Hard water is a problem in many households. However, it shouldn’t be ignored as it can affect plumbing systems in many ways. The more the affect, the more inconvenience it causes. You would need your plumber in Clayton often, bear costly repairs and replacements, disruption to daily routine, etc.
Hard water is when there are high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium in the water supply. This hard water can affect your plumbing system in numerous ways, from leaving unsightly stains on fixtures and damaging appliances to causing health concerns.
In this article, we explore 8 ways that hard water can affect your plumbing system.
1. Mineral Buildup in Pipes
The first and most important affect of hard water is the mineral buildup. Over time, the minerals in hard water can build up in your pipes, causing clogs and reduced water pressure.
Further, the minerals in hard water can also cause corrosion in metal pipes, leading to leaks and other plumbing issues. This excess stress on pipes can can be particularly problematic for older homes with galvanized plumbing.
These are some serious plumbing problems that need immediate attention from your Plumber in Clayton. Otherwise, they could become even more serious.
2. Damage to Appliances
Hard water can damage appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, coffee makers, and water heaters. The minerals in the water can create scale buildup, clogging valves and damaging heating elements. It reduces the efficiency of the appliance and eventually causing it to break down.
With your appliances breaking down frequently, it could be rather inconvenient financially and physically. Needless to say, you would need help from a professional plumber in Clayton, and it could be costly.
3. Stains on Fixtures
Another most common affect of hard water is the stubborn stains it leaves behind. It can be terribly tiring to see these pesky stains everywhere from sinks and faucets to glass and dishes.
Over time, these stains become difficult to remove and can make your bathroom or kitchen look dull and dirty. Therefore, you must find a solution before this gets out of control. The common solution is installing a water softener with the help of your plumber in Clayton.
Think about it.
4. Soap Scum
Hard water does not affect directly all the time. Sometimes, it also shows many indirect affects.
For example, hard water reacts with soap to create soap scum and can build up on surfaces such as shower walls, sinks, etc. They are not only difficult to remove but also makes the place look dirty. It also reduces the effectiveness of cleaning products.
5. Reduced Lifespan of Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures are designed to last decades. If taken proper care, you need not look for replacements any time sooner than necessary. One of the things that reduces the expected lifespan of your plumbing fixtures is hard water.
The minerals in hard water can corrode plumbing fixtures such as pipes, valves, and faucets. It can weaken the fixtures, reduce their lifespan, and require expensive repairs or replacements from your plumber in Clayton.
6. Reduced Water Flow
The minerals in hard water can accumulate inside pipes, causing them to narrow over time. It can lead to decreased water pressure and slower water flow.
Commonly, you will notice this with your showerheads. They get clogged with the mineral buildup, resulting in reduced water pressure. Thus, you need to clear your showerheads often to get back the water pressure.
7. Increased Energy Costs
Appliances such as water heaters and dishwashers use more energy to operate when they are clogged with mineral buildup. It can increase your energy costs and reduce the efficiency of your appliances.
Further, hard water also makes cleaning more difficult and time-consuming. Removing stubborn soap scum and mineral buildup requires extra time and effort.
All this can become a costly and tiresome affair before you know it.
8. Water Heater Damage
Of all appliances, your water heater gets most affected by the hard water. The mineral buildup inside the tank can cause significant damage to your water heater. This in turn reduces the efficiency of your water heater and shorten its lifespan.
All this ultimately translates into repairs, replacements, and higher energy consumption.
Final Say
Hard water can have a significant impact on your plumbing system. It can cause clogs, damage appliances, reduce water flow, and increase energy costs.
Apart from affecting your plumbing system, hard water can also cause several health concerns. For example, hard water can cause skin dryness and irritation. The minerals in the water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and itchy.
Its mineral buildup can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which can pose health risks if left unchecked. While hard water is generally safe to drink, it can contain high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can be harmful in excess.
To prevent all these problems, consider having your plumbing system inspected regularly. You may also have your plumber in Clayton install a water softener.
You can call Doyle plumbing for any help in this regard.
