Water quality refers to the condition of the water you use in your home. It can be measured in different ways, but the chemical makeup of the water, the biological factors that alter it, and the physical characteristics present in the water are always considered.
In this article, we will examine the various ways water quality is influenced and how water’s complexities can negatively interact with plumbing systems. We will also list the common issues found in poor-quality water and the resulting plumbing issues that it creates.
Lastly, we will recommend ways of combating these plumbing problems to help restore the plumbing pipes to their proper functioning.
Factors That Influence Water Quality
Water is a precious resource required for survival, and its quality is important to our well-being and the future of our planet. Many factors, such as climate and temperatures, can influence the quality of water, but one thing remains constant: without good-quality water, our health is at risk.
Understanding what threatens water quality is also essential to our homes. Poor-quality water negatively affects our plumbing pipes, further threatening our health. Here are some common influencers of water quality.
Chemical Factors
Dissolved heavy metals, pesticides, and chlorine used for disinfecting purposes all affect the water supply. Industrial runoff and current farming practices allow harmful substances into our soil, and even toxic air-borne particles are added as rainwater absorbs them and falls to the ground.
Biological Factors
Poor water quality can be blamed on improper water treatment methods. Many treatment centers rely on chlorine to disinfect the water supply, and these chemicals often remain in too high a concentration to be considered healthy.
In addition, the age of the equipment at these treatment centers is becoming as outdated as the plumbing network used to distribute the treated water. Aging plumbing can leach harmful substances into the water, making it toxic to ingest.
Physical Factors
Aging plumbing pipes are also to blame for sediment in the water supply. Cracks and misaligned piping create openings for dirt and debris to enter, leaving behind aesthetically unappealing water full of rust and other corrosive materials.
The Relationship Between Water Quality And Plumbing Pipes
Plumbing pipes are an essential component of a plumbing system. They are responsible for delivering clean, fresh water and sanitary removing used wastewater to the sewer line.
As water enters the home, the material from which the pipes are made interacts with it, leading to severe plumbing and health-related issues. These negative effects are also experienced in the drainage system.
Some common water quality issues include foul-smelling water, metallic-tasting water, and discolored water laden with sediment. Chemical leaching from the water and pipe material can cause more serious issues. Now, we will examine how this water negatively affects plumbing pipes.
Acidity And Alkalinity Matter
Water is measured by its pH, which is known as its acidity or alkalinity. Neutral water is assigned a 7, and as the pH scale decreases, it becomes softer. The side effects of soft water on plumbing pipes include corrosion, staining of sinks and tubs, and pinhole leaks in copper pipes.
Conversely, water with a pH higher than 7 is considered hard. Hard water similarly affects plumbing and leads to premature failure of pipes, plumbing fixtures, and water-using appliances.
Common Issues Resulting From Poor Quality Water
Water traveling through plumbing pipes can cause a plethora of problems, from clogs to low water pressure. While some of these problems are more of an inconvenience, others are threats to health.
Corrosion
Water that is considered hard can be detrimental to a pipe’s longevity. Hard water is rich in certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, and over time, it accumulates inside pipes, slowly blocking the passage of water. As the corrosive materials build, they deteriorate the lining, leading to leakage and a host of related issues.
Hard water can also prematurely shorten the life of water heaters, as mineral content settles on the tank’s floor and interferes with the heating of the water. A water heater affected by corrosion will struggle to provide consistent hot water and may prematurely fail while predictably increasing energy bills.
Clogs
Hard water, again, is a contributor to this common plumbing problem. As the pipes corrode, they rust, creating a rough interior for the plumbing pipes. This irregular surface is ideal for catching and holding particles of waste passing by, and as time progresses, this accumulating material will eventually form a clog. A clog in a drain pipe will slow down the drainage and can lead to foul smells or even drains that back up with sewage.
Hard water also promotes scale, which leaves behind visual signs such as spotted glassware and deposits on faucets and showerheads. These white deposits should be a reminder of the serious damage that is taking place out of sight within plumbing pipes.
Leaks
As plumbing pipes clog, the water pressure inside them can increase, placing additional strain on pipes and their connections. If too much pressure is applied, the joints can begin to leak, and if it becomes extreme, the pipe can burst, leading to flooding and costly repairs.
Leaking plumbing, especially if it remains undetected, can cause serious structural damage as drywall, insulation, and wall studs begin to decay. It is also responsible for mold and mildew growth, which can affect the health of the inhabitants who breathe in these airborne spores.
Low Water Pressure
Leaks can simultaneously result in low water pressure. As the water intended to reach a faucet is now escaping into the soil or behind a wall or floor, the pressure carrying that water will be reduced. This can ruin a shower experience or add unneeded time to daily chores, but in all cases, low water pressure is annoying.
Looking To Improve Your Water Quality And Its Effects On Your Plumbing Pipes?
Several things can be done to counteract the ill effects of poor water quality on plumbing pipes. First, regular testing of the water can monitor its features, which may lead to pipe issues. A purification or filtration system can be used to remove harmful particles from the water. Additionally, a water-softening system can be installed to remove or isolate the hard water minerals found in hard water and improve the overall quality of the water.
Next, a regularly scheduled plumbing inspection can identify the formation of clogs or find slow-leaking plumbing and repair them before they develop into a more serious issue.
Finally, severely corroded pipes can be replaced in a process known as repiping, where outdated plumbing is abandoned, and new, state-of-the-art pipes are added. This eliminates the water pressure issues associated with corroded plumbing and delivers peace of mind to every homeowner.
Call us to help you address your water quality issues, which can lead to deteriorating plumbing pipes. Our valued customers rely on our expertise and reliability to restore their water quality and the condition of their plumbing pipes, and you can, too!
