Changing pipes as routine maintenance

[Rob Top1]

I decided I wanted to change some of my plumbing around and so I began hacking at the pipes. I am amazed at the build up of gunck over the last five years. It got me wondering if this should be done routinely every few years. I will certainly get improved flow rates and not having my water passing through dirty pipes will certainly be good from a nutrient stand point. So does anyone already do this? If so how often? With multiple pumps hard plumbed in the only option I would have for cleaning them is to switch them out. Cost a fair bit with all the unions and valves so is it worth it?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

My pipes from my basement sump to my first floor tank became so clogged that the flow almost stopped. That only took about 3 years. They are a large diameter tygon, so I got the stuff out by bending and breaking up the solids and pushing it out with water pressure, but it was a PIA.

In my case, a lot of the deposit was a type of calcerous worm that acted as a dam, collecting other bits of calcium carbonate.

 

[Reef Junky150]

Interesting, I wonder what's in mine. They have been on my tank since 05

 

[Russellaqua]

I'm wondering if somewhere there is a really long plumber's snake-type device with a brush on the end that could be used to clean out the pipes. As long as the pipes aren't glued to the overflows/sump it should be possible to brush them out.

 

[vic67]

I use a nylon brush with a fleixble handle to clean out my pipes. IDK what I would do with a really long run though.

 

[enrique]

Mine is only 8 months old and yesterday I made a return pump upgrade. I saw lots of junk on my return lines and ended with huge amount of tiny white stuff like feathers on my tank. Looked inoffensive but took some time for the filter socks to take them out.

 

[coralsavers]

I worked at a aquaculture facilities for awhile both state and privately owned marine and fresh water and all I can say is when you clean the pipes on large systems you better have a strong stomach!!!