Common Plumbing Problems in Dayton, Ohio Homes (And How to Prevent Them)

Plumbing problems in Dayton, Ohio, aren’t just inconvenient; they’re often the result of unique local conditions that can cause serious damage if ignored. From hard water to clay soil and aging pipes, understanding the root causes of these issues is the first step in preventing them. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common plumbing problems Dayton homeowners face and share simple ways to protect your home and your wallet.

What Makes Dayton’s Plumbing Problems Unique?

An aging infrastructure, hard water, and seasonal weather changes account for the most common plumbing problems in Dayton, Ohio. Burst pipes, flooded basements, corroded pipes, and damage to water-based appliances are frequent issues.

You can avoid many local plumbing headaches with proper maintenance and a little know-how. Join us as we break down the most common plumbing problems in Dayton homes and show you how to prevent them before they require costly repairs.

Hard Water and Mineral Buildup due to Limestone Bedrock

Dayton sits on a foundation of limestone bedrock. Water percolating through limestone dissolves minerals in the bedrock, resulting in a local water supply with high levels of calcium and magnesium, commonly referred to as hard water. Hard water gradually accumulates in pipes and appliances, leaving a white residue on faucets, clogging pipes, and reducing the efficiency of water heaters and dishwashers. Over time, mineral buildup can shorten the lifespan of plumbing systems and lead to expensive repairs.

Whole-house water softeners remove calcium and magnesium before the water enters your plumbing system, preventing the damaging impacts of hard water. For short-term targeted help, use descaling agents in appliances and regularly clean faucet aerators and showerheads.

Freeze-Thaw Winters and Burst Pipes

The weather in Dayton, Ohio, features a seasonal freeze-thaw cycle that can freeze water in uninsulated pipes. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on pipe walls and increasing the risk of burst pipes. Uninsulated pipes can freeze at 32°F, and Datyon’s winter temperatures can drop as low as 5°F. 

To reduce your risk of burst pipes and water damage, take the following precautions:

• Insulate exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and other unheated locations.
• Set your thermostat to 55°F, even when you're away from home.
• Open faucets just enough for a slow drip during extreme cold to keep water moving through pipes.
• Seal any gaps and cracks near pipes to prevent exposure to cold air.
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets before the first freeze of winter.

Pipe bursts are also possible in underground lines, as local clay soil expands and contracts due to freezing and thawing. Older underground pipes are more susceptible to such damage. Regular pipe inspections can identify issues early, preventing serious damage from occurring. 

Dealing with a frozen pipe? Here’s What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze. 

Clay Soil, a High Water Table, and Basement Flooding

Dayton experiences heavy spring and summer rains, with a 31% average chance of daily precipitation between late March and early August, and severe rainstorms in the summer. The region’s clay soil drains slowly and quickly becomes saturated, often resulting in overwhelmed sump pumps and rapid basement flooding, especially when combined with the region’s high water table.  

Regular sump pump maintenance can prevent sump pump failure and subsequent basement floods. During maintenance, test the pump, clean the pit and pump, and inspect the discharge line. Upgrading to the battery backup system helps keep your sump operating in the event of power interruptions during storms. 

You can reduce the chance you’ll wind up cleaning a flooded basement with these additional tips: 

• Improving yard drainage by grading the ground so it flows away from the foundation. 
• Regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts to ensure proper function. Downspouts should extend at least six feet from your foundation. 
• Install window well covers on below-grade basement windows
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs close to your foundation and drainage systems
• Install a French drain (a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe) to redirect water away from your foundation.
• Install a backwater valve in your plumbing system to prevent sewage or wastewater from backing up into your building. 

Aging Infrastructure and Corroded Pipes

Dayton’s aging plumbing infrastructure includes galvanized steel and cast iron pipes, which deteriorate and corrode over time, increasing the risk of blockages, leaks, discolored water, and sudden pipe failures. Older neighborhoods may still use clay pipes, which are vulnerable to damage from shifting soil and tree root intrusions, or lead pipes, which were banned in 1986. If your home was built in the 1970s or 1980s, you may have gray-colored polybutylene pipes, which degrade when exposed to chlorine. 

Regular inspections help evaluate the state of your pipes. Underground pipes can sometimes be relined to repair minor damage and improve system performance. To address lead pipe issues in Ohio, replacing the pipes with safer materials, such as copper, PVC, or PEX, is the best choice. 

Tree Root Intrusion in Sewer Lines - (Older pipes are at risk)

Older pipes are particularly vulnerable to tree root damage, but the issue can also affect newer pipes. All it takes is one tiny crack for roots to gain access to the inside of the pipe. Once inside a sewer line, roots grow at a rapid rate, fed by nutrients in wastewater. Tree root intrusion can cause additional damage to pipes, clog pipes, and result in sewer line backups. 

Planting sewer-safe trees and shrubs reduces your risk of root damage to your sewer system. You can also periodically use foaming root killers that coat the pipe walls and deter root growth. Routine sewer line cleaning is an effective deterrent, as it clears the length of the sewer line and shaves tree roots down to the pipe walls. 

Roto-Rooter Helps Keep Your Plumbing Flowing

The local soil and weather conditions in Dayton, Ohio, combined with hard water and aging infrastructure, create challenging plumbing issues. Roto-Rooter’s experienced plumbers are on-call 24/7 to help you deal with all types of plumbing problems, from clogged sinks to flooded basements. 

Call the Roto-Rooter plumbing professionals today!