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Did you know that hard water is one of the leading causes of plumbing problems in homes across the nation? If your home has hard water, you may have experienced some of the following issues:
- Scale buildup
- A decrease in water pressure
- A decrease in water heater efficiency
- Worn-down appliances and fixtures
In this blog post, we will discuss the effects of hard water on residential plumbing systems and provide some tips for how to address these problems. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is essentially water that contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause a variety of problems in plumbing systems, including scale buildup on pipes and fixtures, decreased water pressure, and even affecting the efficiency of your water heater. In addition, these minerals can wear down appliances and fixtures over time.
What are the Effects of Hard Water on Plumbing Systems?
As we mentioned, hard water can cause various problems in your residential plumbing system. One of the most common problems is scale buildup. This happens when the minerals in hard water adhere to the pipes and fixtures, causing a buildup of material that can restrict water flow. In addition, hard water can decrease the overall efficiency of your water heater and shorten its lifespan. Your water heater is a considerable investment, so a premature replacement due to hard water can be quite a headache.
Finally, hard water can cause fixtures and appliances to wear down over time, affecting the appearance of your bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home. You've likely seen these stubborn spots on your faucets and showerheads, as these fixtures are often heavily affected by hard water.
How Can I Address These Problems?
If you are experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, there are some steps you can take to address them. For example, if you have hard water, your best option is to have a water softener installed. This device will remove the minerals from your water, which can help to prevent scale buildup and extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
An inefficient water heater can become quite a frustration. However, many homeowners are unaware that their water heater problems can lead back to the accumulation of minerals in the tank. It's essential to have your water heater flushed at least once a year to clear the unit of any accumulated minerals that could be affecting its efficiency.
If you are experiencing decreased water pressure due to hard water, you may need to have your pipes cleaned or replaced. This is a more involved process and will require the help of a professional plumber. Don't delay in resolving your water pressure issue, as the minerals will continue to accumulate until they're removed.
Finally, suppose your fixtures and appliances are already affected by hard water. In that case, you can try descaling them with a vinegar solution. Soak your faucets and showerheads in a Ziploc baggie full of white vinegar for about 4 to 5 hours to help loosen the minerals. This may help remove some of the buildup and improve the overall appearance of your fixtures.
Improve Your Water Quality in Laguna Beach
Hoping to improve the quality and taste of your home's water this season? Our water filtration and softening systems are here for you! We're determined to offer the highest-quality products and stellar customer experiences to households in Laguna Beach and the surrounding neighborhoods. To get started, call our team at McKeown Plumbing today at (949) 234-6001 or complete our online contact form to schedule your appointment.