HARD WATER: WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT DANGEROUS FOR MY PLUMBING?

Hard Water: What Is It And How Is It Dangerous For My Plumbing?

As a homeowner, you may have heard the term hard water, but do you know exactly what it is? If you notice white, chalky, spotty residue covering your faucets and drains, then that is your first sign of having a problem.

What Is It?

Hard water is when your water contains an excess of calcium ions. These excess minerals can lead to calcifications in your pipes, on fixtures and in appliances. While it isn’t harmful to your health, it can be an annoyance. Not only that, but hard water can be dangerous for your plumbing.

How Is Hard Water Dangerous For Your Plumbing?


1. Reduced Water Flow

Because hard water causes a build up of minerals in your pipes and fixtures, it can interfere with the flow of water and greatly reduce the water flow. When these minerals build up in your pipes, it slows the flow of water. Not only that, but it also builds up pressure inside the pipes, causing a backflow of water.

2. Clogged Drains

A number of things can contribute to clogged drains – everything from hair to food. However, the minerals from hard water can be another contributing factor to clogged drains. They’re tough to remove with store-bought cleaner, so it’s recommended to hire a professional drain cleaner to clear your clogs.

3. Increased Stress On Pipes And Fixtures

Overtime, the mineral deposits from the water can clog your pipes. Not only is this inconvenient to you as the homeowner, it can also be damaging to your pipes and fixtures. These clogs could lead to complete blockage and increased stress, potentially causing leaks and/or cracks to form. This added stress can both be damaging and costly.

4. Reduced Lifespan Of Appliances

Not only can hard water put stress on your pipes and fixtures, it can also cause your appliances to prematurely fail. For example, water can collect inside appliances such as your washer and dishwasher. As a result, an ideal environment has been created to allow for corrosion and mold. If these issues aren’t addressed quickly, it can reduce the lifespan on your appliances and cause damage to them.

5. Decreased Efficiency

Have you ever taken your dishes out of the dishwasher to notice white specks on the glasses still? Sometimes, we feel the need to do a second load. As a result, this requires more energy use, as well as an increase in utility bills.

6. Reduced Water Quality

According to the World Health Organization, drinking-water could be a contributor of calcium and magnesium in the diet. That being said, drinking hard water isn’t harmful to your health, but the quality of water isn’t ideal for washing dishes, cleaning your clothes, and showering. When using this water to do all these daily tasks, more soap or detergent is needed to get things clean. The reduction of water quality is to blame for this.

How Do You Know If You’re Facing A Problem?

• Soap that won’t lather
• Water stains on shower glass and tile
• Calcifications on fixtures and appliances
• Foul tasting water
• Water pressure problems
• Water that won’t heat properly

Looking For A Solution To Your Hard Water Problem? OnTime Service Is Here To Help!

OnTime Service is here for all your plumbing needs. If hard water has posed a threat to your plumbing fixtures, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians!

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