What Is A Riser In Plumbing?
For a commercial plumbing system to work properly, fresh water needs to be moved floor to floor. A riser is an essential component involved in this process. Simply put, commercial plumbing will not work without risers. Let’s take a look at risers and some obvious signs that this part needs to be replaced.
What Are Plumbing Risers?
Also referred to as riser mains, risers, are main water supply lines that move from floor to floor. These are vertical pipes featured within a building, designed to allow fresh water to rise up from lower to higher floors. All risers feature backflow preventers that ultimately stop water from moving in an incorrect direction.
Nowadays, risers are made of several different materials. The riser type will usually depend on the age of the commercial building. In most cases, risers are constructed of plastic, brass, galvanized steel, and copper. Risers will wear out over time, prompting a full replacement.
Signs A Riser Needs To Be Replaced
It is possible to estimate the replacement of a riser going by the age of the pipes. For instance, plastic pipes have the shortest lifespan overall (approximately 40 years). Galvanized steel can last up to 50 years. Brass can last 70 years, while K-type copper can last the longest, at nearly 100 years.
Fortunately, copper pipes are the most commonly used material in commercial construction these days. However, age is not the only thing to be mindful of when it comes to replacing the riser.
Other factors, such as usage, chemicals that cause corrosion in the water, and even maintenance history, can all play roles in how long a riser lasts. Keep an eye out for the following visual signs that a riser is failing.
Higher Water Bills
A leaking riser can result in higher-than-normal water bills.
Decline In Water Pressure
One reason your water pressure may be declining is a faulty riser. In this case, upper floors may experience the biggest water pressure decline in the building.
Discoloration
When metal pipes deteriorate, fresh water can become quite discolored.
Leakage
If water stains are starting to show up on the walls, the culprit could be a leaking riser.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that risers can be compromised from within. Riser can become clogged with either mineral deposits or various materials. To address the issues, the riser may need to be replaced. If this is the case, it’s always best to reach out to the experienced team at HQ Plumbing & Air for more information!