Plumbing and risers: Reliable plumbing solutions for your community association

Plumbing and risers

Plumbing is essential to comfort, function, and sanitation in a building or property. Residential plumbing systems are responsible for moving potable drinking water as well as waste to and from a home. More specifically, risers are vertical pipes that carry water between the floors of multi-level buildings. In condominiums and multi-family housing risers are essential to the movement of water from the lowest levels of the property to highest levels of the property. Risers can also be referred to as the riser main.
 

Pipes and plumbing systems

While plumbing systems have many of the same components, they are not all created equal. The type of material used in the pipe as well as the age of the building and building structure all impact the design of the plumbing system. Pipes come in a variety of materials from metal to plastic and even cast iron.
 

Types of pipes

Cast iron pipes

Often found in older properties, have a long-life cycle. Properties built prior to the 1960s often have cast iron piping systems. Though durable cast iron is prone to corrosion over time, causing discoloration and water supply contamination. Many cast iron pipes are being replaced by plastic-based pipes such as ABS or PVC.
 

Galvanized steel pipes

Used between the 1960s-1980s, are steel pipes that have been dipped in zinc. Once lead pipes are dipped in zinc a protective layer is formed over the steel. The protective layer prevents the metal pipe from rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel has a life expectancy of 50-100 years, which means for many residential properties using galvanized steel the useful life expectancy (ULE) of the piping system is nearing its end. While the zinc coating prevents rust and corrosion for a long time, all metals are susceptible to deterioration.  Over time, galvanized steel is prone to heavy corrosion and rusting.

The best way to ensure your potable water stays safe for consumption is to have a diagnostic water test performed. Learn more about our Building Wellness Program and how FirstService Project Management can help ensure your residential property maintains safe drinking water.
 

Copper

Copper is much more common in residential residences built after the 1970s. Copper is a great option for plumbing systems as it able to withstand very high and low water temperatures. Copper can also maintain its structural integrity with water pressures up to 1000 psi. Professionals also opt for copper pipes due to its high tolerance to rust, corrosion, and even fire. Copper piping systems are rated to last 50 years or longer. Overall, copper is ideal for residential properties as well as the environment as it does not release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Copper is also recyclable, which means after its life cycle concludes as residential piping it can be recycled into a wide range of useful items.
 

ABS, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

ABS is a black plastic plumbing pipe frequently used in residential and commercial buildings as an underground drain line as opposed to a drinking water line. ABS water pipes are highly durable with the ability to resist extreme water temperatures and withstand impact. The average life expectancy of an ABS piping system is 50 years. One of the major disadvantages of using ABS pipes is the use of BPA in plastics. Though deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in certain amounts, the use of BPA in plastics is still cause for concern as it can pose certain health risks.

PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride is often used in conjunction with ABS pipes to create durable long lasting piping systems. PVC pipes are cost effective and widely used in residential and commercial properties today. Lightweight and resistant to corrosion due to its plastic composition, PVC is an environmentally friendly option for piping. PVC pipes require less manufacturing and contain low carbon plastic which make them a low maintenance piping option for many homeowners and builders.
 

Water pipe leaks and low water pressure

Leaks will happen. Often leaks in a piping system can cause low water pressure. Aging infrastructure is often the cause for leaks and low water pressure as the piping system has reached its useful life expectancy. Pipe degradation can happen for many reasons including water pH, corrosion, acidic water, water temperature, high-water pressure and clogged drains. When pinhole leaks happen, they will cause water pressure to drop often resulting in resident complaints. When you water pipes leak and water pressure is consistently low it may be time to initiate a plumbing project.
 

When is it time to undergo a plumbing project?

Common plumbing and riser projects in condominiums and high rises

• Discolored Drinking Water
   
• Frequent Leaks or Blowouts
   
• Plumbing Pipes Are the End of Their Useful Lives
   
• Signs of Corrosion or Premature Wear
   
• Slow or Blocked Drain lines

Pipe and plumbing maintenance

Maintain healthy pipes and risers in your residential property

• Maintaining and repairing main water supply lines
   
• Inspecting and fixing vertical drain stacks
   
• Addressing leaks in shared drain lines between units
   
• Replacing old pipes in common areas
   
• Installing backflow preventers to protect the water supply

FirstService Project Management is here to help your community association with its next capital improvement project  

FirstService Project management partners with associations, like yours, to help develop and maintain safe residential properties. Our tenured team of capital improvement professionals will ensure your construction project is managed from concept to completion. We partner with additional FirstService Residential core services such as FirstService Financial to leverage the best rates for our associations. FSPM will work to apply for any rebates with utility companies when updating or recommissioning your property’s mechanical equipment.
 
With FirstService Energy, our experts are here to guide your building toward energy and cost savings. We assist in capitalizing on existing opportunities, stacking energy incentives, and future planning. This enables your building to take advantage of available cost reductions, and you can get back to focusing on your priorities as a board member.  

Whether your community is beginning a new project or needs help with a project underway, FirstService Project Management welcomes the opportunity to meet with you, assess your needs and make sure that your project is completed efficiently and effectively from concept to completion.