Common Plumbing Issues in Round Rock, TX
Central Texas is home to hard water and hot temperatures. Both can wreak havoc on your pipes and plumbing fixtures over time. At 1-800-Plumber +Air, we want homeowners across our community to understand common plumbing issues and know what steps to take to prevent plumbing problems from becoming expensive disasters. Learn more about three common plumbing problems in Round Rock and how to get in front of them.
Hard Water and Mineral Buildup
Hard water is water full of minerals and sediment that can leave deposits inside your pipes and on your plumbing fixtures. If you have cloudy water or see white spots around your faucet, you likely have hard water.
How Central Texas Water Affects Pipes and Appliances
Hard water buildup is a slow problem, but it can cause chaos. Over time, sediment can build up in your water heater and appliances, affecting both your water pressure and the performance of each appliance. Severely hard water can even build up in pipes, making them narrower, or around joints and valves, seizing them in place.
Signs You Have Hard Water Issues in Your Home
Common signs of hard water in Round Rock homes are:
- White buildup around faucets and sinks
- Rattling sounds in your water heater
- Sediment buildup on your shower head
- Cloudy or smelly water
- Brittle, dry, or hard-to-clean hair
Solutions Like Softeners and Descaling Services
You can stop hard water from affecting your plumbing by blocking it straight out of your home’s main water supply line. Whole-home filters and water softeners can treat the water to remove sediment and make your water soft, clean, and clear. You can also use gentle descaling cleaners to frequently clear away deposits on your pipes, valves, and fixtures.
Slab Leaks in Foundation Homes
Many Texas homes are built on slab foundations, or whole pieces of concrete. However, Texas homes also sit on clay soil, which shifts significantly during both droughts and rainy weather. If the foundation shifts too much, it can compromise your home’s pipes, causing cracks or large-scale breakage. Water can flood inside your home or underneath it, so can sewage if your drainage pipe is damaged.
Why Slab Homes Are Common in Round Rock
Slab homes are common because they’re a speedy, cost-effective construction method for newer homes. Many people also prefer slab foundations over pier and beam foundations with crawl spaces.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
Early signs of slab leaks include:
- Damp or wet spots on the ground
- High increases in your home’s water bill
- Moldy smells
- Low water pressure
- Standing water or damp soil around your foundation, especially if it hasn’t rained recently
The Importance of Fast Detection and Repair
The faster you detect a slab leak, the sooner you can repair it. Slab leaks can compromise the structural integrity of your home and cause widespread damage, so fast action keeps the damage as small as possible.
Drain Clogs and Sewer Line Backups
Just as with all homes, drain clogs can be one of the most common plumbing issues.
Tree Root Intrusion and Aging Sewer Lines
During droughts, trees search desperately for water. They can send thin roots into drainage and water supply pipes, especially old cast iron pipes that are beginning to crack. Over time, the tree roots can break pipes apart and clog them up.
Frequent Clogs in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Plumbing problems like clogs seem small (even if they’re stressful). But frequent clogs indicate underlying issues like old drain lines, potential cracks or tree root intrusions, and out-of-code drains.
When It’s Time to Call a Professional
A plumber can inspect the pipes, break up clogs deep below your home, and advise you on the next steps. If you find yourself dealing with clogs more than once a year, especially on the same drain, it’s time for a plumber to look for common plumbing issues and get to the bottom of it.
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Service or Get a Free Estimate
1-800-Plumber +Air has a team of local Round Rock plumbers who are familiar with common plumbing problems in Central Texas. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or fast plumbing repairs. Our team is standing by!