Hard Water – What Problems Does It Cause in a Plumbing System?

If you have dealt with plumbing problems in the past, you may have heard the term “hard water”. What is it? Does it really cause as many plumbing problems as they say it does? This article will discuss what hard water is, how it affects modern plumbing systems, and what you can do about it.

How Does Water Become Hard?

While hard water is not necessarily bad for your health, it can cause significant problems to your plumbing system. You can tell that your water is “hard” if you can see a white, chalky substance on your faucets. This is caused by the natural minerals present in the water, such as calcium and magnesium. The chalky substance is an indication that your water is hard and not soft. However, how does water become hard in the first place?

Hard water is produced when rainwater falls from the sky. Rainwater is pure when it falls, but when it reaches the aquifers, it absorbs the minerals present there, which are mostly calcium and magnesium. The absorption of these minerals transforms the water from soft to hard.

Common Problems Caused by Hard Water

Hard water can cause all sorts of problems for the pipes and plumbing of a home. If the mineral deposits accumulate over time, they can restrict the water flow and lead to other issues. Here are common problems that a plumbing system may suffer from in the long run.

Hard Water May Be More Difficult to Rinse Off

You will be able to tell that hard water is coming out of your shower instead of soft water because it will be much harder to rinse off. Because of the minerals present, it will make it difficult to rinse soap and shampoo off completely. This will leave your hair and skin dry.

The Lifespan of Water Heaters May Be Affected

The minerals in hard water usually cause deposits to form where the water passes through, and these deposits may also form on the inside of water heaters. Mineral deposits may cause trouble on pipes, and they will also shorten the lifespan of water heaters, which usually have hoses with much smaller diameters than other plumbing fixtures in the home. 

Less Effective Washing

Washing clothes and dishes will also be more difficult and less effective. The minerals in the hard water will prevent suds from forming, making the use of soap less effective at removing dirt, grime, and oil off the surfaces of plates, pots, and clothes.

What Can Be Done About Hard Water?

The good news is that there are water-conditioning products that are available to help treat the water and change it from hard to soft. The most effective solution for hard water is a whole-house water softening system. This will ensure that any hard water will be treated before it comes into your home plumbing system.

Conclusion

Hard water may cause problems in many aspects of your home. This is why the detection of hard water is crucial to maintaining your plumbing system. Looking for the white, chalky deposits on your faucets will be enough to indicate that hard water has gotten into your pipes. 

If you notice that you are experiencing the above-mentioned problems related to hard water, 24 Hour Plumbing & Heating can help you! We will solve all your plumbing, heating, and air conditioning problems. Our team specializes in emergency plumbing and HVAC systems. If you have a plumbing emergency, give us a call and let us handle it for you!