If your home has hard water, it could be silently causing damage to your plumbing system and appliances. Understanding how hard water affects your home, and being educated on what you can do about it, can help you save money, improve efficiency, and extend the life of your plumbing.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. While these minerals aren’t harmful to your health, they can be problematic to your plumbing system over time. You may notice signs of hard water, such as white spots on dishes, dry skin after showers, or buildup around faucets and showerheads. But what you can’t see inside your pipes can often be worse. Those same minerals are gradually accumulating within your plumbing, reducing water flow, straining appliances, and could cause costly repairs down the road.
Hard Water Damages on Plumbing
1. Mineral Buildup in Pipes
Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits, commonly referred to as scale, can accumulate within your plumbing. This buildup restricts water flow, increases pressure in your pipes, and can eventually lead to leaks or bursts.
2. Water Heater Efficiency Drops
Hard water is a primary cause of sediment buildup in water heaters. When minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, your water heater has to work harder to heat the water, which increases energy costs and reduces efficiency.
3. Shortened Appliance Lifespan
Appliances that use water, like dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines, don’t perform well when minerals build up inside them. Hard water shortens their lifespan and increases maintenance needs, costing you more in repairs and replacements.
4. Water Fixture Corrosion and Stains
If you’ve noticed cloudy or rust-colored stains around your faucets, showerheads, or sinks, hard water is likely to blame. These mineral deposits and corrosion can dull finishes, reduce water pressure, and turn cleaning into a constant chore.
Fix Hard Water Problems
Install a Water Softener from Halcyon
The most effective way to protect your plumbing is by installing a water softener. Our preferred partner, Halcyon’s water softeners, removes these minerals that cause hardness, giving you cleaner, softer water that’s easier on your pipes and appliances. Get started with a free in-home consultation and water analysis! Their water experts will test your water, explain your results, and recommend the best solution for your home.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Even with soft water, regular maintenance keeps your plumbing running smoothly. Flushing your water heater annually helps remove sediment buildup and improves its efficiency. To keep your system performing at its best, schedule your plumbing maintenance with the Action team today!