FAQs on Salt and Time for Austin, Texas Homeowners

When a plumbing issue arises in your home, you might be tempted to try a DIY solution. But even if you're an experienced handyman, some plumbing problems require the expertise of a professional. Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers in Austin, Texas, are certified, insured, and dedicated to total customer satisfaction. For Austin, TX homeowners who need speedy home maintenance help, they are the top choice.

This article answers 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the topics of salt and time for Austin, TX homeowners. We explain why it's important to use certified plumbers and to set aside ample time for plumbing maintenance. We also illuminate why salt can be a great water softener and how to maintain your water heater with the right amount of salt. Let's take a closer look.

Why is it important to use certified plumbers?

When it comes to plumbing mishaps, it's best to play it safe. Certification is proof of professional-level skills. Certified plumbers are licensed and insured, so you can be sure that your job is completed by a reputable, qualified individual. Though plumbing problems such as gas or electric heater repair, slab leaks, and leaky pipes may seem like simple DIY fixes, there can often be underlying systems you are unable to address or home maintenance issues you can't correctly diagnose.

In addition to having the proper training, certified plumbers also abide by industry standards that help ensure safe work is performed in your home. To guarantee your safety, protect your property, and prevent future plumbing problems, it's recommended that you employ certified plumbers.

How much time should be set aside for plumbing maintenance?

Regardless of whether it's a small, one-time repair or extensive maintenance, plumbing requirements can take a considerable amount of your time. For a large-scale plumbing job, plan for the process to take a few days—sometimes up to a week. If you're participating in any of the work, this prolongs the time frame.

Due to the complexities of plumbing systems, it's important that you don't rush a job. Spending extra time to ensure the problem is properly repaired in the present will ensure future repairs are minimized. Set aside the necessary time for your plumbing scheduled or emergency maintenance, to ensure your home is functioning at its best.

How can salt be used as a water softener?

Salt is a natural cleaner and dissolver in water. Oftentimes, too much of it in your drinking water or other bodies of water isn't ideal. However, it can be a great solution for clogged or blocked drains. When poured slowly into your drain, salt can break down and dissolve whatever is causing the pipe to get blocked.

Using salt as a water softener can also help decrease calcium buildup left behind by hard water. This mineral buildup can clog up pipes and reduce water pressure or flow. To effectively use salt as a water softener, be sure to properly wait the solution; let the salty water sit for at least 10 minutes. Then flush it with sufficient hot water. Doing so will loosen the mineral buildup and allow it to flow through the pipe to your sewer lines.

How can I maintain my water heater with salt?

If you're having trouble with a water heater or want to prevent future issues, there's a simple maintenance tip you can do yourself. Pour two tablespoons of salt into the water heater's empty tank. This will soften the hard-water deposits that can form in the tank, decreasing lime buildup over time. To flush out the existing lime buildup, add five gallons of hot water to your tank and let it settle. To maintain the water heater, repeat the process once a year.

What are the benefits of having a softener system?

Soft water has several advantages. Because it eliminates hard-water buildup, it avoids clogging in your plumbing pipes. Soft water also helps preserve the life of tanks, fixtures, and pipes. Soft water also means that you will use less soaps, detergents, and shampoos, saving you money.

Combined with salt, softener systems can also serve to enhance the quality of water piped into your home. Softener systems act as a filter for the water entering your home and can remove debris, bacteria, and chemicals; this results in clean, drinkable water.

The main takeaway

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, from larger jobs to small ones, certified professionals like Abacus Residential and Commercial Plumbers in Austin, Texas are experienced at repairing all kinds of plumbing issues. Certified plumbers offer assurance that your job is done in a safe manner, and they have the skills necessary to complete the job correctly and efficiently.

When it comes to plumbing issues, make sure to allot ample time to allow for proper repairs. Salt is not only a great water softener, but it can also help reduce lime buildup in your water heater. To get the most out of your water heater, you can maintain its tank with salt and water once a year. Softener systems are beneficial because they can soften water and clean incoming water.

Plumbing Maintenance

Salt

Water Softener