The Impact Of Climate Change On Plumbing Repairs
Most homeowners trust their plumbing systems will work and they take care of their plumbing with proper maintenance and repairs, as needed. However, there are other forces at work, including the environment, that will determine the life of your entire plumbing system.
More importantly, the effects of climate change are impacting how the plumbing industry is acting and reacting to homeowner concerns. There are predictions that might alarm you. To help you prepare and know what to expect in the years to come, here’s what the industry is saying about climate change and plumbing systems.
Plumbing problems due to climate change
The EPA says roughly 20% of all households in the U.S. have septic systems. And many of those septic systems are in coastal regions, including Florida, where there are an estimated 2.6 million septic systems.
Just in Miami-Dade County, more than half of the 120,000 septic systems fail at some point every year. From unprecedented weather patterns and fiercer storms to takeover algae blooms and deteriorating shores, climate change is already contributing to today’s plumbing system concerns.
Effects caused by droughts
Current climate change projections also point to a decrease in access to fresh and reliable water sources. Droughts continue to plague certain parts of the country, forcing municipalities to find alternative solutions and water treatment resources.
From a plumbing perspective, these droughts can also affect plumbing systems, breaking down 2.2 million miles of aging underground pipes and causing leaks and water loss. It’s estimated there is a water main break occurring every two minutes, resulting in six billion gallons of full-treated water loss daily.
Effects in soil conditions
Another concern with climate change affecting plumbing systems is soil conditions. Soil continues to erode at a higher rate, particularly because of temperature and storm activity increases. Topsoil destruction is a concern as it inspires soil changes around the underground network of pipes, leading to further erosion and plumbing system interference.
Unpredictable weather patterns
Even if climate change is debated, homeowners can admit unprecedented weather is a real phenomenon. Tropical storms, droughts, and natural disasters are just happening more often.
All these emerging changes result in water table, temperature, and soil quality changes, all of which affect the durability and function of any plumbing system. As a homeowner, you might experience more sewer issues, septic concerns, and plumbing leaks. The integrity of aging pipes and systems also contributes to higher breakdowns in water supply and flow, too.
What homeowners can do to maintain plumbing systems
As a consumer and homeowner, you might not be able to do much about impending climate change or eroding plumbing systems beyond your home. You can, however, take steps to preserve and maintain your home’s plumbing.
Consider calling a plumbing professional for routine system inspections annually. Be mindful to spot leaks in or around your home, including any pooling water or active drips. Calling in a plumbing professional can ensure you address those concerns quickly and before they turn into more significant problems.
Keep your drains clean and fixtures in good working condition as best you can and rely on the guidance of a plumbing expert to help you maintain your home’s systems ongoing.
The future of water resources and plumbing systems is going to change. And with the continuous impacts of weather and climate change, homeowners should prepare to maintain and repair their systems.
Whenever you have a plumbing concern or question, rely on the experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric. Call our team at 1-800-475-1504, and we’ll help you keep your plumbing systems running smoothly, no matter what climate change may bring.
