1. Plumbing Emergencies are almost 100% avoidable.
How so? With a yearly inspection by a professional plumber; you can just about eliminate any hidden surprises. A visual inpection of your plumbing system can reveal any potential disasters before they occur.
2. High water pressure is the #1 cause of all plumbing problems.
High Water Pressure causes the majority of plumbing failures. The higher the water pressure; the more plumbing problems you will have. High water pressure places too much stress on fixtures, faucets, appliances, and pipes. Your plumbing system wasn't designed to withstand water pressure above 80psi.
In fact, Uniform Plumbing Code 608.2 mandates that any time the incoming water pressure exceeds 80psi - a pressure reducing valve must be installed.
Your plumber isn't trying to upsell you when he checks your water pressure. In fact, he is seeking to help you avoid future problems. Isn't that what you expect of your plumber? Help
3. Thermal Expansion. What is that and how come I've never heard of that before?
Thermal Expansion occurs when your water system is closed, and your water heater - heats water.
Several things can create a closed water system - a pressure regulator, in line check valve, or backflow assembly can place your water system into a closed water system state. Once in a closed state - every time your water heater heats water, pressure increases within the system; due to the steam building up (similar to a tea kettle heating water). This additional pressure has no where to go due to the closed water system, and your water system pressure rises.
So even if you thought you were protected against high water pressure - you may not be protected against it during the water heating cycle.
What can you do to fully protect your water system? Have your plumber install a thermal expansion tank or similar device. It's easily installed and will give you 100% protection against high water pressure.
How is it that you've never heard of thermal expansion?
1. As the efforts to protect our drinking water increases; we are seeing more and more in-line check valves installed by the water companies. These check valves allow water to be delivered to your property with no return. The check valve prevents water and pressure from being absorbed back into the water purveyors system. Thus creating a closed water system.
2. In days past - new construction plumbers used to install water systems with air chambers (pipe extensions of 12in with a cap at each fixture - on both the hot and cold sides). These air chambers would serve as a place for the expansion to be absorbed. This practice is rare since copper piping systems started being installed. Thus, thermal expansion has become a more prolific problem, and one that your average "new plumber" doesn't quite understand.
To be continued: For more information please visit our website at www.aap-allamericanplumbing.com
