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The 5 Usual Suspects of Plumbing Issues

Plumbing pains can be attributed to a variety of factors big and small. Especially in Florida where there is an increased amount of rain affecting drain and main sewer lines. Our team of ELITE plumbers has listed a few reasons why you may be experiencing plumbing issues. Keep reading to find out what they are and what you should look for!

Tree Roots

One of the most widely recognized sources of blockages and clogs in main sewer lines are tree roots. While it’s more common to find tree roots in the pipes of older homes, they can find their way into homes of any age. Tree roots seek moisture and are naturally drawn to the water in waste and sanitary sewer pipes, especially if one has a crack or a leak.

Hair

Hair naturally falls out, especially while in the shower. Unfortunately for our drains, it can accumulate to the point where it creates a slow flow or total blockage in our home’s pipes. Practicing preventative measures such as using a drain screen, cleaning out your hairbrush over the waste bin, and removing hair out of sinks rather than rinsing it down will go a long way. If you do see hair accumulate in your drain or hanging down it, use needle-nose pliers to remove it.

Pipe Scale

Pipe scale is the buildup of natural minerals and other deposits from coming in contact with water. Scale deposits usually result from dissolved calcium and magnesium that are left behind as water flows. Scale begins in one spot and attracts more until it grows into an obstructive size.

Summer Storms

Florida may be the Sunshine State, but it brings heavy rain and hurricanes during the summer. The rainy season allows for water to accumulate rapidly on the ground and overwhelm sewer systems. It also allows increased pressure on pipes, and with enough pressure, pipes can burst. Although many modern plumbing systems are built to withstand this pressure, older homes are susceptible to damage.

Sediment Buildup

Although limescale buildup isn’t a unique problem to the state of Florida, it is common. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for white mineral deposits on plumbing fixtures. If you begin to notice deposits on those fixtures it’s a safe bet that they exist in your pipes as well. If too much mineral buildup blocks the flow of your home’s water, extreme pressure can occur and cause your pipes to burst.

Call Elite Electric, Plumbing & Air

If you are in the Port St. Lucie area and are experiencing any of the plumbing pains mentioned in this article, it may be time to give Elite Electrical, Plumbing & Air a call. We are ALWAYS here to help restore your home to comfort with expert service at competitive prices. Give the Elite Electrical, Plumbing & Air team a call to schedule an appointment today at (772) 253-2305.

Why Isn't Your HVAC System Keeping You Comfortable?

Everyone has AC issues once in a while. They're usually small and easily handled, like a dirty filter or dead batteries in the thermostat. But when they start to stack up, many homeowners are at a loss for what to check. A couple of the most common things to look for include debris or dirt in the outdoor unit, the unit's size, and a malfunctioning thermostat. Read on to discover how these issues impact a unit and what homeowners should do to fix them.

Falling Leaves and Debris Collecting In or Around the Unit

Although it may not get too cold in Florida in the fall, there can still be seasonal issues that cause an AC unit to malfunction. The outdoor unit works to dispel warm air from the home using a fan, a condenser coil, and a compressor. When leaves fall into the system and pile up, it can start to drastically affect the system's efficiency.

A couple of ways homeowners can prevent this is cleaning around the system regularly and inside the system once a year. It's also good to trim any overhanging branches that may be dropping leaves and other debris into the outdoor unit. This can extend the unit's lifespan, and can improve tree health too.

Unit Is Not the Proper Size

Another often overlooked issue regarding HVAC units is their size. It's easy to guess why a too-small unit can cause issues, but units that are too big can cause issues, as well. The biggest small unit issue is longer run times. When the house's size outmatches the size and power of the AC, the until tends to run for longer and longer times, sending electric bills skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the house never actually gets cool enough.

Too-large units can also be an issue. With a large unit, the AC tends to short cycle, blowing air out quickly into one part of the house, causing the thermostat to think that the whole home is cool when it's only one part. This also prevents the condenser coil from running long enough to effectively remove humidity from the home. Therefore, a too-large unit creates uneven temperatures and never really eliminates the humidity from the air.

Thermostat Issues

Thermostat issues are often the hardest to figure out. Since the thermostat is the "brain" of the operation, it can cause all kinds of issues that may seem like mechanical problems at first. Homeowners should always check to make sure the thermostat has power when experiencing cooling or heating problems. If it does have power, it's worth shutting off the breaker to the thermostat and removing the cover to look for any buildup of dirt and grime, broken connections, or anything out of the ordinary.

On newer thermostats, there are often diagnostic programs that can help determine where the issue is. A trained professional should run these diagnostic programs because they require some know-how to perform.

About Elite Electric & Air

For over 30 years Elite Electric & Air have been happy to serve homeowners. They are a local favorite due to their upfront pricing and excellent customer service. They also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 service for HVAC and electric emergencies. Contact them for AC repair in Jupiter, FL today!

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5 Reasons You May Be Having Plumbing Pains!