When compared to other water quality issues, hard water seems quite benign. Sure, it leaves ugly residues and buildup on plumbing fixtures and faucets, but it’s not like it’s putting your health at risk, right? That may be true, but it also doesn’t mean that hard water is not a serious problem.
While hard water may not pose a serious health hazard the way that biological pollutants in the water may, for example, it can really wreak havoc on your plumbing system itself. Moreso, it can prove to be incredibly annoying in a number of different ways. If you have hard water in your home, the use of a whole-house water softener in Spring, TX is definitely worth considering. So what are the problems caused by hard water?
As mentioned above, the most obvious issue with hard water is the mineral deposits that it can leave on your plumbing fixtures and faucets. These white and green deposits are the result of the high mineral content the defines hard water, generally consisting of calcium and magnesium. While the buildup on your fixtures is unsightly, it is what you cannot see that is of even greater concern.
Just as these deposits can build up on your faucets and plumbing fixtures, so too can they build up within your plumbing pipes themselves. When that happens, they can constrict water flow. This may result in low water pressure at points of use throughout your home. More seriously, though, it can lead to increased pressure within the plumbing system, and that can lead to issues with leaking connections and even burst pipes.
Plus, hard water makes it hard to lather soap, so your dishes and laundry, not to mention your own body while in the shower, may not get as clean as you’d like. Mineral deposits can also build up at the bottom of water heaters, forming a barrier between the heat and the water that can cause the system to work at reduced efficiency levels.
If you have hard water in your home, call Milton Frank Plumbing to have a great water softener installed.