“Silent Killers: The Hard Water Destroying Your Home”

Many homeowners don't know that the water that pours out of their faucets might be causing serious unseen damage to their plumbing and appliances.

01:28 15 November 2024

Many homeowners don't know that the water that pours out of their faucets might be causing serious unseen damage to their plumbing and appliances.

Hard water, which contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, is a common issue that can harm your home from the shadows. Though it seems harmless, hard water can cause a chain of plumbing problems that can turn into expensive repairs if not taken care of. When hard water washes through your pipes, it carries certain mineral deposits along with it, which clump together in scale form–better known as limescale–as they build up in clogs, restrict flow, and put appliances to the test. This build-up is detrimental not only to your plumbing system, but also to appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters that are working harder than they need to be, and are therefore potentially getting a shorter lifespan.

The effects of hard water:

By learning about the long-term effects of hard water, you can learn how to prevent them. Here are the main problems that come with hard water:

Pipes Prone to Clogging: Eventually, these mineral deposits can build up and reduce water flow or cause complete blockages. It will also reduce the efficiency of your plumbing system and even may cause leaks and explosions that need immediate repairs.

Ruined Appliances: Appliances that use water, like dishwashers and water heaters, are especially susceptible to hard water. That is when excessive limescale can lower their efficiency and increase energy bills. For instance, a water heater that is full of scale could take longer to heat the water and consume excess energy causing it to break down sooner than later.

Tired Skin and Tresses: Your locks and skin could also be affected by the arduous water that can make them dry and miserable. Hard water contains minerals that can prevent soap from lathering properly, which can make it hard to wash away soap and shampoo completely. Which ultimately may result in skin inflammation, along with lifelessness in your hair.

Stains On Fixtures and Surfaces: Hard water leaves chalky white deposits of calcium on faucets, shower heads, and tiles and can thus cause unsightly stains that are often difficult to clean. Not only do these stains diminish the appearance of your home, but they can also result in layers of dirt and bacteria after some time.

Identifying Hard Water Issues

Identifying hard water in your house is easy. Common indicators include:

* Chalky residue: Pay attention to whitish deposits on taps, shower heads, sinks, and bathtubs. The deposits are obvious signs of limescale formation.

* Residue on Glassware: After you run your dishwasher, inspect your glasses and silverware for white streaks or a powdery residue.

* Problems related to clothes: If your laundry feels rough, or if there is a fine powdery residue on your clothes, it could be due to hard water.

* Dry skin: If you feel your skin is especially dry or irritated post-showering, you could have hard water.

If you suspect this is happening to your water, you might want to perform a simple water hardness test. Test kits are available at home improvement stores and provide near-instantaneous results.

Solutions for Hard Water

If you believe hard water is a problem in your home, below are several simple solutions you can try:

Get a Water Softener: One of the best solutions to fight hard water is to install a water softener unit. It does this by extracting the minerals responsible for hardness using a process called ion exchange and replacing them with sodium ions. Not only does a water softener save your plumbing system, it also saves appliances from damage from hard water causing scale build-up, and lowers energy bills. Many homeowners discover that investing in a water softener is a lasting investment, thanks to saved repairs and lower utility bills.

Leverage Water Conditioners: Try a water conditioner instead if you cannot install a water softener. These appliances change the physical properties of the minerals in hard water so that they do not stick to surfaces. They do not eliminate hardness but rather ease the effects of hard water on your plumbing and appliances.

Hard water detergents: These are specially formulated detergents that should be used in the washing of dishes or laundry to reduce buildup on dishes and clothes. These products help with cleaning and help prevent hard water deposits.

As a cost-effective option for homeowners, cleaning with vinegar regularly can break down limescale. Vinegar is a natural acid that dissolves mineral buildup. To keep fixtures free of buildup, just soak them in vinegar or wipe them with a vinegar solution. You can call expert plumber anytime they will be available 24/7 emergency services for you.