Many homes in the Brighton, CO area have to deal with hard water, the common name for water that has high mineral content. While hard water has been treated and is safe to drink, it can cause a number of issues with a home’s pipes and appliances over time. Here are some of the ways that hard water can affect your pipes and appliances.
Creates Mineral Deposits
Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium that create mineral deposits in pipes, faucets, drains, and other parts of the plumbing system. If allowed to build up over time, these mineral deposits can be very difficult to remove without professional drain cleaning services using high powered water jets. Regular drain cleaning will help keep mineral deposits to a minimum before they become a bigger problem.
Boosts Chances of Stubborn Clogs
Mineral deposits slowly narrow pipes and hoses, making them more susceptible to clogging. Clogs restrict the flow of water and waste through the plumbing system, causing the system to work harder or break down when the problems become too much to overcome. Clogs can also cause wastewater to back up into toilets and drains throughout the house. Professional plumbers like Royal Services use specialized tools and equipment to bust up stubborn clogs without damaging pipes and fixtures.
Limits Water Flowing Through Faucets
Hard water mineral deposits can also restrict the amount of water that flows through the faucet when the taps are turned on. Mineral deposits in the pipes leading to the faucet or in the faucet itself can also cause more pressure, resulting in a backflow of water, a broken faucet, or busted pipes. Repairing these issues can be costly, depending on how extensive the damage is.
Increases Metal Pipe Corrosion
The minerals in hard water are corrosive to many types of metal commonly used in household plumbing systems. Over time, the corrosion damages the metal pipes, leading to discolored water, leaks, and disintegrating pipes. If the corrosion affects large portions of the plumbing system, it could cause a catastrophic failure that can be very expensive to repair.
Reduces Appliance Efficiency
Hard water can reduce the efficiency of your appliances by causing them to work harder to achieve the same results. In addition to clogging hoses and drains with mineral deposits, hard water also interferes with soaps and detergents, making them less effective at removing dirt, oils, and other substances. When this occurs with dishwashers and washing machines, it can lead to having to redo loads to ensure their cleanliness.
Conclusion
Hard water affects pipes and appliances in many different ways, but some of these effects can be reduced by treating the water properly and scheduling regular maintenance for your plumbing system. Royal Services specializes in a wide range of plumbing needs and offers emergency plumbing services to Brighton, CO and the surrounding areas. For more information about the effects of hard water and ways to protect your plumbing system, contact us today!