The Effects of Hard Water on Your Plumbing

Hard water is a household nuisance in many ways, though you may not know how to identify the symptoms. But what are the effects of hard water on your plumbing? These aren’t necessarily so obvious, though damage to the pipes can be an expensive problem. Read on to learn about the effects of hard water on your plumbing and how to recognize when hard water is coming out of your faucets.

What is Hard Water?

Water that contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, and other natural minerals is known as “hard water.” Rainwater straight from the sky doesn’t contain any minerals. The absorption of minerals occurs as the water flows from the ground surface to aquifers. Water hardness is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Classifications of water hardness levels follow:

• 0 to 60 mg/L: Soft
• 61 to 120 mg/L: Moderately hard
• 121 to 180 mg/L: Hard
• More than 181 mg/L: Very hard

How Can I Tell if I Have Hard Water?

You can’t tell if water is hard by looking at it, but it leaves behind plenty of evidence. The following are some of the signs of hard water:

• Hard white residue is on your faucets and drains.
• The dishwasher leaves water spots on your dishes.
• Your home has less water pressure because of mineral deposits in your pipes.
• Appliances that use water are affected by scaling, and they wear out more quickly.
• Hard water leaves a white film in the shower and tub.
• It’s more difficult to rinse off soaps and detergents, resulting in soap scum.
• A white film builds up on your dishes, pots, and pans. It is difficult to remove and can affect the taste and texture of your food.

The Effects of Hard Water on Your Plumbing

Hard water deposits cause a lot of problems with your plumbing. Since you can’t see what’s going on in your pipes, it’s a hidden problem that gradually gets worse. The effects of hard water are worse in hot water environments. That’s because heating water causes evaporation, though on a small scale, and the result is that higher concentrations of minerals affect the plumbing. The following are more of the effects of hard water on your plumbing and appliances:

Reduced Water Quality

Hard water is safe to drink, but small particles of minerals cause a variety of problems. Minerals interfere with the ways detergents and soaps remove food, oils, dirt, and other substances resulting in Appliances having to be replaced sooner because they work harder to clean clothes or dishes.

Corrosion

Calcium and magnesium have a destructive effect on certain types of metal used for plumbing. Especially in older homes, minerals slowly break down the metal in the pipes. The corrosion process results in leaks, broken pipes, and discolored water.

Clogged Drains

When hard water passes through the drain screen, minerals attach to the sides of the pipes. The drain is eventually clogged by the buildup of mineral deposits. Drain cleaners aren’t effective in removing minerals. Therefore, drains continue to back up water in your tubs, sinks, and showers.

We offer Water Softening Systems to Solve Hard Water Problems

At Atlantic Coast Water Clinic, we offer customized high-quality water softener systems to solve your specific hard water problems. Our experienced team can install whole water house solutions, such as water filtration systems, and more. Schedule an appointment today by calling 772-283-4767 or leave us a message using our online form & we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.