A Convincing Case for Copper

If you are like the majority of Toronto homeowners, then you probably do not give a second thought to your plumbing — at least not until something goes terribly wrong. Conscientious homeowners should realize that there are warning signs that indicate possible plumbing problems. If your water tastes strange, does not have enough pressure, or the drains consistently clog up, then you may be facing costly repairs in the not-too-distant future. Your Toronto home has two different types of plumbing lines: the drain lines and the water lines. The drain lines are generally the troublemakers, but water lines can be problematic as well.

Most Toronto homes today are built using copper pipe for the water lines, but older homes often have galvanized steel pipes instead. If your home is especially old, it probably uses iron or steel pipes that were not galvanized or specially coated. Galvanized pipes corrode within about 40 years and are prone to mineral buildup, which can cause funny-tasting water. The best solution is to refit your home with copper pipes. Copper does not corrode as quickly as steel pipes and does not suffer from the mineral buildup that not only affects the taste of your drinking water, but also causes you to lose pressure.

If you take a preventative approach to your Toronto home’s plumbing maintenance, you can get rid of small or undetected leaks that may be eating away at your monthly water bill. All of your appliances — like your water heater, ice maker, dishwasher, and washing machine — will last longer and work much more efficiently if your home has the proper water lines. Copper pipes can also benefit your health since they are less prone to toxic bacterial buildup.

It is not hard to understand why copper pipe is the standard in most new home construction. If you are looking to increase the efficiency of your home and save money on your monthly water bill, it is worth taking a look at your water lines. Your Toronto plumber can help you determine whether your steel pipes have reached the end of their lifespan. By retrofitting your home with a copper pipe replacement, you cannot only avoid costly repairs in the future, but you can rest assured that your Toronto home’s plumbing will be reliable and trouble-free for years to come. Remember, prevention is always better than having to deal with the problems associated with failing pipes.