Pipe Descaling
Due to their well-known durability and longevity, many multiple-occupancy buildings have water lines consisting of cast iron pipes. While cast iron pipes are beneficial because they are long-lasting, tuberculation issues can appear in older pipes.
Older buildings often have water lines made from cast-iron pipes due to their durability and long lifespan. However, over time, cast iron pipes can develop tuberculation, a type of pipe scale that reduces water flow and affects overall pipeline efficiency.
American Pipeline Solutions offers specialized pipe descaling services to restore the flow and functionality of your pipelines. Whether you’re searching for pipe descaling near me or a reliable provider of descaling cast iron pipe solutions, APS provides expert services to keep your pipelines operating at peak performance.
What is Pipe Scale and Why Does It Matter?
Pipe scale, also called tuberculation, forms as minerals and deposits accumulate inside cast iron pipes. Over time, these deposits can narrow the pipe’s interior, leading to decreased water pressure, blockages, and even corrosion.
Addressing pipe scale through pipe descaling or descaling cast iron sewer pipe services is essential to maintaining your plumbing system’s efficiency and longevity. Proper descale pipes solutions not only improve flow but also prevent costly pipeline replacements.
Signs Your Pipes Need Descaling
Property managers and building owners should consider descaling pipes when they notice:
Reduced water flow or pressure in the system
Unusual odors or taste in the water
Frequent blockages or slow drainage
Recognizing these issues early allows for effective pipe descaling services, saving time and avoiding expensive repairs in the long run.
AMERICAN PIPELINE SOLUTIONS’ PIPE DESCALING PROCESS
American Pipeline Solutions’ pipe descaling process is an ideal alternative to replacing your tuberculated pipes.
To properly clean your pipes, APS first will perform a visual inspection to determine the pipe buildup level.
Next, APS will choose the most appropriate cleaning method for your unique situation. When cleaning underground utilities like fire lines, APS uses pigging, rotary head technology and Picote mechanical equipment.
Typically, pigging is not the first cleaning method that APS will use due to pipe buildup's toughness. This is because a foam pig is more likely to come apart rather than remove the tough buildup.
Instead, APS uses Picote mechanical equipment to apply a stronger force to a pipe’s scale buildup. This method can successfully remove scale buildup while using less water than pigging or rotary head technology.
Once APS has cleared your pipe of buildup, it is highly recommended that the next step you take is scale prevention. Without the right prevention, you’ll need to clean the scale buildup in your pipes every five years.
To prevent buildup, APS can add a thin epoxy coating to the interior of your pipeline. This scale prevention method also adds up to 30-50 years to your pipeline’s integrity. Plus, this epoxy coating is safe and approved for use by experts at NASA.
Once your pipeline is clean, coated with epoxy and has adequately dried, it is ready to be put back into service.
APS responded to a call for a failed fire flow test. The condominium complex had a heavy tuberculated pipe, and therefore not getting the pressure they needed for their fire suppression system. APS was able to clean the line with limited access and limited water service interruption. After the completion of the project, the flow rate increased by 290%! This is a great solution for pipes with low flow caused by heavy tuberculation.
WHAT IS PIPE DESCALING?
Pipe descaling is a process used to remove accumulated materials from a pipeline’s interior. This buildup is referred to as scaling or tuberculation.
Scaling occurs when hard deposits begin to form on the inside walls of a pipe. These hard deposits are the by-product of chemical reactions within metallic pipes, like cast iron or ductile iron.
Bacteria, which comes from water that goes through a pipe, reacts to the iron found in a pipe’s interior walls. The result of this reaction is scale buildup, which grows thicker over time. Eventually, this buildup disrupts the pipe’s flow. Thus, a common sign that your pipe may have scaling buildup is a restricted water flow.
Benefits of Pipe Descaling
Choosing APS for pipe descaling services offers multiple advantages:
Restores water flow and system pressure
Prevents corrosion and pipeline damage
Reduces long-term maintenance costs
Extends the life of cast iron pipes
These benefits make cast iron pipe descaling a practical and cost-effective alternative to full pipe replacement.
Cost of Pipe Descaling
Many property managers ask, “how much does pipe descaling cost?” The cost depends on factors such as the length and diameter of your pipes, the severity of the scale, and the cleaning method required.
Compared to replacing pipelines entirely, pipe descaling services are significantly more economical while providing long-term benefits and improving pipeline efficiency.
WHEN DOES A PIPE NEED DESCALING?
A pipeline should be descaled when its restricted flow has impacted your operations.
One example of this is the impact of pipe scale on fire suppression systems. These systems are tested each year to ensure they meet the required standard gallons per minute.
Understandably, a fire suppression system with restricted water flow will not reach the standard and must be fixed. By descaling your pipes every five years, you can remove build up and improve the flow of water.
WHAT TYPES OF PIPES NEED DESCALING?
Scale buildup is most commonly found in various types of metallic pipelines. This buildup tends to be more pronounced in cast iron pipes or ductile iron pipes.
Other types of pipes that can experience scale buildup include the following:
Unlined steel pipes
Copper pipes
Concrete pipes
Asbestos-cement pipes
Finding Pipe Descaling Services Near You
For those searching pipe descaling near me, American Pipeline Solutions provides expert assessment and tailored descaling solutions. APS combines advanced equipment with experienced technicians to deliver reliable, effective pipe descaling services for cast iron pipes and other pipeline systems.
Why Choose American Pipeline Solutions
American Pipeline Solutions delivers professional pipe descaling services that restore flow, prevent future scale, and extend the life of your pipelines. With state-of-the-art equipment and proven expertise, APS ensures your cast iron pipes remain efficient and reliable for decades.
Contact American Pipeline Solutions today to schedule a pipe descaling assessment or learn more about our comprehensive pipeline services.
