THE IMPACTS OF HARD WATER ON YOUR PLUMBING AND HOW TO FIX IT

The Impacts Of Hard Water On Your Plumbing And How To Fix It

Hard water can be quite hard on your plumbing. Hard water is water that’s high in mineral content, calcium and magnesium. Have you ever noticed white spots on your drinking glasses after running a dishwashing cycle? Dry skin or hair after a hot shower? Scale buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances? Hard water can cause these issues, and more. Here are the impacts of hard water on your plumbing and how you can fix it.

1. Clogged Drains

Not only is limescale build-up in your plumbing fixtures unsightly, but it can also be damaging. Hard water, when it comes into contact with soap, will react and create this build-up. When this build-up gets down into your pipes, it causes clogs.

2. Shortens The Lifespan Of Appliances

Hard water can cause your appliances, such as your water heater, washing machine or dishwasher, to not last as long as expected. With your water heater, mineral deposits can build up at the bottom of your tank, which decreases the amount of water available to you and makes your water heater less efficient. Not only that, but it can also cause your water heater to corrode. With your washer and dishwasher, water could collect inside and cause corrosion, mold and other damage that can impact their performance. Ultimately, this causes your appliances to lose their efficiency and shorten their lifespan – sometimes by 3 or 4 years.

3. Decreased Water Pressure

Have you ever turned on your faucet to notice that the water flows painfully slow all of a sudden? This could be due to sediment build-up as a result of hard water. When minerals, magnesium and calcium build up and leave residue inside your pipes, it can slow down the flow of water, reduce your water pressure, and even cause a backflow of water due to the pressure inside your pipes.

4. Broken Pipes and Leaks

While hard water isn’t unsafe for your health, it’s unsafe for the health of your pipes. The minerals in hard water, over time, can break down the metal in your pipes. As a result, you might notice more leaks because of the water pressure build-up. You may also notice broken, cracked, and clogged pipes. To avoid further issues with your pipes, you should address the hard water in your home immediately. If your pipes are showing signs of cracks, leaks, or other damage, make sure to have them repaired as soon as possible before the damage gets worse. If worst comes to worst, OnTime Service offers whole-house pipe replacements.

How To Fix It

So, you have hard water – now what? The best thing to do would be to invest in a home water softener. Simply put, a water softener is a filtration system that removes hardness from your water. It softens your water – hence the name! Soft water is a lot kinder towards your plumbing system. A water softener will capture the calcium, magnesium and minerals before the water flows through your pipes, so you don’t have to worry about appliances failing, pipes leaking, or drains clogging.

Benefits Of A Water Softener

Some of the main benefits of a water softener include:

  • Protects your appliances and pipes
  • Saves you money
  • Better tasting water
  • Less stains on dishes
  • Softer skin and hair
  • Reduces scale build-up
  • Requires less use of soap
  • Leads to better water flow

Are You Interested In A Water Softener For Your Birmingham, AL Home? OnTime Service Is Here To Help With All Your Hard Water Needs!

The experts OnTime Service are here for all your hard water needs in Birmingham, AL and surrounding areas. We offer home water softener services, along with many other plumbing services. Schedule your appointment with us now. Your comfort and safety is our top priority. Contact us today at (205) 872-1944 or online by filling out our form here.

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