Backflow and Scaling and Filters - Oh My! Oklahoma City Plumbing Woes
Many Oklahoma City homeowners and families rely on clean, pure water from a safe water supply. In addition to water, all homeowners rely on a complex sewage system to eliminate waste water from a home. While most plumbing problems in the home produce noticeable problems, some can go undetected for years. These problems can create an environmental hazard, endanger a families’ health, and raise a utility bill. It is important to consult with your Oklahoma City plumbing contractor should you suspect any of the following issues are occurring in your home.
One of the most common problems seen in many homes is the lack of residential backflow prevention equipment. Backflow is usually only a problem when using a commercial or municipal water supply. If water pressure outside a home drops to less than water pressure in a home, water can flow out of a home into public pipes. This backflow can often contaminate a public water supply, leading to a potential health hazard.
A residential backflow prevention unit will stop water from flowing backwards in a pipe. It acts as a one-way valve to prevent water traveling in the wrong direction. In addition, a one way valve can provide Oklahoma City homeowners with temporary water pressure if a municipal water supply is under maintenance.
Another common problem for many Oklahoma City homeowners is water scaling in interior pipes. While most municipal sources are treated to prevent hard water, well water can often have a high mineral content. These minerals are deposited on the inside of pipes as water moves through a home. Over time, this mineral buildup can cause a loss of water pressure, leading to the need to replace home plumbing.
A great way to prevent water scaling in a home is with a water softening unit. These help filter out excessive levels of minerals in a pipe, and help keep water flowing smoothly to all parts of your Oklahoma City home. Since water scaling usually isn’t noticeable until it’s too late to repair, it’s essential to install a softener before any problems arise. There are many commercial tests that can determine the hardness of well water.
While it may seem obvious, many Oklahoma City homeowners forget to change the water filter in their home. A clogged filter can reduce water flow, increase the pumping cost for well owners, and reduce the quality of water. A good rule of thumb to follow is this: for every 3 months of use, change the water filter in a home. In a vacation home, a filter should be changed at least once a year, dependent on usage.
While some of these tips may seem obvious, it’s essential to properly maintain a home’s water supply. Over time, unseen problems cause lasting damage, requiring expensive plumbing repair and maintenance.
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