When we turn on our taps, where does our water come from? Groundwater provides the answer. This underground source is found between layers of rock and soil.
Many Phoenix area homes are still equipped with outdated piping systems composed of cast iron, galvanized steel, clay or paper, and tar pipe (Orangeburg). Unfortunately, these waste lines are failing at an alarming rate.
Water Filtration Systems
Filtration systems remove heavy metals, chemicals, sediment, chlorine, and bacteria from your water supply in your home, reducing risks like giardia, rotavirus, and norovirus infection and keeping pipes safe to drink from damage. Water filtration can save both pipes from damage as well as keep you drinking safe water!
Whole house water filtration systems in Phoenix can treat hard Phoenix water by filtering out minerals that cause clogs and other issues in your home. These systems use an ion exchange process when water enters, where resin beads attached with sodium ions replace calcium and magnesium ions in your water supply, softening its texture. This helps avoid scale build-up while making plumbing appliances run more efficiently.
Water filtration systems offer multiple advantages for any household. Softer water can extend the life of appliances while helping to protect skin and hair against soap scum build-up and straw-like hair growth. Furthermore, these systems can even help your skin and hair remain hydrated, eliminating costly products!
Water filtration systems can also help your home become more energy-efficient and reduce plastic waste, eliminate unpleasant tastes and odors associated with unfiltered water, and reduce the risk of harmful algae blooms in drinking water.
Washing Machine Hoses
Washing machine hoses connect your washing machine to the valve that supplies water for each cycle but are not designed to withstand bursts. As such, they may leak and break at their connections with both your home’s plumbing as well as with their respective supply valve. In fact, washing machine hoses are one of the leading causes of home water damage.
Avoid costly repairs and replacements by periodically inspecting your hoses. Look out for bulges and creases near connectors; also check for signs of rust on metal connectors; if rusted connectors exist, spray with WD-40 or another penetrating lubricant such as Glycerine to loosen them and make removal simpler.
If your current hoses are composed of black rubber, consider upgrading to braided stainless steel hoses, as these last longer and can withstand higher temperatures than their rubber counterparts. In particular, look for dual shutoff valves so they can be switched on at once to ease stress on your washing machine’s water supply pipes.
Once the hoses have been disconnected from their washer, place a bucket or pan beneath the drain hose to collect any potential spillage of water before slowly wiggling and pulling it out from its outlet – being sure not to bend or kink it as you go so that all are supported appropriately.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most prevalent plumbing issues that homeowners must contend with, often leading to water and sewage backing up into their homes over time. Prevention measures, such as regular pipe maintenance or proper disposal of waste products, may help.
To keep your drains clear, flush them regularly with hot water and use an organic drain cleaner to dissolve soap residue. Furthermore, the grease must be appropriately disposed of, or else it will harden and adhere to pipe walls over time – otherwise, the problem becomes much worse!
If your sinks and showers are draining slower than average or you detect an unpleasant odor from your sink, this could indicate that there is a blockage in the plumbing line. It would be prudent to contact a professional plumber immediately in order to address the situation quickly before it worsens further. For minor clogs, use a plunger by filling half of your sink up with water and then plunging it up and down, while for persistent obstructions, stuff a wet rag into the drain instead.
Serious clogs in both your bathroom and kitchen sinks may require professional drain cleaning services to resolve. This usually entails using mechanical augers or hydrojetting technology; depending on the nature of your clog, these tools may break up or clear away even stubborn obstructions to leave your drains clean and free-flowing again.
Clogged Toilets
A toilet plays an essential role in effectively and hygienically disposing of waste, making its proper functioning critical to human health and hygiene. Clogged toilets can be an acute health risk that requires professional plumbing services to resolve. If your toilet doesn’t drain correctly, consider replacing its flush valve, fill valve, or float ball as possible fixes, or check its flapper or tank water valve, which could also cause leakage issues.
Unclogging a toilet may require using either a plunger or chemical drain cleaner; if these don’t work, more advanced solutions might need to be sought from a plumber. The location and composition of the clog will dictate what solution works best. Organic materials–like poop or paper products–usually soften over time to pass through pipes unchecked; however, if it consists of more resilient substances like toys thrown by children into your toilet will need professional help immediately.
Water stains on the floor or ceiling beneath your toilet are another indicator that it may be time to call in a plumber, possibly due to cracks in the porcelain, corrosion in gas lines, or a leaking flapper or tank water valve. If this seems likely, shut off all water supplies immediately and contact an experienced professional as soon as possible.
