It is impossible to deny the importance of water. Everyone in Texas needs it in some capacity or another and relies on it flowing uninhibited through their pipes, whether they use it for drinking, for cooking, for washing, or for fun in the summer! So if your water supply suddenly stops, it can be a huge problem. Fortunately, a loss of this supply is a very rare event in North Texas, largely due to the existence of water towers.
What is a water tower?
North Texas water towers are elevated water tanks, but they serve an important function. While there are many lakes and rivers in North Texas, during periods of high demand, such as early mornings when many people shower, it can be a struggle to pump water fast enough. By elevating the supply, the pressure is dramatically increased due to gravity. In fact, the pressure goes up by approximately 0.43 pounds per square inch for every additional foot of height. This means that the water supply to houses within the tower’s reach can continue to experience good pressure, even when everyone in the neighborhood is tapping into the supply.
When is a water tower needed?
Most towns use a pump and a tower, so during normal periods of demand, the water tower is not in use but saving its supply for when it’s needed. Usually holding enough water to serve its town for a whole day, a water tower is also very important in an emergency or in the event of a pump failure. When demand returns to normal, the pump can handle the load by itself while the tower refills.
Are there any other benefits?
These water towers can last for around 50 years and are designed to endure severe weather conditions, ensuring that their areas have reliable supplies at all times. If your area is served by a water tower, you may be able to spot it for miles around. The large structures are usually emblazoned with the name of their town or area and are sometimes even painted in local colors, making them fun and useful local landmarks. You may find that your rates for fire insurance are lower than those in areas without water towers. This is because a functional water tower guarantees that fire hydrants will be operable in the event of an emergency. Of course, even with the reliability of water towers to depend on, you could still experience low water pressure or other supply issues in your home. If this happens, it may be a sign that your plumbing system is blocked or damaged in some way. Regular maintenance, such as checking pipes for leaks or loose joints, can help to prevent such problems. A professional plumber should be able to diagnose any issues and help you restore your plumbing system to good working order.