If you live in California, you are probably already dealing with hard water. From chalky residue on faucets to spots on your glassware, the signs are easy to recognize. However, many homeowners are unaware that hard water is not just a cosmetic nuisance. This problem is silently damaging your plumbing system over time. In turn, that can lead to expensive repairs and replacements.
If you are ready to protect your home, you need to know how hard water affects your pipes and fixtures. With that, you can find the best water softener system to avoid future headaches and keep your plumbing system in excellent condition for years to come.
Why Is Hard Water Common in California?
Hard water is a problem in many parts of the country, including California. This type of water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. As water flows through soil and rock, these minerals are picked up. Many communities face this issue because California’s water supply comes from groundwater and aquifers.
Some parts of the Golden State, especially Southern California, have some of the hardest water in the country. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG). Any measurement over 7 GPG is considered hard.
Unfortunately, hardness levels can reach 20 GPG or more in certain parts of the state. You need to take precautions to protect your home and yourself from the effects of hard water.
How Hard Water Damages Your Plumbing
You might think that hard water is harmless. After all, it just leaves a few spots on your dishes or silverware. However, as it flows through your pipes, the minerals start to build up. As a result, this can create a wide range of problems for your plumbing system. These may include:
Scale Buildup in Pipes
As calcium and magnesium deposit on the inside of your pipes, they form a hard, crusty substance called scale. Over time, this scale will narrow your pipes and restrict water flow. As the buildup worsens, you may experience weaker water pressure in your showers and faucets.
In some cases, the scaling can cause partial or complete blockages. Since water cannot flow as easily, your plumbing system has to work harder. In turn, that puts unnecessary strain on pipes and fixtures. Eventually, it can result in emergency calls to the plumber.
Water Heater Damage
Hard water takes a toll on water heaters. The heat speeds up the process, causing minerals to precipitate out of the water and accumulate as a buildup. Many times, they will settle at the bottom of the tank. When you have a thick sediment layer, it forces your water heater to work overtime to heat the water. As a result, your system is less efficient.
You will see an increase in your energy bills. However, that is not the only negative outcome. Many times, it can also shorten the lifespan of your water heater. In some cases, the sediment can cause the system to overheat. You will be left with leaks or a complete failure of the unit.
Tankless water heaters are not immune. Mineral deposits can clog the small components, leaving you with a hefty repair bill.
Fixture Corrosion and Staining
Hard water leaves visible deposits on faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. These unsightly white or yellowish stains are called limescale. They will corrode metal surfaces over time. Often, that buildup interferes with seals and moving parts. Your fixtures may start to leak or become hard to operate.
Soap Scum and Household Discomfort
Hard water in your home creates other frustrations. You might notice that you have problems lathering with soap. It seems like you just cannot get clean. Sometimes, your skin may feel dry or irritated after a shower. Additionally, clothes washed in hard water may feel stiff or appear dull. Finally, you may notice a sticky residue in sinks and bathtubs. That is known as soap scum, and it is a direct result of hard water.
You May Need a Professional Water Softening System
The ideal way to handle hard water in your home is with a whole-home water softener. This system works behind the scenes to pull out the calcium and magnesium in your water before it reaches your pipes, appliances, or fixtures.
Removing the minerals that make your water hard is a process. The system has an inside tank filled with tiny resin beads that carry a special charge. As water flows through the tank, those beads grab the calcium and magnesium. In turn, it will hold them in place.
The system releases a small amount of sodium or potassium into the water during the exchange process. By the time the water leaves the tank and flows into your home, it’s been “softened.” In short, those hard minerals are gone.
The process runs automatically every time water enters your house. When the resin beads become saturated with minerals, the system goes through a regeneration cycle. During this cycle, a brine solution washes over the beads. This removes the trapped calcium and magnesium and recharges the system.
Modern systems handle all of this on their own. All you have to do is keep an eye on the salt levels from time to time.
Every home is a little different. When it comes time to choose the right water softener, that will depend on several factors, such as:
- The hardness of your water
- The amount of water that your family uses
- Your preference for a traditional salt-based softener or a salt-free alternative
For this reason, you will want to have a plumber test your water and walk you through your options. They can help you find the system that fits your needs and protects your plumbing for the long haul.
You Should Call a Professional
You might be tempted to tackle hard water problems on your own. The DIY market is flooded with special faucet attachments, showerhead filters, and chemical flushing techniques. While these stopgaps might provide limited, short-term relief, they do not address the underlying issue.
Hard water affects your entire plumbing system, including parts that are not visible. A professionally installed water softener can protect your pipes, appliances, and fixtures throughout your home. A knowledgeable plumber will ensure the system is correctly sized, installed, and maintained for the best results for your home.
Don’t Wait for Hard Water to Cause Major Damage
For many homeowners, it can be easy to overlook hard water. However, over time, mineral deposits can lead to major plumbing issues and expensive repair bills.
If you notice stains, low water pressure, or frequent problems with your water heater, contact a professional plumbing team. At Bill Metzger Plumbing, we have been helping homeowners and businesses in San Clemente and Orange County tackle their toughest plumbing challenges for years.
From water heater services and drain cleaning to full plumbing repairs and water treatment solutions, our team is here to protect your home from plumbing issues. If you’re concerned about hard water or want to protect your pipes and appliances with a professional water softener installation, we can help.
Call Bill Metzger Plumbing to schedule an appointment today.
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