The Impact of Hard Water on Your Plumbing System

Hard water contains a high amount of dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. These minerals not only impact your hair and skin, but they can also take a serious toll on your plumbing, including pipes, water heaters, showerheads, bathtubs, and more. The plumbers at Texas Rooter recommend installing a water softener at the point of entry to remove hardness-causing minerals and protect your plumbing.

Today, our plumbers will discuss some of the effects of hard water on your plumbing system and what you can do to keep your plumbing in tip-top condition. If you’re looking for plumbers near me offering water softener installation, look no further than Texas Rooter.

Pipes

• Reduced Water Flow

As long as you have a hard water supply, your water pipes are at risk of developing mineral buildup over time. This buildup can narrow the passageway and reduce water pressure. This can make it difficult to get a good flow of water from faucets and showerheads. If you’ve noticed persistent water pressure issues in your home, there’s a possibility of mineral buildup in your water pipes. Reach out to an emergency plumbing service for an inspection and a solution.

• Corrosion

Hard water is known to accelerate corrosion in certain types of pipes, such as copper and iron. The minerals can react with pipe materials and corrode your water pipes, thereby weakening them. Hard water can reduce the lifespan of your pipes and prove costly in the long run. If you’re getting discolored water out of your faucets and you’ve ruled out a broken water pipe or issues with the supplier, there’s a good chance your pipes are corroded.

Water Heater

• Reduced Efficiency

Mineral deposits inside a water heater can reduce its efficiency and force it to work harder to heat water. This can lead to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the appliance. Similar to pipes, hard water can corrode the inner tank of a water heater. Some of the common signs of a corroded hot water tank include noisy operation, discolored hot water, and water takes longer to heat. If your water heater is acting up, reach out to a local emergency plumbing service specializing in water heater repair.

• Shorter Lifespan

The combined effects of reduced efficiency and corrosion can shorten the lifespan of your water heater. Typically, a storage water heater is expected to last between 8 and 12 years. If you have hard water, do not expect it to reach the upper end of this lifespan.

Fixtures

• Scale Buildup

Mineral deposits can build up on faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures, making them look unsightly and reducing water flow. The buildup can reduce the efficiency of your plumbing fixtures and cause them to deteriorate much faster.

• Clogged Aerators

Aerators, the small screens at the end of faucets, can become clogged with mineral deposits. Clogged aerators can reduce water flow and make it difficult to control the water stream. If you’ve noticed an uneven spray pattern or splattering, it’s advisable to clean your aerators using mild dish soap and white vinegar. If you need professional help from experienced plumbers near me, reach out to Texas Rooter.

Contact the professional plumbers in Arlington, TX at Texas Rooter for water softener installation and all of your plumbing needs.