Drain line scale is a common plumbing issue that stems from water with exceptionally high levels of minerals. Examples of these minerals include magnesium and calcium carbonate.
As these minerals move through the pipes of the plumbing systems, they start to build up on the interior surfaces of the pipe. In some instances, small traces of scaling help to provide a barrier that deflects corrosion; however, if there is an exceptionally large amount of scaling on the inside of the pipes, it could lead to many plumbing problems.
In Plumbing, What Does Scaling Mean?
Pipe scaling occurs when minerals – and sometimes even rust – build up on the inside linings of the pipes that are part of the home’s plumbing systems. It may occur in commercial and industrial buildings, too. Over time, these accumulations will result in a clog or a complete blockage.
Descaling is necessary in order to get the pipes restored to their original level of functionality.
Is Water Scaling Bad?
When it comes to pipes and the plumbing system – as a whole – water scaling has the potential to result in many complications. If only a small amount of water scaling occurs, it can actually protect the pipes from corrosion.
If mild water scaled water is consumed, it is not dangerous. In fact, many state that it is healthy to consume this type of water because it can provide a wide array of minerals. Like anything, though, if the water scaling is excessive, it could become potentially hazardous to clean with the water or to consume the water.
Will a Water Softener Eliminate Drain Line Scaling?
A water softening system is an effective system for removing mineral accumulation and the build-up of lime and scale. It works both in the heating elements of your hot water heater and in the pipes of the plumbing system of your home. It should be understood, though, if you have a severe drain line scaling problem, a water softener – alone – will not completely eliminate the issue.
You will need to have professional drain line descaling performed by a plumber to resolve the problem. Once resolved, the water softener system will actually help in preventing the drain line scaling from occurring again the near future. If you have any degree of hard water in your home, a water softening system is advised.
How Much Does Sewer Line Descaling Cost?
If your sewer line becomes clogged or blocked due to scaling, you will be required to obtain descaling services from your local plumber. This process involved completely cleaning out all of the debris within the inside of the impacted pipe.
At the minimum, this will cost $300.00. It is not at all uncommon for the job to become a little more expensive than $300.00. It all depends on the location where you live, the going rates in that area, the severity of the problem, and if the scaling has caused any other plumbing issues in your home.
How Long Will Pipes Remain Clear After Professional Descaling?
The length of time that pipes will remain clear after being descaled depends on many factors. These include how hard the water is, if you install a water softener, what types of pipes you have, if your plumbing system is heavily used, and other conditions.
If you have a cast-iron pipe system and use your system regularly – but not too heavily – and you have a water softener installed to reduce the amount of minerals in the water, the descaling could last for up to 5 decades.
If you use the system heavily and do not have a means of removing the minerals from the hard water, it could last as little as 1 to 2 decades. If you would like tips on how to make descaling to last longer, contact us here at Reynolds Plumbing today.
How Do I Stop Drain Line Scaling?
To prevent scaling, it is best to choose CPVC pipes. This is a thermoplastic material that contains special elements that actually prevent the attraction of various types of minerals.
As a result, the interior of the pipe will remain scale-free. If you are unable to convert to CPVC pipes, you may contact us today to learn more about safe ways to prevent pipe scaling.
How Do You Reduce Water Scaling?
If you install reverse osmosis equipment on your home’s plumbing system, you can effectively reduce the amount of scaling that occurs within your pipes. In addition to this, using a water softener has been proven to be effective against water scaling.
How Do I Prevent Calcium Build Up in Pipes?
Many professional plumbers will agree that preventing the build-up of calcium within pipes is possible by using PEX replacement pipes and/or by installing a water softener system.
You may also use over-the-counter drain cleaners that are chemical or acidic in nature. Unfortunately, these products may affect the PH of your septic tank and result in the elimination of helpful bacteria that live there. However, if you are experiencing a problem and cannot afford professional services, these products may assist you on a temporary basis.
Finally, you may use a combination of baking soda and vinegar in your pipes to help with reducing the calcium build-up.
Again, remember, anything you put in your pipes will affect your septic tank, so use caution. Septic tank repairs and/or cleanouts are quite expensive.
Is I Have to Use Chemicals What Can I Do to Keep the Natural PH of the Septic Tank?
If you have to use any type of chemical ingredient in order to reduce or eliminate drain line scaling in place of professional plumbing services, the goal is to ensure that the right amount of bacteria remains in your septic tank. It is these bacteria that keep the septic tank operating optimally.
Take a spoonful of baker’s yeast and mix it thoroughly with a half cup of water. Then, place this down the drain closest to the septic tank. The baker’s yeast contains helpful bacteria that will keep the septic tank operating/functioning properly.
What is the Cheapest Way to Get Rid of Mineral Build Up in My Pipes?
The following outlines a quick, inexpensive way to get rid of an accumulation of minerals in your pipes. Keep in mind, though, professional descaling by a plumber is the recommended solution for this issue:
- Boil a large pot of water
- Pour a half cup of baking soda in the drain
- Pour a half cup of vinegar over the baking soda
- Place a rag on top so that the solution may work its magic
- Wait at least 5 minutes
- Remove the rag and pour the pot of boiling water down the drain
- Clean the fixture of the drain with a little vinegar on the sponge
- Repeat if you feel it is necessary
- After about a half hour, mix a spoon of baker’s yeast to a half cup of water and pour down the same drain
- If this does not work, you may purchase designated over-the-counter product for the job
What Causes Hard Water That Causes Scaling?
Hard water – which is known to result in drain line scaling – is caused by chloride, calcium sulfides, and magnesium within the water. Over time, these minerals will accumulate on the interior surfaces of the pipes of the plumbing system and cause scaling – which could result in complete blockage of the affected pipes.
Does Coke Really Descale Pipes?
Surprisingly, Coca-Cola DOES have the ability to descale pipes, but on a small-scale basis. You must boil an entire kettle of the product and then pour the product down the drain. Not only will it remove the immediate scaling, it is sure to make your sink and your drain clean! You should allow this to work for 30 minutes. Keep in mind, though, this is a temporary solution for only a small portion of the pipe. Complete pipe line descaling must be performed by a professional plumber.
What is Professional Pipe Descaling?
Professional pipe descaling is done by a plumber. The professional will use combinations of chemical-based cleaners and water pressure in order to remove hardened minerals from the inside of the pipes of a home’s plumbing system. It may be used on drainpipes and sewer pipes or a combination of both. If you need professional descaling, it is advised that you have it done on the entire plumbing system. This way, minerals and other substances do not become dislodged from one section of the system and move to another.
Contact Us Immediately
Are your pipes blocked? Do you have hard water? Do you suspect that you have a drain line scaling issue? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, we here at Reynolds Plumbing encourage you to give us a call today. We can quickly evaluate your issue, determine the cause, and help you resolve it. We offer highly competitive rates and guarantee your satisfaction.
