Common Causes of Hard Water and How To Treat It
Thompson Family Plumbing is your go-to choice for residential plumbing repair and installation throughout Lake Havasu City, AZ and Hesperia, CA.
Helpful Information
Hard water can cause several problems for you, like rust stains in sinks and scale buildup inside plumbing pipes and appliances. Fortunately, you have options for reducing hard water issues inside your home. Learn more about the common causes of mineral-rich water and how to treat it.
Understanding the Causes of Hard Water
Hard water is any water that has high levels of minerals dissolved in it. Dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium are the most common causes of hard water.
If you live in an area that sources groundwater that interacts with limestone, calcium, and magnesium commonly dissolve in the water.
It’s normal to have some of these minerals in your water. However, high levels of calcium and magnesium can cause problems in your plumbing and in how you use water.
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Water Hardness: https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water
How to Prevent Hard Water Problems
Although you can’t change the natural mineral content of your local water supply, there are several steps you can take to minimise the effects of hard water and protect your plumbing system.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Routine plumbing inspections can identify early signs of mineral buildup before they develop into costly repairs. A licensed plumber can inspect your water heater, pipes, and fixtures for scale deposits and recommend maintenance or treatment options that keep your plumbing system operating efficiently.
Flush Your Water Heater
Mineral sediment naturally settles at the bottom of your water heater over time. If left untreated, this buildup reduces heating efficiency and forces the unit to work harder, increasing energy costs. Flushing your water heater annually helps remove accumulated sediment and can extend the appliance’s lifespan. If you notice unusual noises or inconsistent hot water, our Water Heater Services team can inspect and maintain your system.
Clean Fixtures Regularly
Mineral deposits from hard water often collect around faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures. Regular cleaning with a vinegar solution can help dissolve calcium buildup before it restricts water flow. Keeping fixtures clean also improves their appearance and helps prevent premature wear.
Consider Whole-Home Water Treatment
Installing a whole-home water softener or combining it with a Water Filtration System provides long-term protection against the effects of hard water. Treating water as it enters your home helps reduce scale buildup throughout your plumbing system while improving appliance performance and extending the life of water-using equipment.
Is Hard Water Common in Your Area?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that hard water is one of the most common water quality issues in the United States. The level of hardness varies depending on your local water source and the surrounding geology. Homes supplied by groundwater often experience higher concentrations of calcium and magnesium because the water travels through mineral-rich rock before reaching the tap.
If you’ve noticed persistent scale buildup, cloudy dishes, dry skin, or declining appliance performance, professional water testing can determine whether hard water is affecting your home. Once the hardness level is identified, your plumber can recommend the most effective water treatment solution based on your household’s needs.
Problems That Hard Water Can Cause
Problems that you may experience when you have it excessively include:
- A buildup of scale inside appliances and pipes
- Appliances that need frequent repairs
- Appliances that break down prematurely
- Gradually reduced water flow
- Excessive use of soap and detergent
- Dry skin and dry hair
- Stains and water spots on glassware or shower doors
- Rust stains inside sinks and bathtubs
- Laundry that feels stiff
- Increased costs for energy because of mineral deposits and calcium buildup
Ways You Can Treat Hard Water Problems
If you’re unsure whether you have such water, you can call our plumbers to run tests on your water supply. If you discover that you have it excessively, you can try some of the following troubleshooting tips. Our licensed plumbers can help you deploy one or more of these solutions, too.
Install a Water Softener
The most effective way to combat the problems is by installing a water softener. It uses ion exchange techniques to turn calcium and magnesium ions into sodium ions.
Soft water won’t cause mineral buildup in pipes and appliances. However, you may not like the taste of soft water, meaning you may need a water filtration system for drinking water.
Install a Water Conditioner
A water conditioner appliance is similar to a water softener, but it doesn’t take out or change the mineral ions. This solution is not as effective as a water softener, especially for dealing with moderate or heavy hard water measurements.
Cleaning With Vinegar and Baking Soda
If you have a buildup of these hard water minerals on your faucets, you can soak them in vinegar to break away the minerals.
For rust stains and water spots from it, a foaming mixture of baking soda and vinegar can be useful.
Thompson Family Plumbing Heating and Air Has Hard Water Treatment Solutions for You
Don’t feel like you have to live with the consequences of excessive water hardness. At Thompson Family Plumbing Heating and Air, we can help you understand common causes of hard water and how to treat it.
Let us help you with water softening and water filtration solutions that work well and are available at a reasonable price. For help with such water problem, or other plumbing issues, contact us today at (855) 390-0457. Reach out now.
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