Is Your Homes' Water Damaging Your Plumbing System? The Hidden Effects of Hard Water

Limited Water Flow

The build-up of minerals from hard water, also known as lime scale, reduces the total capacity of your water lines. You may notice a loss of water volume in the shower as the effective diameter of the pipe shrinks. Screened faucets and shower heads are particularly prone to hard water, as the tiny holes are easily blocked by mineral particles. Scale also encourages drain clogs, since wads of hair and other debris are more likely to get caught in the narrow space.

Damage to Pipes and Appliances

You may not be able to see it, but the build-up from hard water can wreak havoc on appliances throughout your home. Hot water heaters and dishwashers rely on a network of small pipes to funnel water into the compartment at the appropriate times. It doesn’t take much scale accumulation to cripple these delicate machines and render them ineffective. To make matters worse, it is extremely difficult to remove the limescale without professional assistance. The build-up in the water and sewer pipes increases the risk of a leak due to uneven flow dynamics. As the water is forced to squeeze through a smaller space, it places excessive pressure on certain points along the line. Valves and joints are likely spots for a breach.

Surface Stains

If you have lived with hard water before, then you are probably already familiar with the brown stains that appear in sinks and tub. These unsightly discolorations can appear in many colors, including brown, white and shades of green. Hard water stains usually require specialty cleaning products and a lot of elbow grease to remove. Don't let hard water damage your home's plumbing system. Give Rooter Hero Plumbing a call and let us analyze your water at no-cost or obligation!