How does Hard Water Affect my Pipes?

Hard water sounds, well, hard. Florida water is rated from hard to very hard. This news isn’t very comforting, but the Central Florida plumbing experts at Michael’s Plumbing want to help you avoid the discomfort associated with “hard water.”

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is considered “hard” because of the high mineral content within the water. Hard water contains calcium, magnesium, and trace amounts of other minerals, all there for consumption. The more magnesium or, the more calcium dissolved within the water, the harder the water becomes.

Hard water can come from anywhere—the well or city facilities. While it might not sound very satisfying, hard water is safe to drink and use; however, it’s not safe for your plumbing and other items around the house.

Why is Hard Water so Bad?

Hard water tends to build up within your plumbing. Soap buildup occurs when cleaning products react with the hard water. It can also create soap scum, however, which will negatively affect your cleaner’s efficacy.

Other ways that hard water affects your household:

• Grimy clothes due to less effective washing, plus increased wear from the rough water in the machine
• Spotty dishes and glasses after being in the dishwasher
• High film and scale buildup on bathroom tiles and fixtures
• Scale deposits shortening the life of water heaters
• Restricted water flow due to scale buildup in water supply pipes

The effects of hard water aren’t just cosmetic, but they can damage the inner workings of your home. Buildup from the hard water accumulates inside the pipes and fixtures, as well as inside your appliances. You’ll start to see signs of hard water with reduced water flow from faucets, clogs, and potential pipe leaks due to increased stress.

Your energy bill will also see an increase. The mineral deposits will cause appliances such as your dishwasher, clothes washer, and water heater to work harder and less efficiently. Not only will this increase your utility bills, but it also means that you will have more repairs to those appliances, even replacing said appliances earlier than expected.

Is There a Fix?

Hard water does make your homework harder, meaning you will have to work harder to pay for increased bills and purchasing new appliances.

But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Michael’s Plumbing offers water conditioning, which is the process of removing or altering minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants from a water source. Doing so allows your water to “soften up” and make your life much easier.

Contact Michael’s Plumbing today (407-219-9772) to discuss your hard water conditioning options. We promise we’ll make it easy on you.

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