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How Does Hard Water Affect Your Plumbing?

hard water limescale residue on a bathroom sink faucet

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to deal with hard water, which is fairly prevalent in Virginia homes. At Bowman’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, Inc., we make it easy to treat.

As your trusted plumbing service professionals, we know how to prevent hard water damage. Today, we’ll discuss why treating hard water is so important and how, if left untreated, it can affect your home’s plumbing systems.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water has higher levels of calcium and magnesium or other limescale minerals. Water collects these minerals over time as it percolates through soil, rock, limestone, chalk, or gypsum. As water travels from its source to your faucets and fixtures, it naturally picks up dissolved minerals, making your water “hard.”

Officially, water softness (or hardness) is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain is .002 ounces of calcium dissolved in one gallon of water.

  • Zero to 3 gpg means you have soft water
  • 5 to 7 gpg is considered ideal
  • 5 gpg+ indicates hard water

Signs You Have Hard Water

If you’re not sure about your home’s water, look for these signs that suggest you do have hard water:

  • White, chalky residue on faucets and showerheads: This is caused by limescale buildup from the minerals in hard water.
  • Spots or streaks on dishes and glassware: Hard water can leave mineral deposits behind, even after washing.
  • Soap or shampoo doesn’t lather well: Hard water interferes with soap’s ability to lather, making cleaning less effective.
  • Dry or irritated skin after bathing: The minerals in hard water can leave a residue that irritates the skin.
  • Clothes feel stiff or dull after washing: Hard water can make your laundry feel rough and lose its brightness over time.

Are you still not sure? Try this: Fill a clean bottle about one-third of the way with tap water. Add a few drops of liquid soap. Shake your bottle vigorously. If you don’t see many bubbles or your water appears cloudy, it indicates you have hard water. Alternatively, soft water will result in a lot of suds and clearer water.

How Hard Water Affects Home Plumbing

While hard water isn’t necessarily harmful to your health, this buildup of minerals can cause issues with your home’s vital plumbing systems, components, and appliances. Untreated hard water can lead to:

  • Frequent appliance issues: Mineral buildup can damage water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
  • Reduced water pressure: Mineral buildup in pipes can restrict water flow, leading to decreased pressure.
  • Plumbing line clogs: As mineral buildup covers the lining of your home’s plumbing and sewer lines, drain flow can become restricted, slow, or clogged more frequently.

Why Hire a Professional Plumber for Hard Water-Related Issues?

A technician getting a water sample from a faucet to test

If you experience hard water-related issues, consider calling in a professional to help. Sewer and drain cleaning can reduce the mineral buildup in your plumbing lines. Any drain or sewer repairs should always be done by a professional like Bowman’s. Working with our experts can bring advantages, like:

  • Ensured safety
  • Efficient repairs
  • Specialized equipment

Benefits of Addressing Hard Water

When treating your hard water issue, you can see the benefits immediately. Hard water treatment will ultimately improve your water quality and prolong the lifespan of your home’s plumbing systems. You’ll also enjoy:

  • Reduced mineral buildup in drains and sewers
  • Softer skin and hair
  • Enhanced appliance performance
  • Cleaner faucets, showerheads, and sinks

Improve Your Water Quality With Bowman’s!

See if your Virginia home displays signs of hard water issues. Then, call the plumbing professionals at Bowman’s! Our team can assess your hard water concerns and offer water-softening solutions to reduce and eliminate your hard water problems.

Schedule service with us today for water softening treatments so you can enjoy clean, soft water.

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Why Choose Bowman's For Your Plumbing, Heating and AC Needs

  • Decades of industry knowledge for superior results.
  • Count on prompt assistance to minimize downtime.
  • Receive tailored services to meet your unique needs.
  • Exceptional customer assistance throughout your project.
  • Utilize cutting-edge tools and techniques for efficient results.
  • Enjoy peace of mind with our commitment to your satisfaction.