The most common sign of hard water is a layer of white residue on taps and kettles
Hard water has a higher-than-usual mineral content. It occurs when water travels through calcium and magnesium carbonate deposits (often found in limestone and chalk). While it is perfectly safe to drink and use around the house, it can adversely affect the plumbing.
Please keep reading to learn how hard water impacts household plumbing.
What does hard water do to household plumbing?
The most common sign of hard water is a layer of white residue on taps and kettles. This residue forms as they filter out the calcium and magnesium particles carried through the water supply.
The same effect is also happening away from the naked eye throughout the household plumbing system. This is particularly prevalent in areas that handle hot water, such as the boiler and water pipes. When water is heated, evaporation occurs, leaving behind a higher concentration of minerals.
What are the common effects of hard water?
When a household plumbing system deals with hard water regularly, and the amount of mineral residue builds up over time, there is a significantly increased risk of problems developing. Some of these problems include:
Decreased water flow: The build-up of minerals clogs water pipes, restricting the amount of water that can flow through them.
Reduced water quality: Although hard water and water from clogged pipes are always safe to drink, the quality supplied to household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines is far lower and can affect performance.
Corroded and broken pipes: Calcium and magnesium can cause corrosion in metals and increase the risk of pipes developing leaks or even breaking completely.
Damage to water heaters: Since hard water takes more energy to heat, the heating elements in plumbing systems must work harder to achieve the required temperatures. In turn, this increases the wear and tear on those devices, reducing their efficiency and shortening their lifespan.
More wear and tear: The harder the plumbing system works, the more wear and tear it suffers. As a result, the lifespan could be reduced, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.
Warranty issues: Hard water deposits can also void the warranty of household appliances such as dishwashers. Hence, the repair or replacement cost would not be covered even if they break down due to a manufacturing defect.
What to do about hard water?
There is nothing anyone can do to prevent hard water, as it is a natural phenomenon that occurs mostly in areas with limestone, chalk, and gypsum. However, there are ways to reduce the effects of hard water. Professional plumbers can install water softeners to treat hard water before it reaches household appliances. These softeners reduce the risk of damage to appliances, pipes, and water heaters, saving the cost of repairs and replacements.
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
