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Understanding Calcium Buildup in Pipes

Pipe buildup refers to calcium carbonate and other minerals accumulating on the inside walls of your plumbing. Hard water, rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, flowing through pipes can gradually degrade their structure. As

Calcium deposits can lead to significant drain clogs and restricted water flow, posing various plumbing challenges. Common signs of your blocked drain affected by calcium buildup in your plumbing include decreased water pressure, discoloured water, strange odours, and noises emerging from within. If left unchecked, the buildup can eventually lead to cracked or burst pipes affecting your drains.

Calcium buildup is more prevalent in older pipes but can affect pipes of any age, regardless of material, including copper, PVC, and steel.

Causes of Calcium Buildup

There are several main causes of calcium buildup in pipes:

  • Hard water contributes to pipe calcification over time due to mineral deposition like calcium and magnesium in water supply lines.
  • Water stagnation can affect your pipelines if water sits idle within them for prolonged periods, leading to mineral deposits from evaporation.
  • Old pipes - When exposed to conditions with water high in minerals, older pipe materials like galvanised steel and cast iron are more likely to deteriorate.
  • High temperatures - Pouring boiling water down the drain dissolves minerals more readily, speeding up deposit formation.

Additional factors like acidic water PH and anaerobic bacteria growth inside pipes can also worsen calcium build up. The gradual mineral buildup in drain systems can lead to severe blockages that restrict the water’s flow through your plumbing if left unattended.

Effects of Calcium Buildup

Calcium buildup in your pipes can lead to a variety of issues that can escalate without swift intervention:

  • Reduced water flow - The mineral deposits restrict water flow over time, complicating drain blockages and resulting in low pressure.
  • Pipe corrosion - Untreated calcium deposits can significantly damage pipes, corroding their structure.
  • A broken blocked drain can become a significant concern when large chunks of calcium and intrusive tree roots create considerable clogs, leading to diminished function and overflow risks.
  • Noisy pipes - Buildup scraping against pipe walls creates rumbling sounds.

If neglected, calcium buildup in your plumbing systems could precipitate the need for early pipe repair or replacement decisions compared to properly maintained systems. Remediation and structural repair for large-scale calcium clogs can indeed lead to a heftier bill in plumbing expenses. Being proactive in implementing methods that can help prevent calcium accumulation through pipe relining solutions or water softeners is critical.

How Pipe Relining Addresses Calcium Buildup

Pipe relining is an advanced trenchless method that effectively eliminates calcium buildup, restoring pipes to full functionality.

The pipe relining process involves inserting a resin-saturated felt liner inside the damaged pipe and curing it in the cured place using hot water or steam.

Upon curing, the liner creates a seamless, protective barrier against the inner walls of the host pipe that helps to efficiently remove calcium deposits. This procedure seals cracks and gaps while ensuring the smooth flow water through the inner architecture of your pipes.

There are two main methods Our expert plumbers at Newtown Plumbing show how remove calcium buildup effectively through pipe relining:

  • Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP): The felt liner steeped in thermosetting resin is introduced into the pipe as a way remove old debris, through an access point, and inflated, forcing it to conform to the pipe walls. Heat is then applied to cure and harden the liner.
  • Epoxy Pipe Lining: An epoxy coating is sprayed on directly within pipes suffering from calcium or rust damage, creating a smooth barrier lining once hardened.

Pipe relining offers a cost-effective, convenient, and less disruptive alternative to full pipe replacement for pipes of all types. The materials and application process also protect against future calcium accumulation from recurring.

To complement pipe relining, Installing water softeners, which can regulate hard water much more effectively in your home’s water system. Our technicians can provide guidance on eliminating impurities and meet your property’s water needs with suitable systems.

Avoid further pipe damage and water pressure loss due to calcium deposits. Call Newtown Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email us to learn more about pipe relining solutions.

The Pipe Relining Process

The pipe relining process is an effective trenchless method for removing calcium buildup and restoring pipe function, ensuring minimal disruption. Here are the key steps involved:

  1. Initially, our dedicated team at Newtown Plumbing will assess the condition of your pipes, use CCTV technology to accurately pinpoint calcium deposits and inspect for any potential damage.
  2. Next, a resin-saturated felt tube, matched to your pipes diameters, is carefully manoeuvred into pipe using high-pressure water jets through an access point.
  3. By introducing high pressure water and steam into the pipe, the liner is allowed to settle and bond seamlessly with the inner walls. As it hardens, the liner forms a smooth, protective barrier sealing cracks and gaps.
  4. Finally, once fully cured, the liner restores water flow and prevents future mineral buildup. Your pipes are left completely renovated from the inside out with no need for pipe replacement.

The pipe relining process causes minimal property disturbance. Often, residents can remain comfortably at home while the procedure is expertly carried out. We take all necessary precautions to protect your floors and furnishings as well.

Address calcium deposit issues head-on by arranging a pipe relining service with Newtown Plumbing experts. Give us a call on 1300 349 338 or send an email to learn more.

Benefits of Pipe Relining for Calcium Buildup

Pipe relining offers several advantages over traditional pipe replacement for addressing calcium buildup:

  • Protect against future damage - The smooth epoxy or CIPP lining acts as a barrier, preventing blockages and safeguarding against further pipe damage.
  • Long-lasting solution - Pipe relining offers at least a 50-year lifespan.
  • Faster installation - The trenchless process takes just 2-4 hours with minimal disturbance.
  • Greater affordability - Pipe relining is significantly less expensive than complete pipe replacement.
  • Improved water flow - Once the buildup is skilfully removed from the drain, water pressure and output are restored to their optimal state.
  • Reduced leak risk - Liner seals cracks and gaps to prevent leaks.

