Found yourself needing Houston plumbing repair? Maybe you found a leak, stains on your floors and walls, or just believe that your pipes are old and need replacing. Copper pipes may help you reduce the frequency of plumbing issues because of they’re increased durability, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties.
Copper pipes aren’t perfect, of course. Just like any other type of plumbing, they can experience issues over time, especially in the Houston environment. But they are an overall great choice for those looking to improve their home plumbing. In today’s blog, we will break down the pros and cons of copper piping, repair options, and why choosing a local Houston plumber is crucial.
Make sure you have a trusted plumbing company on your side. If you have questions about copper piping or are looking for Houston plumbing repairs, contact Santhoff Plumbing Co!
Why Copper Piping is Common in Houston Homes
Copper is a very popular plumbing material in Houston, but why? The biggest benefit of copper piping is its durability. Copper is a durable metal known for its resilience and longevity, with some copper pipes lasting between 50 –75 years if cared for properly. It is also resistant to corrosion, making it less likely to leak or burst compared to other piping materials, like galvanized steel.
Copper has natural antimicrobial properties as well. This means it inhibits the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. When ingested, contaminants like these can cause sickness, stomach problems, and even chronic illnesses, so copper piping could improve your health! It is also a non-toxic material that does not leach toxic substances into your water. These two aspects combined show that copper piping helps keep water clean and free of contaminants.
The last benefit we will discuss is its heat resistance. Copper is a great heat conductor, with very high thermal conductivity. It can withstand high temperatures and handle hot water effectively. This also makes it fire-resistant, as it will not burn and contribute to the spread of the fire.
Common Reasons Why Copper Pipes Need Houston Plumbing Repair
Corrosion
Although copper piping has many advantages, it also comes with its own unique issues. Copper pipes are resistant to corrosion, but they aren’t immune to it. Corrosion typically occurs when the protective layer of copper breaks down and exposes the metal to water and other corrosive elements. This can be exacerbated by factors like improper Houston plumbing repair, electrochemical factors, and water chemistry.
There are many types of corrosion, including:
- Pitting Corrosion: causes small pits or cavities in the surface of the metal
- Galvanic Corrosion: occurs when two different metals come in contact with an electrolyte like water or salt. If an electrical current flows between the metals, the more reactive metal will corrode preferentially.
- Stress Corrosion Cracking: an environmentally caused cracking of metal alloys. This is caused by tensile stress and a corrosive environment.
There are signs that copper pipes are corroding, including discolored water, changes in the water’s taste or quality, fluctuation in water temperature, reduced water pressure, pipe clogs, and visible corrosion. If you notice any of these signs in your home, contact your local plumber for Houston plumbing repairs.,
Leaks
Leaks in copper piping are caused by a variety of factors, including freezing temperatures, high water pressure, corrosion, acidic water, and poor installation practices. Plumbing leaks are serious, and we recommend you have a Houston plumber handle them as fast as possible. If not, you may run into problems like mold and mildew growth, structural damage, increased utility bills, and health risks.
Pinhole leaks are a common type of leak found in copper pipes. This leak is small and localized, often caused by corrosion that creates tiny holes in the pipe. When we say small, we mean small. Most pinhole leaks are only about ⅛ of an inch wide. They can be difficult to detect early, so call your Houston plumber for help if you suspect you may have one.
Joint Issues
Most copper pipes are connected using methods like soldering and press fitting. Soldering is the process of joining copper components with something called solder, a metal alloy with a lower melting point than copper. Press fitting, on the other hand, uses hydraulic tools to press fittings onto copper pipes, sealing the connection. Both methods are strong and reliable, but nothing lasts forever. Age, movement, and improper installation can compromise these connections and eventually cause links.
When You Need Houston Plumbing Repair For Copper Pipes
How do you know if there’s trouble with your pipes? Let’s look at some signs you may need Houston plumbing repair.
- Visible Leak: This one is obvious enough. If you see water on the floor, there is probably a leak somewhere nearby!
- Water Stains: Discoloration on the walls, ceilings, and floors could indicate water damage from a leak
- Mold or Mildew Growth: If this is caused by a leak, you will usually notice mold or mildew growth in areas near plumbing
- Low-Pressure Water: If water is continuously leaking out of the pipes, your water pressure will likely be affected.
- High Water Bill: Leaks waste water and can cause your water bill to skyrocket
- Noisy Pipes: Banging or whistling sounds can sometimes indicate leaks and other underlying plumbing issues.
What Homeowners Need to Know about Houston Plumbing Repair for Copper Pipes
There are many DIY ways to fix a plumbing leak. Pipe wraps, clamps, and epoxy putty are just a few of them. While these offer temporary solutions, they also come with limitations and risks. If not done correctly, these methods can cause more damage and even injury. Ensuring proper sealing and preventing future issues requires expertise. That’s where a Houston plumber comes in.
A plumber has all the necessary and knowledgeable and training to repair copper pipes correctly. Leak detection and repair, pipe replacement, soldering and joint repair, pinhole leak solutions — if there’s a problem with your copper pipes, they can fix it. They also have fast response times, so you are never left without water when you need it most.
Preventative Measures for Copper Pipes
Before you need to call a plumber for Houston plumbing repair, there are a few preventive measures you can take to reduce wear and tear on your pipes. Regular inspection is one of them. As a homeowner, you should be staying vigilant and inspecting your copper pipes regularly to make sure they are working properly. Water quality management is also important. Things like water softeners and filters can remove some corrosive elements from Houston water that could affect your pipes.
Proper insulation can protect your pipes during cold weather. We don’t have it often here in Houston, but we do have freezes in the winter that can significantly damage pipes. Lastly, we would highly recommend that you do not use chemical drain cleaners on your pipes. They contain corrosive chemicals that can damage them over time.
Copper pipes are a great choice for Houston homeowners, offering reliability and durability that other materials can’t match. Just like any other piping material, they come with their own unique challenges, but these can be remedied with preventative measures or help from a Houston plumber. If you are interested in installing copper plumbing in your home, or you are just looking for trusted Houston plumbing repair, contact Santhoff Plumbing Co.