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According to the US Census Bureau, Florida experienced its biggest increase in population in 2022. Approximately 300,000 people moved to the state, an overall population boost of almost 2%! Florida’s warm weather, sunshine, and its many lakes and sandy beaches are often cited as reasons why people move to Florida.
However, Florida’s climate and geography can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. From hard water to pests, let’s go over 3 of the most common plumbing problems that Florida homeowners will face. Be sure to call us for plumbing service in Spring Hill, FL if you experience any of these issues.
1. Hard Water and Scaling
Perhaps the biggest issue Florida’s plumbing systems face is the exposure to hard water which is prevalent throughout Florida. Florida’s average water hardness is 216 PPM. According to the USGS water hardness table, this is considered extremely hard.
The state’s main source of groundwater is the Florida aquifer system. As water moves through it, it picks up sediments and minerals from the ground which consists mainly of limestone. The water that flows into your home’s plumbing picks up many of these hard minerals along the way.
The result is hard water. Hard water contains a high amount of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Although these minerals are safe to drink, they can cause many problems to your plumbing system.
The buildup of minerals causes scaling throughout your pipes, drains, fixtures, and appliances. Basically, anything in your home that uses water will be affected by scaling which can cause a variety of problems.
When this buildup becomes heavy enough, it can reduce water flow through your pipes and drains, causing clogs and low water pressure. It can also cause excessive wear and tear on your plumbing system and leaks might spring up. In extreme cases, hard water buildup can cause pipes to burst. A water softener can be installed to combat the effects of hard water.
2. Corrosion
Pipe corrosion is a common issue in any part of the country. But Florida homeowners should be especially concerned about this issue. In addition to the hard water elements, acidity and heavily chlorinated groundwater is a problem in Flormost cases. These small amounts of chlorine in your water supply can lead to corrosion.
Chlorine and acidity cause rust, corrosion, and deterioration of the interior of your pipes and plumbing fixtures. Pinhole leaks start to develop. You may not notice leaks immediately when they start in pipes behind walls or under floors. By then, the damage can be extensive and the cost to replace the corroded, damaged pipes can be expensive. If you suspect a water leak, call us for water leak detection.
3. Pests
The fact that Florida is surrounded by water means we have a lot of aquatic creatures here and the moist, warm climate is an open invitation to many pests. It’s not uncommon for Florida homeowners to discover they’re showering with an unwanted critter. Frogs, snakes, lizards, mice, rats, cockroaches, and termites are just some of the creatures that can wreak havoc on plumbing systems as they take up residency in your home’s pipes. A video pipe inspection is a tool we can use to inspect your pipes and make sure they’re critter-free.
Contact Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule plumbing service in Tampa, FL today!