Plumber in Mulberry

Mulberry at a glance

Mulberry is a small Polk County city of 3,952 people (2020 census), with unincorporated Lakeland along its northern edge. It is home to the 334-acre Alafia River Reserve and was officially incorporated on February 12, 1901.

What that means for your plumbing

A town incorporated in 1901 has homes from many eras, from early frame houses to newer subdivisions. Older homes may still have galvanized supply pipe, which narrows with rust and causes low pressure and brown water. Newer homes on the edge of town may be on septic. If drains are slow everywhere, read drain cleaning.

Rural lots and wells

Outside the city limits some homes rely on private wells and septic tanks. Well owners should test water regularly and keep the area over the septic drain field clear of cars and new planting.

The mulberry tree and phosphate

The first industry here was logging longleaf yellow pine. The railroad stopped at a mulberry tree to drop off passengers and mail, and the tree gave the town its name. In 1886 phosphate rock was found in the Peace River, and mining took over from logging, giving the town the stability it needed to incorporate. Mining shaped the land around Mulberry, and ground that was once mined can settle; if a dip appears over a buried line, see sinkholes and your plumbing.