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Here is a list of hazardous impacts of hard water on your home – and how it effects our daily life
When water is concentrated with an excess of calcium and magnesium, it becomes hard. Hard water raises a number of concerns for homeowners and their homes. The quality of water used at home can have significant effects on everyday life. Learn the hazardous impacts of hard water on your home.
Appliance Deterioration
- The scale deposits left behind by hard water especially on water-using appliances can have deteriorating effects. The deposits can not only reduce the lifespan of the appliances but also minimize their efficiency. This results in increased energy bills. If hard water is used in a kettle, or a water heater, the salt deposits will form at the base of the tank.
These deposits will make your appliance work harder to heat the same amount of water. If there are heating coils or elements present, the salt deposits will form on them. Thus, their efficiency will be reduced.
Dirty Spots on Utensils
- Soap doesn’t lather up well in the hard water. This results in the appearance of spots on the utensils even when they are clean and dry. The white scum that appears on the pots after water is boiled, is the hardness minerals that have come out of the solution. Soapy scum sticks everywhere and is difficult to remove.
It affects the appearance of utensils and causes them to appear dirty even after washing. The hard water minerals have the ability to bond with the surfaces that come in contact with them. Thus creating scales and deposits. This can also be detected commonly on showerheads and pots.
Clogged Plumbing Fixtures
- Hard water is loaded with minerals that do not dissolve well in solutions and remain unstable. So when the hard water blows through the showerheads and faucets, minerals come out of the solution. These minerals begin to deposit on these fixtures thereby resulting in the formation of scales that are difficult to remove. Over time the deposition of minerals on the inside of the plumbing pipes causes them to clog.
These deposits, if not cleaned up, will cause blocking and thus affect water pressure. The salts present in hard water cause friction inside the pipes. If enough coating has eroded, the pipes become vulnerable to corrosion and eventually begin to leak.
Rust Stains In The Toilet
Due to the prolonged use of hard water, the process of corrosion and rusting begins to take place inside the pipes. This phenomenon eventually leads to the deterioration of rusty pipes. When the household water is being contaminated by iron the obvious signs can be seen in the form of rust color rings in the bottom of the porcelain toilet and sink.
These repulsive rust stains can be embarrassing for homeowners. A vinegar solution can be used to cut through the rust as you clean. However, the rust stains will appear again so opt for a permanent solution by installing a water softener.
Issues With Laundry
- When clothes are washed in hard water, soapy scum is formed. The residues left behind on the clothes turn the colors dingy and it also makes them hard. The laundry becomes stiff and feels unclean.
The best way to deal with hardness is by installing a water softener. It removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium out of the water and allows you to save the cost of repairing your appliances. Having a water softener also prevents these issues from occurring in the future.
If you are all set for installing a water softener system in your home, call us at 832-772-5501. Or get in touch with our Proline Plumbing team to have your plumbing issues fixed. We are located in Houston, Texas.