How do I clean my house pipes?

Answered by Jesse Garza

When it comes to cleaning your house pipes, it's important to follow a thorough and systematic approach to ensure the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean your house pipes effectively:

1. Gather the necessary tools and materials:
– Bucket or container to collect
– Gloves to protect your hands
– Towels or rags to clean up any spills
– Timer or stopwatch to keep track of time

2. Start by flushing all hot water taps for 15 minutes:
– Begin with the nearest hot water tap to the water heater and work your way through all the hot water taps in your house.
– Turn on the hot water tap fully and let it run for 15 minutes. This will help remove any sediment or mineral buildup in the pipes.

3. Open all hot water sink fixtures, hot water bathtub or shower fixtures:
– Make sure to open all the hot water fixtures in your sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
– Let the hot water run for another 15 minutes to ensure a thorough cleaning of the pipes connected to these fixtures.

4. Open all other hot water fixtures, such as in kitchens, wet bars, etc.:
– Now, move on to other hot water fixtures in your house, such as those in the kitchen or wet bar.
– Run these hot water fixtures for 15 minutes as well, allowing the water to flow freely and clean out any accumulated debris.

5. Shut off the water:
– After 15 minutes of running the hot water, turn off all the hot water taps and fixtures in your house.
– This will complete the flushing process and allow you to move on to the next steps.

6. Check for any changes in water quality:
– Once you've completed the flushing process, observe the water coming out of your hot water taps.
– If you notice any unusual odors, discoloration, or changes in water quality, it may be an indication of deeper issues with your plumbing system.
– In such cases, it's advisable to contact a professional plumber to assess and address the problem.

7. Clean up any spills and dispose of the collected water:
– During the flushing process, it's possible that some water may spill or splash. Make sure to clean up any spills and dry the affected areas.
– Dispose of the collected water properly, either by pouring it down the drain or using it for other household tasks like watering plants or cleaning.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your house pipes and ensure a healthier and more efficient plumbing system. Remember to perform this maintenance task periodically to prevent the buildup of sediment and maintain optimal water quality.