Hard Water: Adverse Effects & Prevention

Most American households — roughly 85% of them — share the same water condition known as hard water. As water passes through rocks and soil on the way to our homes, it picks up various minerals that dissolve into it, such as magnesium and calcium. When the concentration of these minerals is above average to high, the water is considered hard. Some claim that hard water can have negative effects on your health, your skin, and your hair. Any plumber in San Diego will contend that hard water can damage your plumbing system as well, leading to a plumbing emergency. All things considered, here’s why having hard water in your home is a problem and how to prevent large-scale water damage.

The Bad Sides of Hard Water

Hard water is laced with minerals known to leave stains on your dishes and clothes. This residue can make your clothes itchy and ruin them over time, as well as leave a white coating on your dishes. Hard water contains minerals like lead, iron, and zinc, which have no health benefits and can cause a variety of health issues such as acne, irritation, and skin inflammation, and have been linked to psoriasis. Some studies even link hard water use to hair loss, due to the high concentration of positively charged minerals that react with your hair. This can cause issues such as an itchy scalp, dandruff, split ends, and hair loss. While some people prefer the taste of hard water, depending on its mineral composition, hard water can also be smelly and undrinkable. The best way to check whether your water is safe to consume is to consult your local Water Quality Control report.

The Effects of Hard Water on Your Plumbing

Aside from the health and aesthetic issues mentioned above, hard water can do serious damage to your plumbing installations. Mineral residue from the water can accumulate inside your pipelines and fixtures, leading to clogs and an increased risk of burst pipes and leaks. This is why it is a good idea to schedule regular maintenance with a trusted San Diego plumber to prevent plumbing problems before they occur. Even appliances like dishwashers and washing machines can be damaged by hard water, as mineral buildup can cause clogs to form within the system. Hard water residue also accumulates in your water heater, which can cause the heating element to operate at significantly reduced capacity, using more energy to compensate. So, if your electricity bill seems unusually high, have a plumber inspect your water heater for mineral residue.

How to Prevent a Disaster

Some water softeners can reduce unwanted mineral buildup while preserving the taste and beneficial minerals found in hard water. A water softener system will eliminate the risk of irreparable damage to your appliances and plumbing fixtures while retaining all the benefits of hard water. Contact Plumbing Plus, the leading San Diego plumbing service, if you have any questions regarding water filtration systems and their installation.