Pipe relining benefits both sewer stormwater and drainage systems by removing calcium buildup, thus maintaining system integrity. To complement pipe lining, installing a water softener system provides additional scale control.

Counteract the detrimental effects of calcium buildup - reach out to Newtown Plumbing at 1300 349 338 for pipe relining services.

Pipe Relining vs Pipe Replacement

Pipe relining provides a trenchless and minimally invasive alternative to full pipe replacement for addressing calcium buildup in pipes.

Key advantages of pipe relining include:

  • Less expensive - Pipe relining costs only $XX to $XX per linear foot on average compared to $XX to $XX per foot for pipe replacement.
  • Faster installation - Pipe lining can be completed in just a few hours. Replacement takes days or weeks with greater demolition work required.
  • Prevents future buildup - The epoxy barrier shields pipes from ongoing mineral accumulation.
  • Long lifespan - Cured-in-place pipe lining lasts 50+ years compared to 20-50 years for new pipe systems.
  • No destruction - Unlike pipe replacement, relining is a no-dig process that doesn’t destroy yards, floors or landscapes.

At Newtown Plumbing, our skilled teams employ precision CCTV inspection to custom-fit the resin-saturated liner to your pipes. During the curing phase, it forms a strong bond that seals any fissures or openings in your sewer pipes that may have resulted from calcium deposition. Water flow is restored once hardened while scaling is prevented long-term.

We stand behind our pipe relining work with long-term guarantees. To complement pipe lining, installing a water softener provides additional protection against calcium and mineral accumulation from hard water.

Avoid unnecessary excavation. Book a consultation with Newtown Plumbing at 1300 349 338 for trenchless pipe relining options.

Preventing Future Calcium Buildup

To help prevent future calcium deposits after pipe relining, there are several effective measures property owners can take:

Install a Water Softener

Water softeners effectively regulate mineral content in hard water, safeguarding your plumbing system. They can diminish calcium and magnesium ions, replacing them with less impactful sodium ions through a process called ion exchange, to improve the quality of water received within buildings. This process is pivotal in managing the mineral content, thus preventing buildup within your pipes over time.

Upgrade to PEX Piping

PEX pipes resist mineral deposits and corrosion, remaining unharmed by substances such as cooking oil, in contrast to metal pipes. PEX is a smart upgrade for areas with hard water issues. Additionally, PEX’s flexibility simplifies the relining process for our technicians.

Flush Pipes Regularly

Regularly flushing toilets and running water prevents debris buildup by ensuring constant water flow. This dislodges any new mineral deposits and a few more contaminants before they have the chance to build up. A weekly five-minute tap run can help prevent buildup.

Installation of Filtration at Key Points

Point-of-use filters at taps and showers trap minerals, protecting the water flow. These filters need periodic replacement but offer essential protection against rust and calcium entering the pipes.

Our team of qualified plumbers can advise on the most suitable preventive measures for your home and pipes. We also stand behind our work, offering long-term guarantees against future calcium buildup with pipe relining solutions.

Contact Newtown Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email us to schedule an inspection or pipe relining quote.

Installing a Water Softener

Installing a water softener is a great way to reduce mineral content before it enters your pipes. This prevents calcium and magnesium buildup in your sink drain and other fixtures, maintaining water flow and ensuring smooth operation.

Our licenced plumbers at Newtown Plumbing can install into your home and advise on water softening systems that combat hard water and prevent drain clogs in your home’s water supply and pipes. We offer whole-house units as well as point-of-use softeners for individual taps.

How Water Softeners Prevent Calcium Buildup

Cleaning agents like soda and vinegar, combined with lemon juice, effectively remove some calcium deposits.

Hard water undergoes ion exchange in a mineral tank filled with sodium-charged resin beads, swapping calcium and magnesium for sodium ions. As calcium and magnesium ions flow past, they are drawn to the resin beads. Here, they are exchanged for sodium ions which do not cause scale buildup when dissolved.

Professional Installation

Professional installation is recommended over DIY to ensure optimal functionality and avoid issues that mineral deposits might cause to your plumbing system.

Our technicians will:

  • Inspect your pipes and water supply to size the softener accordingly
  • Select an appropriate location with handy access and drainage
  • Handle all connections to existing plumbing safely
  • Test the system thoroughly and explain maintenance needs

Want to prevent pipe calcification? Contact our team at jobs@newtownplumbingservices.com.au or call 1300 349 338 to learn about water softener solutions.

Regular Pipe Maintenance

Regular inspections and professional cleaning are essential for early blockage detection and maintaining a healthy plumbing system. It’s advisable to have your tap water pipes professionally evaluated annually.

The experts at Newtown Plumbing utilise advanced CCTV technology to conduct thorough internal inspections of your drainage system. We can detect and remove blockages, such as emerging calcium buildup and mineral deposits, before they mature in your sewer line.

Based on the inspection findings, we may deploy the water jetter approach to clear blocked sections or use a drain snake or apply pipe relining to protect against further calcification. Other options like installing water softeners or filtration can be explored for people who are looking to enhance their ongoing pipe maintenance.

Regular plumbing maintenance is a wise investment, saving significant costs in the long term by preempting potential problems in your pipes. Don’t wait until you have low water pressure, leaks or burst pipes before taking action.

We stand behind our work with long-term guarantees against calcium buildup. Contact Newtown Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or email us to schedule your next pipe inspection or maintenance checks.

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