Tropical storms, hurricanes, high humidity, hard water – yes, these are all part of living in Florida. Keep in mind that it is the trade-off for living in a beautiful location with sparkling beaches and great weather year-round! But our plumbing isn’t always happy about the tradeoff. Our unique weather can present plumbing problems, so we have compiled a list of the top 7 plumbing issues Florida homeowners face and how you can prevent them.
In this article, we will discuss corroded pipes from hard water. We will look at clogged drains from sand. We will talk about leaky pipes due to high humidity and sewer backups from storm flooding. We will also delve into water heater malfunctions and toilet issues. We will even look at burst pipes during cold snaps because they do occasionally happen. It may sound daunting, but we’ve got this! Sun Plumbing has been serving the Melbourne, FL, area for over 50 years! There is no plumbing problem too big or too small for our professionals.
#1 Corroded Pipes from Hard Water
You likely get a periodic water report from your water company. It is probably no surprise to you if you have hard water because most of Florida does. It is due to a layer of porous limestone deep beneath the ground under our beautiful state. Hard water causes a lot of issues – from hard-to-clean bathtubs to spotty dishes to corroded pipes. Hard water contains a high mineral content of calcium, magnesium, and manganese. These are essential nutrients for people, but not for pipes. If your pipes are made of a material that can rust, then hard water can corrode your pipes from the inside out. If your pipes rust, the rust can get into your water. Prevention Tip: Install a water softening system or have your home repiped.
#2 Clogged Drains from Sand
This is very common in coastal areas, like the Melbourne, FL, area where Sun Plumbing is located. Sand can get into your drains and pipes from being washed down the drain, such as when you shower after going to the beach or from running sandy towels and clothes through the washing machine. Prevention Tip: Use drain guards, perform regular drain maintenance, rinse towels, clothes, and yourself outside before showering or using the washing machine.
#3 Leaky Pipes Due to High Humidity
High humidity weakens seals and accelerates deterioration. If you have a persistent leak, you have a high risk of mold and mildew growth that can be very dangerous to your health. Prevention Tip: Schedule an annual inspection with one of the professional plumbers at Sun Plumbing and reseal any vulnerable areas.
#4 Sewer Line Backups from Storm Flooding
There is nothing fun about #4, mainly because it deals with #1 and #2, if you know what we mean! Of all the plumbing issues to have, sewer issues are probably the most distressing for homeowners. The heavy rain and flooding that accompany tropical storms and hurricanes can overwhelm sewer systems. Sewer line backups can lead to raw sewage backing up into your home. Prevention Tip: Install a backflow prevention valve and call us for a sewer line inspection.
#5 Water Heater Malfunctions
The mineral buildup from hard water can reduce water heater efficiency. This can lead to overheating and leaks. It can even shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Mineral buildup can affect both tank and tankless water heaters. Prevention Tip: Flush the water heater yearly to prevent buildup and consider a water softening system.
#6 Toilet Issues
The mineral buildup from hard water can affect all components of a toilet. Besides making your toilet difficult to clean, it can cause corrosion of the internal parts of your toilet. It can also restrict water flow, making your toilet less efficient. If you have an older toilet, this is especially a problem, as they are not very water-efficient in the first place. Prevention Tip: Upgrade to a water-efficient toilet and annually inspect plumbing lines for signs of corrosion.
#7 Burst Pipes During Cold Snaps
We know this doesn’t sound like it applies to Florida homes, but there are parts of Florida that get cold, and we do have rare cold snaps. Many of you remember the freak hailstorm that occurred in our area several years ago. (A lot of you had to get a new roof because of it!). Sudden freezes can damage pipes, especially outdoor or attic pipes. Some of you may have had your plumbing redone and piped through your attic. If you live in a colder area of Florida or there is a freeze in the forecast, then follow our prevention tip. Prevention Tip: Insulate exposed pipes and shut off outdoor water lines until the cold snap passes to prevent burst pipes.
Summary
Being proactive can make a huge difference in the life of your plumbing. We have looked at 7 plumbing issues that can plague Florida homes. Pipes can corrode from hard water. Drains clog with sand. High humidity can cause pipe leaks. Storm flooding can cause sewer line backups. Water heaters and toilets can experience corrosion and lose efficiency from hard water mineral buildup. And, in cold areas or during a rare cold snap, pipes can burst.
With simple precautions and maintenance, most of these issues can be avoided. Contact Sun Plumbing to perform an inspection for you. Hopefully, your home receives an “all clear.” If not, our professionals can provide you with a free, fair estimate. We are here for all your plumbing needs because Sun Plumbing is “as dependable as the sun.”
