Last Updated on September 8, 2023 by Aqua Soft Water Systems
Does hard water affect your plumbing and appliances? Some of the effects of hard water are clogged drains and corrosion. If you didn’t know about the negative effects of hard water, we are here to help you to save your plumbing and appliances from damage. Read on for more!
Clogged Drains
Hard water contains a high mineral content of calcium and magnesium. Although these minerals are not harmful to drink, they can cause your drain to become clogged. A clean drain screen helps prevent your pipes from becoming clogged. When you have hard water in your system, the minerals can become attached to the pipes. With time, these mineral deposits can cause a scale buildup which eventually leads to clogged pipes.
Don’t be surprised if a drain cleaner doesn’t work on your plumbing. A drain cleaner is a temporary solution to clogged drains. It only removes a small number of minerals, which means you’ll likely experience repetitive plumbing issues.
Corrosion
The excess mineral buildup can also lead to the corrosion of certain metals in your home. Older homes are especially prone to corrosion from mineral buildup as most pipes contain metal. Although this won’t happen overnight, eventually you will start to notice signs of corrosion, including leaks and discolored tap water.
Corrosion cannot be fixed with a simple patch-up. If you don’t repair your pipes, you risk damage to the plumbing system of your entire home. You will have to replace faucets, drains, valves, appliances, and fixtures. Replacing these systems can cost a fortune, and if you have not switched to soft water, you might end up with more corrosion down the line.
Broken Pipes/Leaks
We know that water minerals can cause damage to water pipes, but did you know that hard water can also restrict water flow? The negative impacts of scale build-up include pressure build-up. A restriction of water flow can lead to pipes breaking and water leaks around your home. Broken pipes can cause costly damage and possibly injury if the water source is near flammable items or plug sockets.
Energy Efficiency
You might find that household appliances might not work as effectively as they used to, For example, you might find that your clothes are not clean after a wash, which leads to a second wash. The reason behind this is that minerals that are found in hard water can damage appliances over time. Extra washes mean a higher energy bill for your family.
Buying new appliances won’t solve the problem of hard water. It is more cost-effective to invest in a water softener than to replace or upgrade your common household appliances.
Wear And Tear
As mentioned, the scaly buildup of hard water deposits can lead to appliance issues. As a result, you might find corrosion on your household appliances, such as your dishwasher and laundry appliances. Instead of wasting money on new appliances or a professional cleaning service, it’s more cost-effective to invest in built-in water softeners. Water softening systems can help to prevent appliance damage and increase appliance efficiency.
Voided Warranties
Many manufacturer’s warranties do not cover damage due to everyday use. What this means is that your warranties will be voided and you won’t be able to claim damages caused by the effects of hard water. Even if you try to claim from an insurance company for damages, it’s likely your claim will be denied as hard water is usually not covered in home policies.
Water Heater Damage
Water heaters are needed for your large appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine. The mineral deposits of hard water make it difficult for water heaters to provide warm water to these appliances. The harder your water heater has to work, the higher your energy bills will be. Water softeners can reduce the lifespan of water heaters and lower your utility costs.
Reduce and eliminate the effects of hard water by purchasing a water-softening system from Aqua Soft Water Systems – contact our team today!
