There’s a real possibility that your pipes will fail in time. The older they are and the more demanding their operating conditions are, the higher the chances of them developing a serious leak. First, make sure to secure dependable repair equipment, such as cutting-edge Mueller clamps for sale. Then, learn more about what pipe materials are prone to which types of leaks in order to at least prepare for the sad inevitability of the matter. 

What are the most common leaks in pipes of different materials?

The susceptibility of a pipe toward developing a leak depends on factors such as soil and water chemistry, constant water pressure, installation errors, but also on the material of that pipe. That’s why you should know more about what types of leaks a pipe made from different materials can develop.

Cast iron

The primary concern when it comes to cast iron pipes is corrosion, as is the case with all other types of metals used for making pipes. As soon as you notice any rust on the exterior of a cast iron pipe, it’s time to react quickly and start resolving the problem before it develops further. Other common issues with cast iron pipes include:

• Sulfuric acid represents the main chemical component present in the majority of drain cleaners. This compound can wreak havoc on cast iron pipes due to its capacity to quickly create excessive corrosion, even with corrosion inhibitors present in the water. Always opt for mechanical cleaning rather than the chemical one.
• Older processes for manufacturing cast iron pipes are known for causing imperfections that result in uneven wall thickness and the development of weak spots throughout the pipe. This leads to leaks and bursts appearing, depending on the size of the imperfection.
• Due to the fact that iron pipes corrode, they’re more vulnerable to different types of exterior mechanical and physical damage. An unfortunate hit in the weak spot of the pipe will quickly lead to a serious leak.

Plastic materials

Different plastic materials used for creating pipes are also prone to various problems:

• The main cause of issues with ABS, CPVC, and PVC pipes is improper pipe fittings and joinings. Unprofessional use of chemicals required to adequately join sections of the pipes will cause significant problems and damage down the road.
• Another common issue is use of PVC in hot water pipes, which is improper. After continued exposure to high temperatures, this material will begin to soften, unlike ABS and CPVC that have the capacity to successfully withstand temperatures of up to 200℉ over long periods of time.
• Plastic fittings can easily crack in case the installer overtightens them, which leads to leaks developing down the line.
• Finally, the structural integrity of ABS, CPVC, and PVC pipes and fittings can be compromised after long periods of exposure to UV light, so it’s essential to keep such pipes away from the sun in order to preserve their integrity.

Which company offers dependable Mueller clamps for sale to fix my leak?

It’s essential to be familiar with the types of leaks and their development potential in different materials pipes are made from. Not only will this change the preferred method of repair, but it will also significantly alter the steps you need to take when attempting to repair your pipes. Besides that, it’s extremely important to use the right tools, parts, and equipment when performing the repairs in order to ensure their durability and dependability.

Luckily, you can rely on Blair Supply for that last part. We’re a nationwide distributor of advanced solutions you need to efficiently repair your pipes. Just tell us what kind of problem you’re facing and we’ll recommend the best possible solution and get it to you as soon as possible from our two warehouses in Watertown and Rochester. Remember, quality materials ensure quality repairs that will last for a very long time.