While hard water isnāt going to cause health issues, it can create some pretty expensive plumbing problems. What makes hard water unique is that it has a high mineral content, and the magnesium and calcium create mineral deposits that stick to pipes and other areas of your home. It can be tough to detect when you have a problem because the effects are slow, and you may not notice the deterioration it’s causing.
Here are a few issues that mineral build up causes (and trust you’ll want to avoid these), signs of hard water, and how to prevent it from costing you money and time.
Issues that hard water causes
The most problematic issue that hard water creates is damage to pipes. In some cases, they’ll clog up the pipe and other times theyāll create small holes that cause water to leak and your water bill to rise. The worst part is, you often can’t see this developing because it happens to pipes under the home and behind the walls. Beyond damaging pipes, hard water can wreak havoc on appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, as well as water heaters.
Signs that you have hard water
If you arenāt sure whether you have an issue with hard water or not, here are a few signs that can alert you to a problem:
- Clothes that age quickly and don’t stay soft, but are stiff and fade after putting them through the washing machine.
- Spots on your glasses and plates after they’ve been run through the dishwasher.
- Soap scum on and around your bathtub and sinks.
- Water fixtures such as faucets that you can visibly see mineral build up around.
- Continual repairs needed on your water heater.
- Dry and itchy skin all year long.
However, just because you don’t see the signs doesn’t mean hard water isn’t damaging your pipes. Enlist a professional to test your water once a year to be on the safe side. SSI provides free water testing during any plumbing service visit to ensure that your appliances and plumbing are protected.
How to prevent hard water
Now that you know the expensive issues that hard water can cause and the signs to look for, it’s time to learn how to avoid it. The best solution to prevent the negative impact of hard water is to install a water softener. This will ensure your plumbing stays reliable, your dishwasher and washing machine remain durable, and your water heater won’t require premature repairs due to mineral buildup. Plus, you won’t have the annoyances like routinely cleaning soap scum around your shower and dealing with unattractive mineral buildup around faucets.
Get your free water test today from SSI by calling (703) 968-0606! We want your plumbing to have longevity as much as you do, and weāll provide you with affordable hard water solutions.