Hard water can cause problems for homeowners in both increased energy usage and a shortened lifespan of appliances. The two minerals most commonly found in hard water, calcium and magnesium, make heating water less efficient. It requires more energy to heat mineral heavy water compared to clear, purified water.
Hard water can also cause limescale build-up, drastically restricting the water flow in your pipes. Steel pipes are the most prone to this problem, copper and PVC are not as susceptible to limescale build up. Over time this scale build up can lower water pressure in your home's plumbing, eventually leading to costly damage to pipes and plumbing fixtures. As the flow in pipes becomes more restricted, the limescale buildup will happen at a faster rate.
The areas that you may first notice mineral build up are in areas around shower heads, plugs, faucets and valves. Slowly dripping faucets can cause scale build up on sink surfaces and could damage the rubber washers that are required to keep the mechanism water tight. If this occurs, the washers can sometimes be difficult to replace.
Hard Water and Appliance Damage
Hard water can damage many appliances in the home that use water, including washing machines, dishwashers, and ice makers. The minerals in hard water can cause scaling and clogging in the pipes, reducing the efficiency of the appliance and leading to costly repairs. Hard water can also reduce the lifespan of an appliance, increasing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Valves that are found in various appliances, such as ice-makers, washing machines and dishwashers can also end up with scale build-up. If small amounts of limescale build up around the valves, they may not be able to completely close, which can allow water to leak.
Water Heater Damage From Hard Water
Hard water can damage a water heater by leaving deposits of calcium and magnesium on the heating elements. Over time, these deposits will reduce the efficiency of the heater and eventually clog it. The deposits can also block the flow of water, creating additional strain on the heater and leading to premature failure.
Tankless water heaters can also be damaged by hard water. The minerals in hard water can cause scaling on the heat exchanger, reducing the efficiency of the unit and leading to costly repairs. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of the unit and cause premature failure.
Water Softeners
The solution to hard water in the home is to install a water softener. A water softener removes dissolved minerals that can damage you home's plumbing system while also improving the quality of your home's water for cleaner, better tasting water.
