As a homeowner, you may have heard that hard water is a nuisance that could impact your home. But why should you be concerned about it? This article tackles the mystery of hard water and provides an in-depth look at how it can negatively affect your plumbing and appliances.
How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing?
One of the most obvious signs of hard water can be seen on your faucets and showerheads. Over time, the buildup of minerals in hard water can lead to scale deposits, which appear as a white, crusty substance. This can impact the appearance of your fixtures and make them less efficient over time by slowing down the water flow.
These same scale deposits can accumulate inside your plumbing, leading to pipe damage and reduced water pressure. The minerals in hard water can contribute to corrosion and wear on your pipes, leading to potential leaks and costly repairs in the long run.
The Impact of Hard Water on Appliances
The most obvious victim of hard water is your water heater, where mineral buildup can reduce heating efficiency, causing the unit to work harder and consume more energy. The hard work can shorten the life of your water heater, increase your energy bills, and lead to costly water heater replacement.
Hard water can also affect other appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine. The minerals can build up on heating elements and internal components, reducing performance and causing the appliances to wear out faster.
Use a Water Softener
The good news is that a water softener can help you combat the effects of hard water and protect your plumbing and appliances. Water softeners use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium from hard water.
It passes the hard water through a resin tank filled with sodium ions. When the hard water passes through, the sodium ions in the tank replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water, making it softer.
Get Professional Help
If hard water has already wreaked havoc on your appliances and plumbing, our team at Total Home Services of Utah can help. We provide plumbing and services and can help you install a water softener to protect your home from future damage. Contact us today for more information.
