If you are living in Houston, chances are you are familiar with hard water. Most homeowners are dealing with it daily, yet are unaware of the long-term impacts it can have on their plumbing system. Hard water might seem harmless at first, but it can ultimately result in expensive repairs, higher utility bills, and reduced appliance efficiency.
In this blog, we’ll break down what hard water is, why it’s a problem in Houston, and how it affects your plumbing system.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are not harmful to your health, they can cause a variety of problems in your home, especially when it comes to your plumbing system.
When hard water passes through your plumbing system and appliances, it leaves behind minerals known as scale. It builds up over time and reduces the efficiency of your plumbing system, and as a result, clogging, corrosion, and pipe bursting can happen.
How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing System
Let us talk a little more about how hard water might affect your plumbing system in the long term.
1. Pipe Cloggings
One of the most common issues that occurs due to hard water is scale formation in your pipes. The pipe’s inner diameter is reduced as increasing amounts of mineral deposits settle in. Water flow is disrupted, and system pressure increases.
Eventually, after some time, all of this clogging will lead to leaks, burst pipes, or low water pressure in your house.
2. Water Heater Damage
Water heaters are especially prone to hard water. When hot, the calcium and magnesium drop out of the water and settle at the bottom of the tank. That sediment layer makes your water heater do more work, which wears it out sooner and increases your utility bill.
Over time, the built-up sediment may even corrode the heating element, create loud operation, and shorten the life of the unit. If your hot water is depleted earlier than it should or your water heater runs continuously without any halt, hard water could be responsible.
3. Appliance Wear and Tear
Most household appliances use water in their operation—washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers, just to mention a few. Mineral deposits in appliances result from hard water, making them operate less efficiently and spoiling sooner.
Signs You Have Hard Water in Your Home
If you see one or more of these signs, it is time to test the water and seek emergency plumbing services.
- White, chalky buildup on shower heads and faucets
- Residue or spots on dishes after washing
- Soap that is not able to lather well
- Dry, itchy skin after bathing
- Washed-out or stiffened clothing
- Reduced water pressure
- Unusual noises or poor operation from your water heater
Plumbing Services Solutions for Hard Water in Houston
Do not worry, plumbing services are available to soften or reduce the effects of hard water at home. Here are some of the best solutions:
1. Water Softeners
The most used and effective method to soften hard water is with a water softener. A water softener operates on the ion exchange principle and effectively eliminates calcium and magnesium ions from the water before they reach your pipes.
Having a water softener will protect your pipes, extend appliance life, and reduce your energy and maintenance bill in the future. While there is an upfront cost, most homeowners will be paid back for it by benefiting from its value in the long run.
2. Descaling Agents
If immediate installation is not possible, descaling agents can be used to strip mineral deposits from fixtures and appliances. Chemical cleaning will dissolve the deposits and improve performance, but it has to be used over and over again before it becomes effective.
3. Routine Maintenance
Flushing the water heater periodically, descaling showerheads and faucets, and having your plumbing checked with plumbers in Houston once a year will keep your system in good working condition even when hard water is present.
Final Thoughts
Hard water is a common issue for homeowners in Houston, and although it won’t harm you, it will eventually wreck your plumbing repair system severely and at a large expense. From stoppages in the pipes to appliances that break down, the consequences of mineral buildup are swift to accumulate if not handled.
The better news is that with the right treatment, i.e., installing a water softener and regular servicing, you can protect your home, extend the life of your pipes, and save money in the long run.