Why Hard Water Is an Issue

Water is essential to our daily lives. Drinking it, using it to wash items, and bathing in it. Without a regular, unhindered supply of water coming through our pipes, life would be a lot less comfortable and probably a little smelly too.

But what if your water is the main culprit that is harming the very piping delivering it to your house? If you have hard water in your area, this may be a problem you need to consider when it comes to taking care of your plumbing in Madison, MS. Thankfully, we are a team of plumbing professionals who want to help. Let’s take a look at what hard water is, how it impacts your plumbing, and what to do about it.

What Is Hard Water?

When we say hard water, we aren’t making up a kooky word for ice. Hard water refers to water carrying a high level of minerals in it, such as calcium, magnesium, and other deposits. While our water is treated before it reaches our homes, it is possible for it to collect a decent amount of these minerals on its way to residential areas.

Why Is Hard Water a Problem?

While hard water isn’t necessarily unsafe for consumption, it does have a detrimental affect on things around your home. For one thing, hard water can affect how clean your dishes or your clothes are. It can also increase the build-up of soap scum in your shower or kitchen sink.

The biggest issue that can stem from having hard water, however, is the effect it has on your plumbing and appliances. As you might expect, minerals lead to sediment build-up within pipes and sometimes in or on certain appliances like showerheads or faucets. This can restrict the flow of water and lead to additional problems for the lifespan of the pipes.

Hard Water vs. Your Pipes

Like we said, hard water can shorten the lifespan of your piping. Not only can a build-up of minerals hinder water flow, but it can also increase the need for leak repairs or even pipe replacements.

Signs You Have Hard Water

You wonder whether or not you have to deal with hard water. Let’s review a few indicators so you know what to look for:

You notice mineral deposits: Mineral buildup in your showers and sinks or on faucets and showerheads can indicate the presence of hard water.
Your water heater is struggling: Yes, hard water can affect your water heater too. If sediment builds up within your water heater tank, it can hinder the heating process and put the water heater at risk of overheating.
There are issues with clothing and skin: If you never quite feel clean after a shower, your skin is increasingly irritated, or your clothes seem dull and scratchy—it may be a sign of hard water.