Hard water refers to city or local water that has a high mineral content. Minerals like calcium and magnesium can change the taste and texture of water which leads to damaged plumbing. If you are experiencing hard water, there may not be a whole lot you can do to change it, however, some prevention techniques can help lower the mineral count. Lowering the hard water in your home will give your plumbing system more longevity.
Common Signs Of Hard Water
Recognizing the signs of hard water will help homeowners know they need to take action. The first most visible sign of hard water is white lines or deposits on faucets and sinks.
Additional signs of hard water in your home include:
- Skin irritation after showering
- Dry hair and skin
- Metalic water taste
- Dyed hair fades faster
- Higher utility bills
- Frequent clogs
- Faded or dull clothes
- Residue on hands after washing
- Difficulty lathering soap
Minerals Cause Frequent Clogs
The most common problem from hard water is clogs—minerals like to stick together and cause build-up inside your pipes. Just like grease or hair clogs, the minerals will restrict the flow of water through the plumbing system. These mineral deposits are hard to break up with commercial drain cleaners which severely impacts your plumbing.
Hard water build up continues to worsen over time if you don’t install a water softener or your city doesn’t work to lower the minerals in its water. Large mineral deposits that cause frequent clogs may result in homeowners needing to replace piping.
Unsightly Deposits On Appliances
Any appliance that uses water in your home is at risk of hard water damage. Washers, dishwashers, fridges, and more can have deposits that lead to clogs or unsightly deposits. Hard water is also very corrosive, so the deposits can cause discoloration on your appliances, making them look old or neglected.
Pipe Corrosion
Corrosion can be very dangerous for pipes in and around your home. Corrosion often leads to small leaks, which can go unnoticed for months while causing damage to your home. Mineral corrosion starts out slowly but can damage your pipes over time which will cause homeowners to replace large sections of piping.
Having yearly plumbing inspections will help homeowners or businesses notice when their pipes are weakening from hard water or stop leaks before they cause significant damage. Catching leaks early prevents flooding, mold growth, and wood rotting.
Lower Water Quality
There are so many aspects of your home that rely on plumbing. When your home experiences hard water, your cooking, bathing, and washing are all affected. Lower water quality is not ideal for your appliances or for hygiene practices. Minerals in your water affect how a machine operates, how soaps and detergents remove dirt, and how your water tastes. Lower water quality can affect more of your daily life than you realize.
How To Solve Your Hard Water Problems
When you are experiencing hard water, it can be hard to soften it and remove harmful minerals. However, there are some systems that can help reduce the minerals in your water.
Installing a water softener is the most common solution because it works to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. This ion exchange helps to capture the hard minerals and replace them with better minerals that won’t damage your home.
Another solution for homeowners is a reverse osmosis drinking water system. RO systems send the water through a membrane to help dissolve the minerals. You can install an osmosis system under the sink to help reduce the mineral count and limit the metallic taste in your drinking water.
If you are wanting to improve the hard water in your shower or washing machine, you should install a chelating agent. These agents bind to metal ions and stop them from interfering with soap and detergent. You can add some agents to your laundry solutions to improve the effectiveness of your washer.
Services From Drain X
The plumbers at Drain X can help improve your drain and sewer systems with ease. Our team has been working in the industry for many years and knows how to solve even the most complex problems. We offer drain cleaning, sewer inspections, plumbing repairs, stormwater boxes, and more. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment for your home or business and change the efficiency of your plumbing.
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