07 Sep Hard Water Can Affect Your Plumbing & Appliances
9/6/16
By: Karli Willden
Did you know that the vast majority of homeowners in the United States have hard water problems? While some areas are more adversely affected than others, it is a common problem homeowners deal with on a daily basis. So, what is hard water and what are its impacts on your plumbing and water? Hard water is the condition when a large quantity of minerals are detected in your water, most commonly calcium and magnesium. Hard water can impact homeowners in a variety of ways, such as the following below:
Hard Water Affects
- Pipe Blockage
- Water Flow, Pressure
- Water Taste/Smell
- Plumbing System Efficiency
- Difficulty Cleaning
- Water Stains
- Calcium Deposits
- Impact Appliances, Water Heater
>Hard water can wreak havoc on your indoor plumbing and appliances if not treated properly. Buildup can occur within the plumbing pipes from mineral deposits, which could ultimately lead to a clog. While these deposits in your plumbing will generally not make you sick, it will affect the plumbing’s overall efficiency and function. It will affect your water pressure, water flow, and could impact the efficiency of your home appliances, making them work harder than ever. Hard water in the home also can leave water stains in your bathrooms and sinks, which can be difficult to clean. Sometimes hard water can smell, and even taste different than normal water, which can motivate you to do something about your hard water problem. Unresolved hard water issues can lead to other problems down the road.
Testing for Hard Water
If you are unsure if you have hard water at your home, there are a few ways to find out. Some methods involve testing the water yourself through an at-home kit. Another option is to send a water sample to a water testing company, or you can have a professional come to your home for testing. One of the easiest ways to detect if you have hard water, however, is to watch for its signs. See the most common signs of hard water below.
Signs of Hard Water
- White Buildup in Sinks, Bathrooms, Dishes
- Water Smells
- Water Tastes Different
- Hard Water Stains
- Clogged Pipes
- Skin Irritation
- Appliances Having Trouble
Hard Water Solution
One of the best solutions for hard water is a water softener. A water softener can eliminate the issues mentioned above and increase your overall plumbing and appliance efficiency and lifespan. Without one you will most likely encounter issues requiring more frequent plumbing or appliance repairs. A water softener is a great investment for your home and can even help increase your home’s marketability. If you would like to learn more about water softeners and how they can make a big difference treating hard water, feel free to give Mathews Plumbing and Heating a call at 208-357-3439. We offer water softener installations in Pocatello, Shelley, Blackfoot, Rigby, Rexburg, and everywhere in between!
Sources
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17946299/thumbs/how-hard-water-can-damage-your-pipes-and-fixtures
http://plumbing.about.com/od/basics/a/What-Is-Hard-Water.htm