Central Florida’s humid subtropical climate impacts Ocala residents’ daily lives in more ways than you might expect. Beyond simply causing our hair to frizz up, Ocala’s humidity, rainy season, and other environmental factors unique to North Florida affect the prevalence of particular plumbing problems. Certain plumbing issues, such as scaling — which may be unheard of in other regions — are experienced in Ocala with increased frequency.
However, don’t pack your bags and flee North Florida just yet, as no matter where someone lives, they’re sure to encounter plumbing issues unique to that region. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge — the Ocala plumbing experts at Sunshine Plumbing and Gas explain four plumbing problems common to Ocala, FL.
Contact us today to schedule plumbing repair services for your home or business!
Scaling
In Florida, it’s not unusual for plumbing to succumb to scaling, which is when mineral deposits accumulate and cause build-ups, water hardening, and blocks. To make matters worse, many places in Florida, Ocala included, use a water purification process known as reverse osmosis. This process isn’t bad, but it does allow much of the minerals within Florida’s limestone foundation, such as magnesium and calcium, to dissolve into the water. Once these minerals accumulate in plumbing, the result could lead to skin irritation, smelly water, pipe clogs, and yellow stains on shower and bathtub surfaces.
While scaling won’t negatively affect your health, it can cause numerous other frustrating and costly problems within your plumbing system. Luckily, our plumbing company offers water softening services to alleviate the effects of mineral-rich water and prevent future problems caused by scaling.
Burst Pipes
Burst pipes are common to Central Florida for a couple of reasons. For instance, pipes frequently burst during Florida’s hurricane season, when heavy rainfall causes the ground to shift and place excess pressure on underlying pipes. Burst pipes can cause a myriad of other devastating and expensive problems. Fortunately, damaged pipes aren’t hard to identify, as you’ll quickly notice a large volume of water spilling from the crack. If you ever notice a burst pipe, seek emergency plumbing services immediately.
Most Floridians wouldn’t expect frozen pipes to cause any concern due to the nearly year-round warm weather. However, in winter months, North Central Florida can experience frost and below-freezing temperatures, and that’s all it takes to freeze outdoor pipes. Frozen pipes become prone to bursting as the water inside expands. This is why we offer frozen pipe repairs for the unthawing and prevention of frozen pipes.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are also common following Florida’s rainy season. As heavy rainfall and violent winds rage, debris such as leaves, branches, and dirt can plug up drains. When this happens, water will have nowhere to go, pooling in yards and eroding soil or even seeping into homes, causing water damage. Not to mention, mold and mildew growth due to the stagnant excess water.
Avoid these clogs and damages by periodically checking outdoor drains. Stay one step ahead of the rainy season by scheduling routine outdoor plumbing services.
Leaky Pipes
While leaky pipes are a plumbing issue common to every state, Florida is particularly prone to this problem. Our region’s warmth and humidity create an ideal breeding ground for mold. So, to combat this, water treatment plants use chlorine during the treatment process. Unfortunately, as the chlorine compounds with hydrogen sulfide and dissolved oxygen, a corrosive blend is created, causing increased pipe erosion.
Heavily corroded pipes are likely to spring a leak, spike water bills, spill into walls, create water damage, and encourage mold and mildew growth. As soon as you discover a leak, immediately turn off your main water valve to stop the spread. Then contact our plumbers in Ocala for swift water leak services. A leaking pipe is the first fallen domino in a long chain of effects and should be repaired promptly.