Owning a home in Las Vegas comes with many perks. But, the desert environment wreaks havoc on home plumbing. There are so many things that cause difficulties for local pipes that can’t be found in other homes. There’s such a variety of things that can cause problems with pipes in your area that are not seen in other homes, and they range from extreme heat to incredibly hard water. Early detection prevents you from spending huge amounts of money on water damage repair and large repair bills. Here are seven plumbing problems Las Vegas homeowners should never ignore.
1. Hard Water Scale Buildup
Some of the toughest water in the country is found in Las Vegas. The amount of calcium and magnesium in your water supply is high. Over time, these minerals leave a white crusty residue on your faucets and showerheads. This scale deposits within the water pipes and appliances to impede water flow and permanently damages them. If you notice severe mineral buildup, calling a local expert like Active Plumbing Inc. can help you find the right water treatment solution to protect your home.
2. Slow Draining Sinks
A slow drain might seem like a minor annoyance. Numerous homeowners simply pour down the liquid drain cleaner and forget about it. But chemicals can cause corrosion of your pipes. Slow drainage in Las Vegas can indicate a more serious problem, such as tree roots going in search of water in the dry ground. If you do not resolve this issue, in the future it will cause a total stoppage and clogged up backups.
3. Unexplained Water Bill Spikes
If you’ve never changed your water consumption habits but suddenly your water bill has jumped up on your monthly statement, you should look closer. This is a huge red flag of a concealed leak. Many houses here are constructed on concrete slabs. A leak in the pipe under the foundation is known as a slab leak. The erosion that can occur under your home as a result of this type of leak can result in significant structural damage.
4. Failing Water Heaters
Your water heater is a necessity of your life. These units are under a lot of stress due to the very harsh water conditions in these parts. Mineral deposits collect at the bottom of the tank, making the burner have to operate for a longer period. If there are popping noises heard from the tank, your unit is having trouble. These sounds are signs for a burst tank if they are not listened to.
5. Sewer Line Backups
If several drains back up simultaneously, then the problem lies in the main sewer line. The dense caliche soil in our area can cause older pipes to crack. If the pipe starts to crack, roots from surrounding trees will enter the pipe. Never delay solutions to your sewer problems. A full backup can back up sewage to your bathrooms and make them dangerous.
6. Sudden Pressure Drops
If the water pressure in your shower suddenly decreases, don’t ignore it. A gradual decline over years is likely to be caused by mineral buildup. An unexpected drop in pressure throughout the house, however, means it is a serious issue. It may be a leak in the main water line or a problem with the pressure regulator valve.
7. Constantly Running Toilets
Tens to hundreds of gallons of clean water are directly pouring into the sewer every day due to a running toilet. It’s a waste of a valuable resource in our desert environment and it costs you money. A basic replacement of the flapper is typically the repair.
Conclusion
Your home’s hidden lifelines are plumbing systems. The harsh weather and hard water in Southern Nevada require constant vigilance. If you see any of these signs, it’s important to address them quickly to safeguard your home. If you neglect to repair little leaks and slow drains, they’ll inevitably become larger problems. Tackle plumbing issues promptly and maintain a secure and comfortable home.
