The region of Colorado Springs is characterized by majestic mountain views. It also has crisp alpine air. Despite such things to love, the high altitudes present various challenges to homeowners. One such issue is related to plumbing.
At higher elevations, the atmospheric pressure is usually quite low. This affects how water flows through pipes. It also has a huge impact on the effectiveness of your fixtures.
As a homeowner in this area, expect to experience a couple of issues. Some of these entail inconsistent water pressure and longer water heating times.
To avoid such shortcomings, houses in Colorado Springs have to be fully equipped. This article looks at reasons why homes in Colorado Springs differ from those in lower elevations.
Reduced Atmospheric Pressure Affects Water Flow
High Altitude Plumbing Colorado Springs, CO
One huge difference that you will see is how water pressure behaves. At higher elevations, the atmospheric pressure is usually lower. This means less natural force pushing water through pipes. The result of this is reduced water pressure throughout the home. Some things that you may notice include a weaker shower stream and slower faucet flow. You may also realize that it takes quite long to fill toilets and appliances.
These problems can be easily fixed by professional plumbers. All that has to be done is the installation of pressure regulators. You may also benefit from water pressure booster systems.
Cold Climate Increases the Risk of Pipe Freezing
At high elevations, temperatures drop really low. This is especially true during winter. At this time, they often fall below freezing. When this happens, unprotected pipes are usually at high risk. This is because they may experience freezing. After water freezes, it may expand. This creates extra pressure. The end result here can be the cracking or bursting of your pipes. Such scenarios can be quite expensive to fix.
You definitely don’t want to experience such problems. Luckily, professional plumbers in the area are well-versed in such issues. They can therefore recommend solutions like careful pipe insulation. This is a necessity for freeze prevention.
Special Fixtures and Equipment Are Required
Colorado Springs experiences extreme conditions. Due to this, plumbing fixtures and equipment have to be properly equipped to withstand. One way to do this is to implement special components. In fact, standard plumbing elements used in lower elevations cannot suffice here. This is due to pressure fluctuations and the high risk of freezing.
For instance, pressure-assisted toilets can be installed. This is to help compensate for reduced water pressure. This feature ensures efficient flushing. This is even when water flow is weak. Other components that may be required include frost-proof hose bibs and insulated pipes. These ones go a long way in preventing freezing and damage. This is crucial during harsh winters.
Increased Mineral Content in Water Supply
You will also have to endure the problem of increased mineral content in the local water supply. The water here is regarded as hard. This means that it contains high levels of minerals. Some examples here include calcium and magnesium. These minerals have the potential to accumulate inside pipes and appliances over time. Once this happens, it leads to scale buildup. The result is reduced water flow. It also minimizes overall system efficiency. Hard water also reduces the lifespan of plumbing fixtures. This is due to corrosion and clogging. Due to this, if you live in Colorado Springs, expect frequent plumbing repairs and replacements.
Altitude-Specific Building Codes and Standards
Local regulations require plumbing systems to meet certain set standards. The reason for this is to help prevent the various challenges posed by high elevation. These codes may mandate additional insulation of pipes. They may also require the implementation of pressure regulators. In addition to this, they may suggest the use of certain types of fixtures. This is to help withstand the environmental stresses of altitude. Through these standards, authorities are able to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.
Living in Colorado Springs has many advantages. However, it also brings unique challenges. This is especially true when it comes to plumbing. Due to this, homes here have to be thoughtfully designed. They also need to be fully equipped to handle potential shortcomings. Some of these include lower atmospheric pressure and the risk of freezing pipes.
The good thing is that adaptations like using specialized fixtures and altitude-specific building codes can come in handy. This is due to the fact that they ensure plumbing systems stay reliable and efficient. This is regardless of the high elevations.
