Plumbing Systems

Creve Coeur is home to quiet neighborhoods, great schools, and beautiful houses. But homeowners here deal with hard water. This issue can quietly cause damage to your plumbing. 

Hard water contains a high level of calcium and magnesium. These minerals come from underground rock layers and naturally mix into the water supply.  Hard water is not dangerous to drink, but it can affect the performance of your home’s plumbing system. It can lead to mineral buildup in your pipes, affect water flow, and shorten the lifespan of dishwashers and water heaters. Thankfully, a plumber in Creve Coeur can help address issues related to hard water. Keep reading to learn the effects of hard water on your plumbing system:

Scale Buildup

Scale buildup happens when the calcium and magnesium in the water leave behind a chalky, white residue inside your pipes. The thickening buildup will narrow the pipes and reduce water pressure. This can lead to slower showers, weaker faucets, and more stress on your plumbing system. Clogged or narrowed pipes from hard water can lead to more serious issues, including pipe corrosion or leaks.

Shorter Lifespan for Water Heaters

Mineral deposits that settle at the bottom of the tank create a layer of sediment that makes the water heaters work harder to heat your water. This drives up your energy bills and wears out the system faster.

Hard water buildup can cause hot water not to last as long as it used to. Also, it leads to your water heater making popping or rumbling noises. Flushing the tank regularly can help, but you may need professional help to clean or replace parts before the system fails altogether.

Damaged Fixtures and Faucets

Hard water can leave white spots or crusty buildup around your faucets, showerheads, or sink drains. These deposits can interfere with how your fixtures work. They can clog faucet aerators and restrict water flow, which leads to uneven spraying and more wear on your hardware.

In addition, hard water can leave you replacing fixes more frequently than you would like. Store-bought cleaners can help remove buildup on the outside, but they won’t do much to fix the issues inside the pipes.

Soap Scum and Cleaning Hassles

Hard water does not mix well with soap. It reacts with soap to form soap scum instead of creating a rich lather. It also clings to your skin and hair, leaving things feeling less clean after a good rinse.

Because of this, many Creve Coeur homeowners have to use more cleaning products and spend more time scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens. Unfortunately, the problem won’t go away until the water is treated at the source.

What You Can Do About It

Installing a water softener can effectively deal with hard water. This system removes calcium and magnesium from your water before it reaches your pipes and appliances. This leads to softer water, improves the performance of your water system, and reduces the potential damage to your plumbing system.

Hosack Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can offer hard water solutions. It is a trusted name serving homes throughout the Creve Coeur area. The company’s technicians can assess water quality, recommend the right softening system for your home, and install it properly. They have helped many local families extend the life of their plumbing systems and improve their water quality.

Hard water can cause low pressure and stained fixtures. Also, it can shorten the life of your appliances. Fortunately, you can protect your home and enjoy cleaner, more efficient water every day with the right solution from an experienced team like Hosack.