How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing

Of all plumbing issues, limescale build-up is easily one of the most annoying. Imagine breaking your back with your repetitive scrubbing only for that white residue to quickly show up again on your fixtures.

These chalky stains are actually a product of your mineral-rich tap water. Traces of calcium and magnesium can accumulate and settle on surfaces, leaving white stains. But, did you know that this problem is only one of the many that hard water causes? In fact, this is just the smallest inconvenience in a line of troubles that hard water can bring.

This blog will explain how your mineral-rich water can damage your plumbing in other ways.

Mineral Buildup in Pipes

Those stubborn white stains on your faucets do not just show up on the surface. They also accumulate inside your pipes. As they pile up, they start clogging your pipes and lowering your water pressure. It’s like trying to drink through a straw that’s been clogged with gunk!

Clogged Faucets and Showerheads

Ever turn on your faucet or hop in the shower only to find water spraying everywhere—or not at all? If you’ve got hard water, the minerals can clog up the small holes in your faucets and showerheads, causing weak or uneven water flow.

Reduced Efficiency of Appliances

Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters all rely on water to function properly. But hard water can coat your appliances with minerals. This makes them work harder and less efficiently. This means higher energy bills and appliances that wear out faster than they should.

Soap Scum and Poor Lathering

If you’ve ever tried to wash up with soap that just won’t foam or bubble, hard water might be to blame. The minerals in the water can stop your soap from working properly, and you may notice soap scum building up on your tub, sink, or even your skin.

Water Heater Issues

Hard water can cause major problems with your water heater. The minerals in the water can build up on the unit’s heating elements. This makes it less efficient at heating water. Over time, this can lead to higher energy costs and even an early breakdown of your water heater. If you have a tanked water heater, those minerals will cause unusual banging and popping noises inside your tank.

Stains on Clothing and Dishes

Hard water can leave clothes looking dingy and dishes covered in water spots or a cloudy finish. It’s super frustrating when you pull laundry out of the washer or unload the dishwasher, only to find everything still looking dirty.

Fix Your Hard Water Problems with Proper Plumbing’s Water Softener Solutions

Hard water causes more than just limescale build-up on your appliances. There are far worse effects that can lead to costly consequences. Lucky for you, there’s one simple solution to your hard water woes—a water softener system.

At Proper Plumbing, we specialize in water softener work. We install and maintain them to keep your plumbing in great shape. Our water softener installation guarantees effective filtration of unwanted minerals in your tap. Today, we remain the go-to plumber for installing, replacing, and maintaining water softener systems!

Call us today, and relieve your plumbing from the burdens of your hard water!