Video: Maintaining Old Plumbing Pipes

SAN FRANCISCO — Faren Reyes: If you live in an older home or building, you may have an old plumbing system. Ideally, you should replace all plumbing components with new ones. This includes sewer and drainpipes, water pipes, water heaters, and all toilets. Replacing this with new, updated components will greatly improve your plumbing system performance.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the money to update their plumbing system. In this case, the next best thing you can do is maintain the system you have. For example, if you have trouble with the sewer and the drainpipes getting clogged, one service you can get is hydro jetting. With the hydro jetting system, the plumber uses pressurized water to clear drain and sewer pipes of clogs and buildups. By having your pipes hydro jetted every three or six months, you can keep them working and avoid backups.

If you decide to get a hydro jetting system, find a good plumber who will do the job correctly and for a reasonable price. Many plumbers provide a discount rate for this type of ongoing service.