How Hard Water Affects Your Pipes and What You Can Do About 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
Dealing with hard water is a common household challenge, but many people don’t realize the silent damage it does to your plumbing system and water-based appliances. When your water supply contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, it can create numerous problems. But what can you do when you can’t change where your water comes from?
What Is Hard Water Pipe Damage?
Hard water occurs naturally. In many areas of the world, water picks up mineral deposits while it flows through soil and rock formations. At home, you might notice telltale signs like white chalky residue on faucets, soap that doesn’t lather well, and spotty dishes after washing.
While these visible symptoms are often superfluous, they are a reminder to look for more serious issues deep inside your plumbing system. The minerals in hard water don’t just create unsightly buildup on fixtures – they actively damage or corrode your pipes, fixtures, and appliances.
How Does Hard Water Damage Your Plumbing and Home Appliances?
Significant plumbing scale buildup occurs inside pipes where you can’t see it. It’s common for calcium and magnesium deposits to accumulate on pipe interiors, and as they do, the mass gradually narrows the water passageway available. Over time, this restriction reduces water pressure and increases the likelihood of clogs forming.
Hard water can also cause corrosion, especially as the mineral deposits stay in contact with metal pipes and fittings. Once corrosion sets in, leaks and structural damage often follow. This effect is particularly problematic for water heaters, greatly reducing their lifespans, but you’ll also see your dishwasher and washing machine suffer.
Even without pipe corrosion, hard water means that scale accumulates on heating elements and forces these appliances to work harder. If they consume more energy, those appliances will wear out faster and cost you more to run. If you have hard water, you need hardy solutions!
What Are the Most Effective Solutions for Hard Water Problems?
One of the best hard water solutions is to harness water softener benefits. These softeners remove calcium and magnesium through an ion exchange process, replacing them with sodium ions. The exchange prevents future scale buildup, protecting your pipes and appliances.
Other options to counteract hard water are:
- Traditional salt-based water softeners.
- Salt-free conditioners that prevent minerals from sticking to surfaces.
- Polyphosphate filters (cold water applications).
- Electronic descalers.
Regular maintenance also plays a crucial role in managing pipe corrosion. For example, flushing your water heater annually removes excess sediment buildup. Cleaning faucets and showerheads with vinegar can also dissolve deposits.
Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain: Your Hard Water Experts
Hard water problems won’t resolve themselves, but the right solutions can protect your home’s plumbing system and fixtures. At Thompson Family Plumbing & Drain, we specialize in diagnosing and resolving hard water issues with customized water treatment solutions, so don’t wait for costly pipe damage to occur before getting in touch. Call us at (855) 390-0457 for professional plumbers in California and Arizona.
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“Always go above and beyond for their customers”
Once again Thompson Family Plumbing came in and took care of us as if we were their family. They always go above and beyond for their customers and make you feel like you are important to them. I can’t thank them enough for coming in and taking care of the issues that I had with my home as quickly as they did. Absolutely the best plumbing company around. Thank you, John and Devynn for everything.
-Nicole H.
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“Price was more than reasonable, especially last minute”
What a great local family company. Had a little issue today (Saturday). Gave them a call. The lady said she would have someone here between 3 & 5. It was at 1 when I called. 3:00 on the nose Don was here. Don was very friendly and had the broken pipe fixed in no time at all. The price was more than reasonable, especially last minute on a Saturday.
-Andy S.
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“Fantastic job of analyzing the situation and making all the necessary repairs”
Thank you Thompson Family Plumbing for your quick and professional service. Don did a fantastic job of analyzing the situation and making all the necessary repairs. Clients were happy with the professionalism and knowledge that Don possessed in getting the job done. Ashley went out of her way to ensure that an appointment was made asap for the clients.
-Richard B.
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“Took care of it in no time”
Plumbing technician Dean Taylor came over last week to set up a line so I could get a dishwasher installed. I didn’t have the proper setup but he took care of it in no time! Now the installers will have no problem doing it. He was very knowledgeable and professional. I will definitely have him come back for other plumbing jobs. From start to finish everyone I spoke to was very helpful! Their customer service is outstanding!
-Jackie L.
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Great experience with TFP! They were super professional and friendly, exactly on time, fixed the issue, AND were inexpensive. I received a text when to expect them with a picture of my two technicians (Dean & Kade) AND their license numbers included in the text. This gave me great peace of mind as I am a woman that lives alone. I highly recommend Thompson Family Plumbing!
-Brisa A.
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“Integrity and honesty”
I cannot say enough good things about this amazing company. We found them through reading other people’s reviews on Yelp. They have helped us with a plumbing issue and installing a new hot water heater. They are prompt, reasonable, and incredibly helpful. John’s integrity and honesty along with the rest of the crew would make it a pleasure to recommend to anyone and everyone.
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