For years, cast iron drains and galvanized and copper water lines were the standard in homes across the country. But in Southwest Florida, many face specific environmental issues that can’t be ignored. These can include problems arising from water quality and soil conditions.
The plumbing heroes on our Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning team are more than able to assist in all things relating to household plumbing, including sewer line repair, repiping, and more. Find out how we tackle the issues causing your copper and cast iron plumbing problems with the tips below, which were originally published in Isles Life, a local magazine serving residents of Punta Gorda Isles.
Household Plumbing and Florida’s Environmental Factors
When it comes to living in Southwest Florida, it’s easy to recall the humidity, the salty sea air, and the biodiversity of our environment. As it turns out, these are all factors that affect your plumbing. Copper pipes are easily corroded from prolonged exposure to Florida’s salty, humid air. Likewise, the extreme swings in temperature can cause thermal expansion and contraction, which stresses joints and pipes, leading to failure. We can’t forget about the bacterial threats to your pipes due to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) in soil.
How SWFL Soil Conditions Can Harm Plumbing
The type of soil in which your pipes are located can cause different kinds of stress and pressure. Knowing what to keep in mind can be helpful to stay ahead of any leaks or mainline failures. It’s no secret that Florida is home to sandy soil, but to your underground pipes, this can cause abrasions and external wear and tear over time. Also, Florida’s high water table contributes to the predominantly moist soil that your water lines are surrounded by. While some describe this as living on a sponge, your pipes will experience this as corrosion over time from the high water table. What’s more, some of this soil can even cause electrolytic corrosion in copper pipes through galvanic reactions.
Does Southwest Florida’s Water Quality Cause Corrosion?
The water quality in Southwest Florida can have detrimental effects on your water lines. From the high salinity to the high chloride to the high acidity content, galvanized and copper pipes may experience a high degree of wear and tear and even failure due to corrosion and, eventually, pinhole leaks. Additionally, copper piping might be more susceptible to degrading over time due to the aggressive nature of water in the area. Hard water, or water with high levels of minerals like magnesium and calcium, can create a scale build-up inside your pipes that can cause clogs and slow everything down.
Alternatives to Cast Iron and Copper Drain Lines
Given the above factors, consider alternatives to cast iron and copper piping for your home plumbing and sewer needs. This is where Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning is here to help. We offer modern plumbing alternatives for your home to combat the environmental factors that our Southwest Florida homes deal with. Cross-linked Polyethylene, or PEX, is a flexible alternative that resists scalding and chlorine and can handle hot and cold water. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is similar to PVC but can handle higher temperatures.
Your Plumbing Heroes in Southwest Florida
While cast iron and copper pipes and galvanized drains have been the standard in plumbing for ages, it’s time to consider flexible, corrosion-resistant alternatives to handle Florida’s unique environment. Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning can offer you expert insight and installation for all types of plumbing, including outdated plumbing that might experience corrosion, pinhole leaks, or other issues.
We understand the unique issues that the plumbing in Southwest Florida homes faces and have assisted with numerous projects since we opened in 2007. We know the appropriate installation techniques for underground drain lines, for example, to combat the water tables and any ground shifting or adverse weather conditions.
Call Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning plumbers today to revamp your home’s plumbing and piping system! For all your service needs, get fast, reliable help here.