Hard water, by definition, is water that has a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. And according to the US Geological Association, more than 89 percent of Americans have hard water in their homes. In contrast, the softest water can be found in parts of New England, the South Atlantic and Gulf regions, the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.
While the taste of hard water is preferred by many Americans, the damage that hard water can do to a home and its systems has not been lost on many homeowners. Consequently, the popularity of in-home water softeners continues to rise. While these in-home systems may seem extreme to some, there are reasonable arguments for installing a softener in your home. Due to significant mineral build up, there are real challenges that long-term hard water use can have in and on your home:
Washing your clothes in hard water can harm the fibers while making the clothes feel scratchy and looky dingy.
Mineral build up in your shower head can eventually cause clogs and reduce water pressure.
Soap scum on tubs, showers and other surfaces can sometimes cause permanent damage if not treated.
Build up in your coffeemaker and washing machines can make these appliances much less efficient and ultimately affect their valves and seals which can trigger leaks.
Damage to plumbing fixtures. Not only is the buildup unsightly around drains and faucets, the minerals can damage the internal mechanisms, causing potential leaks down the road.
Years of hard water use will cause build up, especially in steel pipes, resulting in increased water pressure and potential damage.
So what should you be doing if your home uses hard water? First, know that there are ways to minimize the harm of hard water on your appliances, clothes, etc. And second, develop a routine of preventative maintenance to reduce the damage to your home. In the next post on “Hard Water,” several of these options will be discussed for you to explore.
Have more questions? Call us—we’d love to help! Call the professionals at Go Green Plumbing at 336-252-2999 for service 7 days a week/24 hours a day. If water runs through it – We Do It!
