Plumbing problems are consistent everywhere, with common occurrences like stubborn clogs and leaking pipes taking center stage. However, mineral deposits and sediment in the available hard water have worsened the already dire situation in Arizona. Plumbing systems in Arizona need to work harder as pipes and appliances face constant wear and tear, requiring frequent maintenance.
As an Arizona resident, you may have encountered some recurring plumbing problems in the past without knowing how to resolve them. Below, we share the top three Arizona plumbing system problems and how to resolve them.
1) Scale build-up
Scale buildup is one of the most feared and stubborn problems in Arizona's plumbing system, as it is extremely difficult to descale water lines once they become clogged with scale. Due to the minerals in hard water, a hard, crusty deposit builds up inside pipes and plumbing fixtures to form scale.
These scale buildups will build up, block water flow, and cause other plumbing problems over time. The best way to get around this problem is to install efficient water softener systems that filter aggressive mineral deposits from the water. The best water softeners for Arizona should be able to:
- Eliminate limescale
- Filter VOCs and chlorine
- Preserve your pipes and accessories
Once you install the right system, you can enjoy better water pressure, a longer device lifestyle, and better skin and hair health, among other benefits.
2) Slow or clogged drains
Closely related to scale buildup, slow or clogged drains are another common problem in Arizona, caused by a variety of issues. Common causes of clogs and slow drains are soap particles and hair falling into the drain. Sometimes foreign objects can also enter the system or plumbing errors during construction. These clogs are common in kitchen sinks and bathtub drains, mainly because it takes a lot of soap to form suds with hard water.
There are several simple solutions you can try to resolve this problem, including using a drain snake or plunger to remove the clog. Drain cleaners can also be helpful, but you should use this as a last resort as the chemicals can ruin the components of your piping system. Once you've removed the clog, you can install a drain screen to prevent future clogs.
3) Leaking taps
Whether in the kitchen or bathroom sinks, a leaky faucet disturbs homeowners' peace with the incessant dripping sound and contributes significantly to high water bills in the home. Faucets are part of the water flow system that allows high-pressure water passing through the plumbing system to reach its end use. However, this water cannot flow whenever it wants. Thus, a waterproof silicone or rubber based washer is used to prevent water from flowing out when the tap is turned off. Over time, these two can tear or slip, causing your faucet to leak.
A quick fix is to replace the affected part, or you can consider replacing the entire faucet if necessary. This is a task best done by professionals, so if you are not as familiar with it, it is best to seek help as early as possible to minimize trial and error costs.
Arizona homeowners can experience many other minor plumbing system problems, but these three stand out as the most common. Solving these three problems could extensively help cover many other related problems such as low water pressure and toilet problems. It is also important that you seek professional help to have a lasting solution to any of the problems.