Beware of These Plumbing Problems in Clearwater, FL

For many people, Clearwater, FL, is a virtually idyllic place to call home. Unfortunately, local conditions aren’t always so hospitable when it comes to plumbing systems. To avoid unnecessary trouble, it’s worth understanding the most common local plumbing problems and what to do about them.

Sediment and Scale Deposits

If you live in the local area, your home likely gets its water from the massive Floridian aquifer system. This vast underground reservoir supplies most residents with potable water, but it comes with a catch. Throughout much of the state, the water in the aquifer carries various sediments and minerals in significant concentrations.

As a result, excessively hard water is a common and frustrating issue for many area homeowners. In addition to its unpleasant taste and odor, hard water can wreak havoc on home plumbing systems.

The dissolved minerals that constitute hard water are prone to accumulating inside pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Over time, these sediment and scale deposits build up and begin to constrict the flow of water. This can cause a wide range of plumbing problems, including reduced water pressure, increased stress on pipes, and more frequent clogs.

Sediment deposits are tough on conventional water heaters, leading to unreliable performance and increasing the likelihood of premature failure. Dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances frequently fall victim to the not-so-clear water supply.

Leaky and Corroded Pipes

Whether it’s a poorly sealed fitting or a burst pipe, any leak in your plumbing system is a serious problem. Depending on its severity and location, a leak can potentially ruin your belongings and cause structural damage to your home.

In some cases, the water pressure in your system may drop or fluctuate unexpectedly. In warm and humid climates, even minor leaks can lead to biological growth. What’s more, unwittingly wasting water can become quite expensive when it’s time to pay your next utility bill.

Leaks can develop for many reasons, but corrosion is of particular concern for area residents. To ensure safety, most local water supplies are treated with chloramines. These disinfectants pose no risk to your body, but they can take a toll on your plumbing system.

Chloramine-treated water is known to be corrosive to a variety of materials, including lead and copper pipes and rubber seals. As these components degrade over time, they become increasingly vulnerable to damage and leaks. Consequently, it’s extremely important to be proactive and take steps to monitor and care for your plumbing system. This includes scheduling routine maintenance to replace any corroded or damaged components.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Lines

If you’re an area homeowner, you probably already have some familiarity with clogged drains. These obstructions are generally caused by hair, soap scum, grease, food particles, and other substances accumulating inside your plumbing system. Because most local homes have hard water, mineral deposits frequently contribute to blockages as well.

When clogs develop, you may notice one or more fixtures gurgling, sputtering, or draining more slowly than usual. In severe cases, obstructions may completely prevent draining and even cause fixtures to back up and overflow.

What makes these clogs especially tricky is that they can develop in many different places, including your sewer line. Any kind of blockage in your main sewer line is a genuine plumbing emergency that can affect your entire home.

Should you suspect a clogged sewer line, never try to deal with the problem yourself. Instead, shut off your main water supply and call your local plumber to request repairs. Licensed plumbers have the expertise and tools to quickly locate clogs and eliminate them without damaging your entire plumbing system.

There’s a lot to love about living by the beach, but it’s not all paradise for your plumbing system. If you’re having problems in your home, call Climate Design for comprehensive plumbing repairs and replacement services. Since 1973, we’ve been proudly serving residents with five-star services and product delivery.

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