Have you ever wondered what the top plumbing issues were for where you work and live? Well keep reading, we have the top 5 issues we run into in McMinnville, Oregon.
McMinnville’s unique climate and soil conditions can sometimes cause challenges for residential and commercial plumbing. Knowing these common issues – and how to prevent them can save you, the homeowners/business owners time, money and headache. Here is a list of the top five plumbing problems people in McMinnville face and how to prevent them.
1. Pipe Corrosion
Problem: Over time, McMinnville’s soil and mineral content can cause pipes, especially older galvanized or copper ones, to corrode. This can lead to leaks, reduced water pressure, and even pipe bursts.
Prevention Tips:
· Regular Inspections: Have a professional inspect your pipes annually, especially if your home was built more than 20 years ago.
· Consider a Re-Pipe: Consider upgrading to PVC or PEX pipes can help prevent corrosion.
· Water Softening: Install a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup.
2. Hard Water Buil-up
Problem: The high mineral content in McMinnville’s water can lead to hard water buildup, clogging pipes, reducing water pressure, and causing water heater inefficiencies.
Preventions Tips:
· Install a Water Softener: This helps reduce mineral content, helping to prevent clogs and prolonging the life of your pipes and appliances.
· Routine Descaling: Have a schedule to descale your faucets and showerheads to prevent buildup.
3. Tree Root Intrusion
Problem: The lush vegetation in McMinnville can lead to tree roots invading sewer lines, causing blockages, leaks or even complete pipe breakages.
Prevention Tips:
· Routine Sewer Inspections: Annual Inspections with a camera can detect any root intrusion before it becomes a severe problem.
· Root Barriers: Installing root barriers between trees and your sewer lines can help prevent roots from encroaching.
· Regular Maintenance: Professional rooter services can remove roots from your sewer line safely.
4. Clogged Drains from Heavy Rains
Problem: McMinnville’s rainy season can lead to excess leaves, dirt and debris getting washed into outdoor drains, causing blockages and potential flooding.
Prevention Tips:
· Clean Outdoor Drains Regularly: Clear leaves and other debris from outdoor drains, especially after storms.
· Install Drain Screens: These can help prevent debris from entering your drain pipes.
· Landscape with Drainage in Mind: Ensure surrounding areas are properly graded to prevent excess water flow into drains.
5. Frozen Pipes in Winter
Problem: McMinnville’s cold winter nights can cause unprotected pipes to freeze and burst, leading to extensive water damage in your home and business.
Prevention Tips:
· Insulate Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation, especially in unheated areas like basements and garages. Make sure all hose bibs are well wrapped, these are often the first to freeze and burst.
· Keep a Slow Drip: On extremely cold nights, keep a slow drip on faucets to prevent standing water from freezing.
· Install Heat Tape: For areas particularly vulnerable to freezing, use electric heat tape to keep the pipes warm.
Conclusion
Preventing these common plumbing issues can save McMinnville homeowners and business owners considerable hassle and expense. Regular maintenance and early intervention are key, so consider scheduling a plumbing inspection with your local expert to ensure your system stays in top shape year-round.
For more plumbing tips on maintaining your plumbing, feel free to reach out or check us out on Instagram and Facebook, as well as our other blog posts!
