It’s been a while since we’ve had an earthquake of truly catastrophic proportions, though rest assured that’ll happen at some point. It doesn’t take a shaker strong enough to topple buildings to damage your home’s plumbing system, though. Even if the rest of your home is in fairly good condition after a moderate earthquake, it could suffer not-insignificant damage to its plumbing system.
One of the most vulnerable parts of the plumbing is the water line, both because of its location and because it’s often neglected by homeowners. The water line is arguably the most important part of your plumbing system, though. If you want to make sure the rest of your plumbing system is ready for the next quake, you need to make sure to include your water line is part of those preparations. Here are just a couple of things you can do to make sure your water line is protected.
Inspection and Maintenance
One of the biggest reasons that water lines degrade faster than they should is that they are often left out of normal plumbing maintenance appointments. Those homeowners that do have their plumbing systems checked don’t make sure that the water line is part of the inspection. The water line is just as prone to leaks and blockages as the rest of the plumbing system, though some of the causes may be different. For example, tree roots growing into the pipe is a not-insignificant concern for most water lines. Just as with the rest of the system, the best way to catch and repair problems early is to schedule preventive inspection and maintenance for the water line. This will ensure that your water line is in the best possible shape when an earthquake does occur.
Replace it Early
If you have never replaced your home’s water line, and it’s an older pipe, an earthquake might be just what is required to rupture it. You obviously don’t want that to happen. Sometimes, though, no amount of maintenance and prep work will make an old pipe able to withstand that kind of force. So, you might want to consult with a professional about replacing it early. A brand new water line will be much more likely to withstand the moderate shaking and soil shifting that a normal-sized earthquake will bring on. No promises on the apocalyptic-level stuff, though.
Honestly, if you have a really old water line it’s probably a good idea to have it replaced, anyway. Older water lines are much more prone to developing problems naturally, like leaks and ruptures. They’re also more likely to be comprised of materials like lead and iron, which have been supplanted by copper largely for safety reasons. If you’re not sure whether or not to replace your water line, consult with a professional.
Saddleback Plumbing offers a full range of water line maintenance and replacement services in Laguna Niguel, CA. If you need water line services of any kind, we can help you out. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our plumbers.