How Does Hard Water Affect Appliances and Plumbing?
When you need something new for your home, such as a washer or dishwasher, you’re probably looking for the best-quality product you can get. After all, your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make.
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But, there’s a common problem that can shorten the life of your appliances and cause you to have to replace them before they’re ready for a second life: hard water.
Most homeowners know that a high concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water is harmful for their health, but what they may not realize is that these minerals can have a detrimental impact on the appliances and plumbing you use in your home as well. This is especially true if your water comes from a well, as your well water will most likely contain these mineral deposits.
The Good News: There are ways to combat the effects of hard water on your home and appliances.
First, you can test the water quality in your home with a DIY kit (sold at local stores) or send a sample of the water to a lab for a more accurate measurement. This is a great way to get an idea of whether your water is too hard or soft before you invest in a water softener system.
Next, if your water is too hard, you might notice a reduction in the amount of soap you can lather with or an increase in the amount of residue left on dishes and laundry. You might also notice a white film on your sink or faucets.
If you have a water softener installed, this might help you avoid the buildup of scale on your fixtures. The scale is a result of the ions in your water reacting with soap and other substances, leaving a sticky film that can be tough to remove.
Another thing that happens with hard water is that it clogs your pipes. This is particularly true if your water contains too much calcium and magnesium and a high concentration of iron.
This can cause problems for your dishwasher, washing machine and even your water heater. Over time, the limescale can corrode the inside of these pipes, which in turn shortens their lifespan.
You’ll need to treat the hard water in your home with a water softener, as well as have your pipes and appliances regularly serviced by a professional plumber to minimize the damage caused by hard water. You’ll also need to have your pipes inspected to ensure that the water pressure isn’t too low, which could lead to a clogged pipe and expensive repairs.
The Good News: There are many ways to minimize the impacts of hard water on your home and appliances, including the installation of a point-of-entry water softener. These systems inject sodium into the water, which reduces the number of minerals in the water and can decrease the likelihood of clogs.
Ultimately, a water softener can save you money on electricity bills, fewer plumbing problems, and longer-lasting home appliances. If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent hard water from damaging your home, contact your local Roto-Rooter today.