Why is there white crust on my faucets and showerheads?

That is scale from hard water. Ocala's water comes from the limestone Floridan aquifer, which is rich in calcium and magnesium. Soaking fixtures in vinegar removes it, and a softener prevents it.

What should I do first when a pipe bursts?

Shut off the main water valve, then turn off the water heater if the leak is near it, and open a faucet to relieve pressure. Move valuables and start removing standing water.

How do I check if a plumber is licensed in Florida?

Search the contractor's name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, which is the Florida DBPR license lookup.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

It depends on the tank size and household, but inspection every few years with pumping as needed is the usual guidance. A professional inspection will tell you how full the tank actually is.

Does a water heater replacement need a permit?

In most Florida jurisdictions, yes. Ask your plumber whether they pull the permit for your address.

Plumbing Help in Ocala and Marion County

Hard water, private wells and septic systems make plumbing in Marion County a little different. Here is what to know when something goes wrong.

Ocala's water comes from the Floridan aquifer, which runs through limestone. That rock dissolves into the water as calcium and magnesium, so most homes here have hard water that leaves scale in water heaters, faucets and fixtures.

Outside the city, many homes also rely on private wells and septic systems. This page covers the plumbing emergencies Marion County homeowners face most, what hard water does to your plumbing, and how to confirm a plumber is licensed in Florida.

Hard water, wells and septic in Marion County

The Floridan aquifer that supplies Ocala flows through limestone, so the water picks up minerals that leave white scale on showerheads and inside pipes and appliances. Scale shortens the life of water heaters and makes tankless units work harder. A water softener or a regular descaling routine helps; for well water, a water test tells you what treatment actually makes sense.

Much of Marion County sits over springs that feed Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs, and a large share of homes use private wells and septic systems. A failing septic system is not just a home problem here; it can affect groundwater. Having the tank inspected and pumped on schedule protects your drain field and the aquifer.

Plumbing contractors in Florida are licensed by the state through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can look up a license by name or number at myfloridalicense.com before any work starts.

Common plumbing problems in Ocala homes

Burst or leaking pipes

Find your main shutoff before you need it, usually near the meter or where the line enters the house. Shut the water off first, then open a faucet to drain pressure.

Clogged drains

A single slow drain is usually a local clog. Several slow drains at once, or gurgling toilets, point to a main line or, on septic, a system problem.

Water heaters

Hard water builds sediment in tank heaters and scale in tankless units. Flushing a tank heater yearly and descaling tankless units extends their life.

Hidden leaks

A rising water bill, a meter that moves when everything is off, or warm spots on the floor can mean a leak under the slab or inside a wall.

Well pumps

No water at all or pressure that surges can point to a failing pressure switch, pressure tank or pump. Well work often requires a licensed well contractor.

Septic backups

Slow drains throughout the house, odors outside or soggy ground over the drain field are warning signs. Stop running water and call before it backs up into the house.

Before a plumber starts work

Look up the plumbing contractor's license on the Florida DBPR site.
Ask whether the job needs a permit, like water heater replacements and repiping usually do, and who pulls it.
Get the price in writing before work begins, including trip or after-hours fees.
For well or septic problems, ask whether they handle that work or will refer you to a specialist.
Ask for the old part back or photos of it for major repairs.

Questions and answers

Why is there white crust on my faucets and showerheads?: That is scale from hard water. Ocala's water comes from the limestone Floridan aquifer, which is rich in calcium and magnesium. Soaking fixtures in vinegar removes it, and a softener prevents it.
What should I do first when a pipe bursts?: Shut off the main water valve, then turn off the water heater if the leak is near it, and open a faucet to relieve pressure. Move valuables and start removing standing water.
How do I check if a plumber is licensed in Florida?: Search the contractor's name or license number at myfloridalicense.com, which is the Florida DBPR license lookup.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?: It depends on the tank size and household, but inspection every few years with pumping as needed is the usual guidance. A professional inspection will tell you how full the tank actually is.
Does a water heater replacement need a permit?: In most Florida jurisdictions, yes. Ask your plumber whether they pull the permit for your address.