The Truth About Hard Water: How It Affects Your Plumbing and What to Do

If you’ve noticed stubborn soap scum, lackluster laundry, or scaling on your faucets, you might be dealing with something every homeowner dreads—hard water. It's an invisible culprit with visible effects, damaging your plumbing and decreasing the lifespan of your appliances. But what exactly is it, and what can you do about it?

This comprehensive guide breaks down the science of hard water, explains its impact on your home, and provides reliable solutions to manage and prevent its effects. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or property manager, understanding hard water is essential to maintaining a healthy plumbing system.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water refers to water with a high content of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t harmful to drink, but their effects on your plumbing, appliances, and daily routines can be significant. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, approximately 85% of homes in the United States have hard water in some form, meaning this is a nationwide issue that affects the majority of households.

Where does hard water come from? When water evaporates or is heated (think running a dishwasher or turning on a shower), these minerals crystallize, leaving behind white, chalky deposits known as scale or limescale. Over time, these deposits can wreak havoc on plumbing systems, appliances, and fixtures.

How Hard Water Impacts Your Plumbing

Your plumbing system bears the brunt of hard water’s destructive effects. Over time, buildup can narrow your pipes, reducing water flow and increasing the likelihood of clogs. Hard water affects your home’s plumbing in the following ways:

1. Restricts water flow due to scale buildups
2. Pipe corrosions
3. Shorter lifespans for appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines

How to Tell If You Have Hard Water

Unsure if hard water is an issue in your home? Be on the lookout for these common signs:

• White, chalky buildup on faucets, showerheads, or in kettles (limescale).
• Soap scum on sinks, tubs, or shower doors that’s difficult to remove.
• Stiff, scratchy laundry, even after washing with fabric softener.
• Reduced water pressure in sinks and showers.
• Premature wear and tear on appliances or visible residue in dishwashers or washing machines.
• Dry hair or skin after bathing.

Testing Your Water

The next step is to test your water to confirm its hardness. You may purchase a DIY testing kit to measure water hardness, or you can consult a professional to test your property's water quality.

Solutions to Hard Water

If you’ve confirmed hard water in your home, don’t panic—several solutions can help reduce its impact. Water softeners, water filters, and descaling agents are some fixes you can implement ASAP.

Maintenance Tips to Prolong Appliance Life

To mitigate hard water’s effects, routine maintenance is crucial. Here’s how to keep your plumbing and appliances in good shape despite hard water challenges:

• Clean Showerheads and Faucets regularly using vinegar soaks to remove limescale buildup.
• Flush the Water Heater at least once a year to clear sediment from the tank’s interior.
• Use Specialty Cleaners for appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to prevent limescale buildup.
• Replace Worn Parts in appliances to ensure limescale doesn’t deteriorate their performance further.

Hard Water Treatment in Lake Oswego, OR

Hard water is more than a minor nuisance—it’s a challenge that can compromise your plumbing, appliances, and overall quality of life. However, with the right solutions, you're sure to enjoy a more comfortable home.

Are you a homeowner or a business owner based in Lake Oswego, OR looking for reliable plumbers? Contact Alchemy Plumbing today at (971) 405-8448 to schedule a consultation and check out our plumbing and maintenance plans.