How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing System and What to Do About It

To shield your plumbing from the ravages of hard water, think about fitting a water softening system, which is by far the single best thing you can do to reduce mineral buildup.Scheduled cleaning and descaling of fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, is needed to keep them clear and remove buildup. They also need to be kept in good working order and appearance to maintain dependable water flow.Clean surface deposits with vinegar or a hard-water stain remover.Remove the accumulated sediment in your water heater from time to time by draining it and flushing it with water. Otherwise, this sediment can decrease efficiency, can accumulate on the heating elements and can shorten the lifespan of your water heater.Examine and substitute failed plumbing components, including pipes and fittings, if you see signs of rust or mineral buildup.Moreover, if a water softener isn't possible, then use water conditioners as an alternate solution. These devices alter the structure of the water's minerals, thus reducing their ability to cling to surfaces.

Your plumbing system can suffer over time from the hardness of the water. Buildups of scale can occur in the pipes from the high mineral content, especially heavy concentrations of calcium and magnesium. And what is scale, really? It's just the minerals that didn't get dissolved when the water was "hard" (as in, all that baking powder doesn't belong in your cake batter). The accumulation can reduce the water flow since the pipes are effectively narrower. Weights can't weigh as much if they're stuck in a canyon. Reduced water pressure can lead to plugged pipes, but the softened water and regular maintenance can negate that. Hard water may lead to shortened lifespans for your plumbing system and all the gaskets and seals in it—faucets, valves, whatever else you haven't got around to sealing yet. Energy bills may go up, as well.

To eliminate mineral buildup from hard water in your plumbing, follow these steps. First, try a vinegar solution, which is great for dissolving mineral deposits. Shut off your water and drain the plumbing by opening faucets. Then, pour a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water into your system. You'll want to let it sit—either several hours or overnight—before powering the system back up. That should give the solution enough time to work on any calcium or lime that might be lodged in your pipes. If the buildup seems persistent, try a plumbing snake. And if things get really bad, you can get a specialized plumbing descaling agent. Once you clear the immediate problem, consider installing a system that will remove those limestone-y minerals before they enter your plumbing.

Whether you require a water softener in Denver depends on the hardness of your water and your personal preferences. Denver's water is considered to be moderately hard, which means it contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that have the potential to build up in your plumbing system over time. This buildup can lead to several problems, such as reduced water flow, the increased wear and tear on appliances, and less effective soap and detergent performance. A water softener removes or reduces these minerals, which, if left unattended, would scale up and corrode your plumbing. How do you know if a water softener is right for you? Conduct a water test first. That will give you a good handle on the hardness of your water, which informs the decision-making process.

Certainly, a water softener may be a good first step to prevent further calcium build-up in pipes by exchanging calcium ions in the water with sodium or potassium ions, which are in the softener. This will help reduce the water's hardness. But what if you already have a significant build-up of calcium carbonate in pipes and need to deal with that issue? You'll need to look into other methods, which may include using a professional descaling service or employing plumbing system-specific descalers that use caustic chemicals to break down the calcium carbonate.

Several factors influence how quickly hard water can harm plumbing systems, but the main ones are: the hardness of the water, the material of the pipes, and how often the plumbing sees use. Clear signs of trouble may take several years to appear. In locales with very hard water, the insidious process might become apparent in just a couple of years. Conversely, places with water of only moderate hardness might see no real plumbing problems for a decade or more. Hard water can shorten the effective lifespan of your plumbing system, but regular maintenance, use of a good water softener, and attention to the first signs of plumbing trouble can help you avoid plumbing "disasters."

Calcium buildup in pipes can be addressed by an effective natural remedy—dissolving deposits with a solution of vinegar and baking soda.When dealing with calcium deposits that are more stubborn, a commercial remover intended for calcium, lime, and rust, such as CLR, can be very effective.Make certain that you always follow the product's directions for safe and effective use.In addition, putting in a water softener can aid in deterring further calcium accumulation by lowering the mineral concentration in your water supply.

A water softener has a number of disadvantages associated with it. 1. They require regular maintenance. The most common chore associated with a water softener is that the salt supply must be checked and refilled on a regular basis. 2. They can increase sodium levels in the water. This is a concern for people who are on low-sodium diets. 3. They can discharge brine into the environment. This is a concern for water-softening plants that have a discharge pipe that sends the brine directly into a body of water. 4. They can be expensive. The plant is a sizable initial investment, but it will pay for itself in a relatively short time. 5. They can ingest essential minerals. Some plants require the essential minerals that are in hard water.

Typical costs for water softeners range from $500 to $2,500 for a basic ion-exchange system. Installation costs can add another $300 to $1,000, depending on how complex your plumbing is. More advanced systems, like dual-tank or salt-free softeners, are either at the upper end of this price spectrum or exceed it. When you budget for a water softener, be sure to also factor in the cost of keeping it running. This means replenishing the system's supply of salt or potassium chloride. That cost—which can be around $100 a year, depending on your system—should be part of the conversation.

An effective cleaner for hard-water calcium buildup is a solution of white vinegar and water. Vinegar, naturally acidic, helps dissolve the calcium deposits that collect on affected plumbing fixtures like faucets and showerheads. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Apply to the affected areas, and let the solution sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, use a brush or cloth to scrub the area clean. For tough deposits, try using undiluted vinegar or a commercial descaling agent instead. And don't forget to rinse! Residue left behind could affect the finish and the appearance of your plumbing fixtures.