The phrase “hard water” might seem like something of an oxymoron. How can a liquid be hard after all?
Well, water’s hardness is not so much to do with its physical texture but its mineral composition. Water hardness is a scale and the more minerals it contains, the harder the water is going to be. It might not sound so bad when put like that, but hard water can have an incredibly negative impact on your plumbing.
Accumulation of mineral sediments can cause a deterioration in your water flow and the longevity of your pipes.
Let’s explore what hard water is, how you know if you have it, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water has a high mineral composition, typically of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Anything below 60 mg/L of these minerals is defined as “soft water”, with the ranges rising from there. According to Unity Water, water that has a mineral composition of 60–200 mg/L can be defined as “good”, 200–500 mg/L as “hard”, and anything above 500 mg/L is “very hard”.
While hard water doesn’t really have much of an effect on us as drinking water (apart from the taste), it can be the bane of home plumbing systems and appliances.
Too high of a mineral count can cause limescale buildup in pipes and around showerheads and faucets. When these thick deposits build up enough, they can create a blockage, putting unnecessary pressure on pipes and appliances.
How Hard Water Affects Pipes
Picture a stream of muddy water and the thin layer of silt and grime it leaves behind on whatever it flows over. The same is true for hard water and minerals.
Flowing water with a high mineral content leaves a thin layer of mineral content on the interior surface of the pipes. As more water flows over this thin layer, additional layers of mineral buildup (called scaling) bind to the initial layer, forming a solid crust. Without maintenance or intervention, this buildup can have noticeable effects.
As the mineral deposits build-up, they reduce the pipe’s diameter, causing a reduction in water flow. At the same time, what might suddenly feel like a lack of water pressure could in fact be the opposite. The same amount of water is now trying to force its way through a smaller space. Suddenly, you’re getting less water than you’re used to and putting extra strain on your plumbing and appliances.
When pipes and appliances are subjected to higher water pressure than they are designed for, you can expect them to have a much shorter lifespan, which involves costly replacements down the line.
Signs of Hard Water Damage in Your Plumbing
If you experience a sudden and unexplainable drop in water pressure, it could be a sign that there is a clogging of mineral sediment in your pipes. Check especially if you can hear a whistling noise and the water comes out in a thin powerful stream rather than at a slower pace.
Discoloured water is another sign, especially water that is cloudy or milky in appearance. Another test is to fill a bottle up to one-third of its capacity with water and add a few drops of dish detergent. Shake the bottle up and if you see a distinct lack of bubbles and foam, you probably have hard water in your system.
Additionally, if you experience frequent pipe clogs, it may be a sign that minerals are reducing your plumbing’s efficiency.
Another effective way to diagnose hard water is to pay attention to any mineral stains around your faucets and fixtures, particularly the shower head. If you can see spots or patches of limescale buildup or mineral residue around the nozzle, it’s a sure sign that you need to take action.
Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Hard Water Problems
Untreated hard water can lead to major and expensive plumbing repairs. The additional water pressure will wear out your pipes (and appliances) far sooner than they otherwise would. The risk of burst pipes is very real and increases due to the risk of mineral-caused corrosion and rust. A burst pipe in your wall can be an expensive and incredibly inconvenient repair.
It’s not just your pipes that can suffer. Ever noticed a white mineral build-up in the bottom of your kettle? Corrosion in your appliances can also reduce their life span, corroding their inner functions. Just think of how many appliances require water from the mains to function: water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, every tap or faucet, every shower head and toilet, and the kettle mentioned above.
The cost implications of hard water can build and build. Fortunately, there are a few treatment methods to reduce your mineral content and break down the buildup already there.
How to Prevent and Fix Hard Water Issues
If you know (or even suspect) you have hard water, one of the best ways to fix the problem is to install a water softener system. Water softeners provide filtration and remove most of the mineral content, turning hard water into soft water.
A combination of equal parts baking soda and vinegar is an effective solution to breaking down that troublesome limescale. If that doesn’t work, consider some commercially available cleaners. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take extra care with caustic solutions.
If you suspect your issues are more serious or in places you can’t easily reach, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Plumbers can use CCTV cameras to thread through your pipes in those hard-to-reach places to find the exact location and cause of your plumbing issue. With this technique, it is a simple process to find leaks to fix and valves and plumbing fixtures that need to be replaced, as well as sites of hard water mineral buildup.
Benefits of Soft Water for Your Plumbing System
The effects of hard water on pipes and appliances versus the benefits of soft water cannot be overstated. Soft water has a minimal chance of producing buildup or corrosion, as the low mineral content means that the daily use of fresh water coming through the pipes flushes away any mineral residue.
We also cannot overstate the cost-saving benefits of addressing hard water before it can become a problem. Check your hard water levels today and keep an eye on whether your plumbing system has started to make strange noises or display changes in pressure.
Whether through preventive measures or seeking professional help through a drain inspection, hard water cannot be ignored. It is a problem best solved sooner rather than later, so give the friendly team at The Relining Company a call today to discuss your hard water options.
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