Water quality is essential for the health and well-being of your family. However, old or damaged pipes can cause water contamination, affecting their taste, appearance, and safety. Pipe restoration is an effective way to improve water quality in your home. This process restores the pipes to their original condition without the need for complete replacement, ensuring clean, safe water flows through your home.
Let us discuss how pipe restoration works, why it improves water quality, and actionable steps you can take to protect your household’s water supply.
What is Pipe Restoration?
Pipe restoration is a method of repairing and renewing existing pipes without having to replace them entirely. Instead of digging up and removing old pipes, a lining or coating is applied inside the pipes. This helps seal cracks, fix leaks, and prevent corrosion. Common types of pipe restoration include:
- Epoxy lining: A durable resin that coats the inside of the pipes, creating a smooth, corrosion-resistant barrier.
- Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP): A flexible lining that hardens inside the pipe, creating a new, solid surface.
Both methods are minimally invasive and can extend the life of your plumbing system by up to 50 years. These methods are typically used for homes with aging plumbing systems, often over 30 years old.
How Pipe Restoration Improves Water Quality
Restoring your pipes can significantly improve water quality by addressing common issues that lead to contamination. Below are some of the ways this process benefits your home’s water:
Prevents Corrosion
Old metal pipes, especially galvanized steel or cast iron, can corrode over time. Corrosion leads to rust, which can cause your water to turn brown or red. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), corroded pipes are a common cause of water quality issues, as rust particles can harbor bacteria and reduce water clarity. Pipe restoration applies a smooth lining that prevents metal from coming into contact with water, stopping corrosion and improving water clarity.
Eliminates Leaks and Cracks
Leaks and cracks in pipes can allow contaminants from the soil or outside the pipe to enter your water supply. This can include dirt, bacteria, or even chemicals. Restoring pipes seals these leaks, preventing contamination and ensuring that only clean water reaches your faucets.
Reduces Bacteria Build-Up
Over time, pipes can accumulate deposits such as calcium, iron, or even biofilm, which is a thin layer of bacteria. These deposits create rough surfaces inside the pipes where bacteria can grow. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that bacteria build-up in pipes can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses if consumed. Pipe restoration removes these deposits and provides a smooth, clean surface inside the pipe, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
Prevents Chemical Leaching
Some older pipes, particularly those made of lead or copper, can leach harmful chemicals into your water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to lead in drinking water can lead to serious health problems, especially in children. Pipe restoration prevents these chemicals from leaching into your water by creating a protective barrier inside the pipes, ensuring safer drinking water.
Actionable Steps for Homeowners
A report by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) estimates that 240,000 water main breaks occur each year in the U.S., often caused by pipe corrosion, leading to water contamination and service disruptions.
If you suspect your home’s pipes may be affecting your water quality, there are steps you can take to protect your household:
Test Your Water
Before investing in pipe restoration, it’s important to know what contaminants are in your water. If you are in Baltimore, you can do this by hiring a professional pipe restoration services to test your water or by using a home testing kit. Testing will help you identify if there are any harmful substances like lead, bacteria, or excess minerals that need to be addressed.
Check for Signs of Corrosion or Leaks
Look for signs of corroded pipes or leaks, such as rusty-colored water, low water pressure, or visible leaks in your plumbing system. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to consider pipe restoration. The U.S. EPA reports that lead and copper contamination, primarily caused by corroding pipes, affects millions of homes in the U.S. annually.
Hire a Professional for Pipe Inspection
A licensed plumber can inspect your pipes using special tools like cameras to see if they are damaged, corroded, or leaking. Based on the results, they can recommend whether pipe restoration is the right solution for you.
Schedule Regular Pipe Maintenance
Even after pipe restoration, regular maintenance is key to keeping your water quality high. This can include annual inspections, routine cleaning, and checking for any signs of new leaks or corrosion. According to a study published in the Journal of Water Supply, pipe lining techniques such as epoxy coating are effective in reducing biofilm and bacterial contamination in drinking water pipes.
Conclusion
Pipe restoration is a proven way to improve water quality in your home by preventing corrosion, sealing leaks, and reducing bacterial growth. Not only does it ensure that your water is clean and safe, but it also extends the life of your plumbing system. By taking proactive steps like testing your water, inspecting your pipes, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can protect your family’s health and enjoy better-quality water for years to come.