the dinners they have cooked, all the times that they have taken care of us while we were sick, and all the other things that they have done. With Mother’s Day coming up soon, make sure that you spend some time with your mom.

Our moms, because they love us, always were telling us things that might have seemed annoying, but they were teaching us life skills. Below are some of the things that your mom might have told you to do, which today may help you in your adult life, even your plumbing system.

Mom Saying, “Make Sure You Wipe the Glassware Good!”

Have you ever watched The Golden Girls? There was an episode where Dorothy and Sophia were doing the dishes and Sophia kept handing back the glasses because they weren’t cleaned to her liking.

While it could have been a picky situation, maybe they had hard water in their house! Hard water stains are a big problem and they could be impacting more than your glassware.

While it starts as a nagging issue you have to deal with when washing dishes, clothes, or even your hair, if left unchecked it could be damaging your plumbing too. Luckily, a water softener can make quick work of the issue, and who knows, maybe you won’t have to worry about wiping those glasses again!

Mom asking, "Why Are You in The Bathroom so Long?"

One of the biggest things that parents hated was when their kids would take long showers. If the house didn’t have a well, they had a hefty water bill that they had to pay.

Not only can long showers cause a high water bill, but it also can help with corroding the pipes. That can cost you a lot of money, not to mention leaks and other problems.

While you might still enjoy your long showers, now that you’re paying the bills, at least you’re more aware of how much time you spend in the bathroom.

Mom Saying, “Have I Ever Told You About how We Spent Time Collecting Water?”

Chances are as a child you heard stories about how your mom had to walk uphill both ways to go to school, or it could have been your grandmother, depending on how old you are.

Maybe they even took it a step further about collecting water from the well or from the creek. But collecting water is still a good idea these days – rainwater that is.

This is a great way that you can get water for watering your garden, filling wading pools or washing your car. Not only can this help you save money, but it also is a great way to conserve water and help the planet.

This Mother’s Day, at Super Plumbers we want to make sure that you are giving your mom a call and letting her know how much you appreciate her for what she’s done for you.

If you don’t have a mom or if your mom has passed on, go and visit a friend’s mom or a mom you know. They will appreciate the touch and it will make them smile. Because of moms, we have learned about how to save money on our water bill.

Yes, it could have been annoying but those are life lessons that have lasting impacts, and we’ll remember them for years to come. Moms are wonderful people, and they only did the things that they did because they love us.

Were you the victim of any April Fools jokes this year? Don’t worry, this isn’t one of them – you can actually save a lot of serious cash this spring with plumbing maintenance.

Unfortunately, the rainy weather this time of the year can bring a lot of problems – from broken pipes to flooding – but with a little planning, you can come out ahead. Here are a couple of ways you can save money this season.

Install a Rainwater Collection System to Save on Water Costs

Thinking rainwater harvesting is outdated? Think again. More and more people are becoming interested in this environmentally friendly way of reducing water costs.

Rainwater harvesting refers to the practice of collecting rainwater and using it for various uses around your home. People all over the world harvest rainwater – even in urban areas.

There are a variety of water collection systems to choose from, so you can pick one that suits your budget and your needs. Rainwater harvesting is a great way to reduce your water bill, with the added bonus of taking pressure off your sewer system during heavy rains.

Over time, you can save a lot of money. If you need help installing a system or having questions about plumbing requirements, a professional can help you navigate the process.

Avoid Expensive Emergency Repairs with Plumbing Maintenance

Another way you can save money this season is by avoiding unnecessary expenses – like those that come with unexpected plumbing problems.

Broken pipes caused by the ground shifting during heavy rains can be very costly to repair – not only do you need to replace the pipe, but you also need to deal with the resulting water damage to your home or property.

Slab leaks are a particular kind of pipe leak under the foundation of your home. If you get a slab leak, you may need to tear up your foundation in order to repair the broken pipe. If the slab leak is bad enough, your foundation might even collapse. Needless to say, this can become very expensive very quickly. You may also need to pay to remedy problems like mold or pests that can thrive in damp areas.

The best way to avoid this scenario is through regular plumbing maintenance. Now is the perfect time of the year to schedule a professional inspection to make sure there are no problems with your plumbing system. These inspections usually don’t take a lot of time, and the cost is small compared to the expenses you may deal with after a pipe breaks.

Save Money with Your Trusted Plumbing Professionals

Need a professional to help you with your plumbing maintenance? Super Plumbers provides fast, expert service for all your plumbing needs at affordable rates.

We use flat-rate pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Whether you need an annual inspection of your plumbing system, a full re-piping, or an emergency repair, our expert technicians have you covered.

We take pride in our work and will go above and beyond to make sure you’re satisfied. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (903) 630-6153 or visit us on the web.

Spring cleaning has been done for many years, and this is something that is now becoming more popular - particularly with homeowners always looking for ways to improve their health and lifestyle. For many people, it sounds like a boring practice.

But there are others who look forward to it every year. Of course, the fresh feel that spring cleaning brings to the home is well worth the effort. There are many things that you can do to help your home get ready for spring.

While most focus on the cleaning aspects, there may some lesser known plumbing cleaning tips that can improve your system. In this article, we’re going to discuss the things that you can do to help your plumbing system get cleaned up.

Consider Drain Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a good time for inspecting your drains and ensuring that your plumbing system works well.

Before the holidays, where your plumbing system is going to get a lot of use, you want to be sure you’re not at risk of clogging, as it can be an unsightly and damaging issue to deal with in your home.

Your plumbing will need to be maintained regularly to prevent clogs. As time goes by, things like skin, hair, and grease stick to the sides of the pipes.

This accumulation slowly reduces the water flow and eventually block the pipe. Scheduling a drain cleaning will clear these obstructions before it becomes a big issue. The completely clogged drains are problematic and can cause severe damages like eroding your fixtures. If this gets severe and goes untreated, the system can burst, leading to costly damage and repairs.

Importance of Sewer Cleaning

Having your sewer cleaned is something that a lot of people don’t talk about, but it’s something that you should consider. If this is included in your to-do list, your sewer system is going to run efficiently.

The sewage lines often have small blockages and more severe problems, and these can be annoying and sometimes dangerous. If you’re noticing that your sewer lines are gurgling, foul-smelling, or struggling to get rid of wastewater, you could be on the cusp of an emergency.

Your sewer lines are essential for your health and safety. It’s never a good idea to wait for a disaster to get service, and no time is better than spring for a change!

Does Plumbing Cleaning Mean Saving Money?

The truth is, doing maintenance will only help in the long run. One great way homeowners reduce expenses is to keep the drains clean regularly.

If drains are neglected and aren’t cleaned regularly the result is plumbing problems in the future, such as overflowing and unsanitary conditions.

It’s important to plan for a professional to check your lines and other plumbing systems. When pipes break down and corrode, you will need to spend a lot of money to replace them. The extra expense is frustrating to many people and it takes a lot of time to have it fixed.

Not only that, but you won’t be able to use your plumbing while the issue is persistent in your home. Finally, few experiences equal the frustration of having drain and sewer clogs. Are you prepared for having dust and pollen run around as well? If not, are you excited for spring cleaning?

Of course, you can loosen the blockage yourself, but it’s worth it to have professional plumbing cleaning at least twice a year. Give Super Plumbers a call. We are your skilled team that will prevent and address your concerns and look over your system. If you are around Tyler, TX you can call (903) 630-6153 for a professional plumbing estimate.