Wichita, a city in Kansas, is known to suffer from extreme weather conditions during the summer and winter seasons. Their diverse climate presents unique challenges for homeowners and even plumbing companies alike.
The contrast of freezing winters and scorching heat throughout the year can take a severe toll on the plumbing systems.
For ordinary homeowners, fixing damages on the pipes caused by inclement weather may be impossible work. Whereas for professional plumbers, as overwhelmed as they may be, it just requires some expertise and professional work.
We’ve come up with a list of common problems extreme weather may cause on your plumbing and ways the right professionals can do to ease these issues.
Probability of Hard Water
High mineral content causes hard water, primarily calcium and magnesium. The weather does not directly cause it and mainly depends on the path water passes through underground aquifers.
Generally, hard water does not affect your health, but it can be rough in your plumbing. The calcium deposits can accumulate on the pipe interiors without even you knowing until the buildup becomes visible on the exterior of your plumbing fixtures or even stains your sink.
Here’s a helpful explanation of why hard water occurs and how to test your water for it: https://reviewed.usatoday.com/dishwashers/features/what-is-hard-water-and-how-to-test-for-water-hardness
If hard water buildup is not addressed early, the most minor damage it can do is restrict water flow. Over time, it could decrease your water pressure and increase the probability of a clog. In the worst-case scenario, the calcium buildup would cause corrosion on your water heater, entirely damaging the whole appliance.
Plumbing companies recommend softening the water to solve the hard water issues. You can quickly and temporarily solve moderate hard water problems by using water-conditioning products.
However, a more permanent solution would be installing water softener with the help of plumbing professionals. The appliance will remove the minerals using sodium molecules and extend your plumbing system’s and other appliances’ lifespan.
Frozen and Burst Pipes
During Wichita’s brutally cold winter season, the temperatures frequently drop below freezing, causing an overwhelming number of households to call plumbing company hotlines—the problem—frozen pipes. When not addressed quickly, it can lead to an even bigger problem – burst pipes.
Water, when frozen, expands, and when it does, it creates immense pressure as it pushes the liquid water towards a closed faucet. With no room for relief, the pipes burst, generally on the part where there’s little or no ice.
The whole process only takes a few hours or even minutes. The probability of frozen pipes happening relies on the pipes’ location and the quality of their insulation. It increases when the lines are exposed outdoors or in unheated areas.
Frozen and burst pipes are more than just a costly headache; they also pose potential health hazards. Molds can start growing where there is excess moisture, and burst pipes create a leak that may have water continuously dripping.
And where there is even a little bit of moisture, mold follows. On top of that, broken pipes may cause contamination that can infiltrate the pipes that still have water flowing to your house.
Wichita, Kansas has seen its share of plumbing challenges due to extreme weather fluctuations. However, beyond weather-induced concerns, there exist silent threats that could impact residents’ health. In the wake of plumbing issues, one alarming risk is contaminated water. The city’s water infrastructure, much like the infamous Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, raises concerns about lead exposure and associated health risks.
The consequences of corroded pipes and neglected maintenance extend beyond leakages and frozen pipes. They encompass potential health hazards from contaminated water, like those seen in the unfortunate events at Camp Lejeune. It’s imperative to be aware of the lurking dangers beyond the visible plumbing issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of every household in Wichita.
Though most exposed pipes in areas that experience extreme winters are typically insulated, it is still worth calling your plumber to check your pipes for any repair needs before the cold hits. Be sure to disconnect any outdoor hoses, as well.
If your pipes do burst or have frozen water, turn off your main water valve and call the professional for an immediate restoration.
Problems with Sewer Lines
Sewer lines never get almost any attention until they make their neglect known through various issues. Their declaration of neglect ensures you get your fair worth of headaches for the trouble these problems can cause.
Backed-up sewers can undoubtedly bring with them several unpleasantries, including foul odor, wastewater spilling into your pipes, your fixtures spilling with backed water, and the worst – water pooling in your floors and ceiling – an imminent sign of costly repairs.
Sewer line problems are often caused by tree roots seeping into your sewer lines, looking for that hefty source of liquid wastewater in the pipes.
Once they find what they’re looking for, they wrap themselves around the pipes, clogging and ultimately breaking the structure. Corrosion is another adversary of steel and cast-iron pipes due to calcium and magnesium build-up from regular wear and tear.
The most common cause, and probably underestimated, is foreign objects or debris clogging the pipes. Thus, it is crucial to dispose of paper towels, sanitary pads properly, and other materials that even drain cleaning agents can’t correctly disintegrate.
This proper disposal policy should extend to your kitchen and avoid pouring cooking oil or grease into the sink.
If you smell a suspiciously foul odor within the parameters of your home or if your toilet, showers, and sink do not drain as quickly as they should, call your plumber immediately.
With their team of experts, HM Plumbing in Wichita responds quickly to emergencies. They offer a wide range of sewer services, from checking sewer pipes, drain cleaning, fixing any problems, and doing routine maintenance for aftercare.
Troubles with the Water Heater
Another plumbing problem caused by the winter season is the water heater problem. A water heater may malfunction from being overworked to ease the coldness. Common issues include producing barely or overly hot water (click here for the perfect temperature to set your water heater), strange noises, or leaks.
There may be a significant probability of corrosion inside your water heater. Discolored water is indicative that your tank’s inner lining has started to rust and very well may be the start of your water heater’s imminent demise.
Regardless of the apparent cause, you may need to call professional help immediately to replace your appliance or at least repair it. Plumbing companies can also offer advice on proper maintenance.
Owning a home in Wichita, Kansas, brings its own set of plumbing challenges. Prevention is always better than any kind of repair, even professional.
Knowing what causes these common problems, you may execute measures to lessen the probability of these issues arising. Ultimately, should issues happen, it may cause less of a hassle if you receive timely professional assistance, making your choice for a plumbing company crucial.
