Pipe Descaling: A Critical Process for Maintaining Your Plumbing System

Pipe scale is one of the sneakiest threats to your plumbing. It’s the crusty blend of minerals, grease, dirt, rust, and other assorted debris that builds up on the inner walls of your pipes — and, as we’ll see in a minute, it can have all kinds of negative effects on plumbing.

What can you do about pipe scale? Let’s find out how Roto-Rooter’s pipe descaling expertise can get your pipes back in good shape. 

Understanding Pipe Descaling

Originally, “scale” referred to buildup in old-school cast iron or copper pipes, typically caused by rust that flaked off iron pipes in scale-like pieces. Today, most plumbers use the term to refer to any mixture of minerals, grease, and debris that builds up on the inside of pipes, gradually decreasing the inside diameter of the pipe.

Descaling, as you might expect, is the process of removing scale from pipes. Roto-Rooter’s plumbers tackle scale with a variety of techniques, from high-pressure water jets to advanced pipe relining technology. First, let’s check in with some crucial signs that can indicate your pipes need to be descaled.

Signs Your Pipes Need Descaling

These key indicators can tell you when it’s time to descale your pipes:

• Reduced water flow or pressure from scale constricting water flow inside the water supply pipes.
• Discolored water from small pieces of scale dissolving in your water.
• Strange noises from your pipes from pieces of flaked-off scale moving around inside your pipes.
• Drains running slowly and/or clogging frequently from restricted water flow in drainpipes.

Old pipes are more prone to developing scale, especially pipes made from cast iron, copper, or clay. However, gunk and debris can build up on the walls of any pipe, including modern PVC plumbing. 

What’s more, unclogging a drain may only temporarily solve the problem when you’re dealing with serious levels of scaling. Because scale creates a rough, uneven texture, toilet paper, and other debris is easily caught in the scale, creating challenging clogs inside drainpipes and main sewer pipes. The scale will often continue to cause issues as it grows, sometimes even creating an emergency scenario such as a blocked sewer line.

Fortunately, Roto-Rooter’s experts have a wide variety of techniques available to descale pipes of all types and materials. 

Methods for Descaling Pipes: Pros and Cons

Depending on your unique situation, your Roto-Rooter plumber might use any or all of these techniques to descale your pipes:

Chemical descaling uses specialized chemical solutions to dissolve mineral buildup and rust within pipes.

• Pros: Effective for dissolving mineral deposits, can reach areas inaccessible to mechanical tools.
• Cons: It may not be suitable for all pipe materials and needs to be carefully handled to avoid environmental damage and health risks..

Mechanical descaling employs pipe descaling machines with high-speed rotating cables and blades or chains that physically scrape and knock away scale from the pipe's interior.

• Pros: Physically removes scale, suitable for most pipe materials, less risk of environmental impact, trenchless process that requires little or no digging.
• Cons: It may not reach all areas of the pipe, and it can be time-consuming for larger pipes.

Hydro-jet descaling uses a stream of highly pressurized water to blast away scale from inside drainpipes.

• Pros: Highly effective for removing stubborn scale and debris, cleans the entire pipe circumference.
• Cons: Requires the most specialized equipment and may not be suitable for older or fragile pipes.

Pipe Repair and Replacement

An older and/or severely scaled pipe might need to be replaced completely, or at least to have a new lining applied after descaling. Other options include brush coating to apply a smooth surface that protects the pipe’s finish, fills minor cracks, and keeps pipes scale-free for a much longer time. Fortunately, Roto-Rooter’s “no-dig” pipe restoration techniques make pipe repair and replacement easier than ever, with no need to dig up your yard or pull up your floor. If your pipes require repair or replacement, talk to your Roto-Rooter plumber — they’ll suggest an effective and minimally invasive way to get it done. 

How Much Does Pipe Descaling Cost?

A few different factors determine the cost of descaling water pipes. These include the amount of pipe that needs to be descaled, the condition of the pipe, and the policies of your specific Roto-Rooter location. Your plumber will conduct a high-resolution video camera inspection to determine what kind of descaling or treatment your pipe needs, then provide you with a detailed up-front quote. Roto-Rooter’s trenchless pipe descaling, brush coating, and relining processes are usually less expensive and invasive than replacing pipes altogether, but the results provide similar lifespan expectations. If budget is a concern, don’t forget that Roto-Rooter offers affordable financing options. We know that flexible payment arrangements enable our customers to afford critical home repairs — so take advantage of our option to “fix it today, then take time to pay.” 

DIY vs. Professional Descaling

Descaling pipes requires specialized tools, training, and techniques, so it’s typically not a DIY job. If you’re not experienced in using specialized equipment like cast iron pipe descalers, it can be easy to accidentally damage your pipes or hurt yourself in the process. What’s more, a professional job by a trained plumber who knows how to descale pipes will typically be much more effective at removing scale than a DIY effort.

Roto-Rooter’s experts are ready to put our cutting-edge descaling tools and techniques to work on your pipes. Set up a descaling appointment with Roto-Rooter through our online scheduling tool, or call our 24/7 service line at 800-768-6911.