Pipes have been doing their job for quite some time, and they do it silently, hiding behind walls and under floors. But every now and then, they have to come out and take the stage. Richmond, TX, residents know what I'm talking about: the occasional drip or, worse, the lead-up to the totally inexplicable phantom flush.
Drip or flush, the problem is the same: we need it to stop, and we need it to stop now. I'm pretty sure I don't have to remind you that plumbing issues just aren't compatible with a healthy budget. And if you're somehow wrangling with an old, rusty pipe, it could very well be the most unpleasant DIY project you've done or will do in your near and distant future.
Were you aware that, as time passes, minerals and debris can accumulate within your plumbing, causing all kinds of watery mischief with your water pressure? You might want to take a shot at ignoring it, but it could turn into a full-dress situation with no turning back. If you fancy your home not being a fountain and you like to achieve the elusive state of "worry-free plumbing," consider a few minor amendments to your plumbing architecture.
Richmond's beauty is its blend of history and modernity, and like this city, your plumbing might be a mix of old and new. From classic copper pipes that have loyally served your home for decades to contemporary PEX systems rocking the latest technology, each has its quirks. Old copper pipes can be a bit like grandpa’s stories—charming, but sometimes prone to leaks. Meanwhile, newer systems sound great, but they come with their own set of mysteries. The key is understanding what you've got and knowing when to work on the system and when to call for backup.