How Hard Water Can Affect Your Drains

If your home has hard water it can impact your home in a number of significant ways. In addition to soap scum and limescale, hard water can actually cause some problems for your drains.

Here at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we provide a full line of Denver drain services including drain cleaning and clog removal. We’ve been in the plumbing business for a long time and wanted to share some of our thoughts about how hard water can affect your drains.

Read on or give us a call today to talk with one of our Denver plumbers about your drain issues!

What is Hard Water?

For those who may not be aware of what hard water is, it’s basically water that has excess minerals in it. Much of the water that we get from our utility company is groundwater that has to travel through many different kinds of rocks and minerals in order to get to the treatment plant. While your water company purifies and cleans the water, there are a couple of common minerals that can remain. Most often, hard water is comprised of calcium and sometimes magnesium.

Common Drain Damage from Hard Water

Limescale is probably the biggest problem for drains and hard water. Limescale refers to the actual mineral deposits that occur from hard water. If you’ve ever taken your dishes out of the washer and found them covered with a chalky, white dust then that’s limescale.

Limescale buildup is a progressive issue that starts small but can escalate into more serious plumbing problems. In your home, areas most affected are typically those where water consistently heats up or evaporates, such as in dishwashers and washing machines.

Reduced Flow and Clogging

As limescale accumulates, it narrows the diameter of the pipes, which can significantly reduce water flow. This restriction makes it harder for the appliances to operate efficiently and increases the risk of clogs. Over time, this can mean longer cycles in dishwashers and washers, increased energy use, and even the risk of appliance breakdown.

Increased Maintenance and Repair Costs

To counteract the effects of limescale, you may find yourself frequently employing services to chemically treat or physically remove the scale from pipes and appliances. In severe cases, the buildup can be extensive enough that sections of piping or the entire appliance need replacement, leading to considerable expense.

Impact on Appliance Efficiency

Limescale also directly impacts the efficiency of your appliances. For instance, heating elements covered in limescale have to work harder, which requires more energy and leads to higher utility bills. Additionally, the reduced efficiency can shorten the lifespan of these appliances.

Preventive Measures and Solutions

Addressing hard water and limescale involves a few strategies:

• Water Softeners: Installing a water softener in your home is one of the most effective ways to prevent limescale buildup. Softeners remove the minerals responsible for limescale through a process called ion exchange.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly descaling appliances and flushing pipes can help reduce the buildup of limescale. There are many commercially available descaling agents that are effective at removing deposits.
• Professional Assessment: If you’re experiencing significant issues, it may be beneficial to consult with a plumbing professional, like those at Bell. We can assess the extent of limescale buildup and suggest specific actions, which might include more sophisticated treatments or replacements.

Denver Drain Pros Are Just A Call Away!

For all your Denver, CO drain repair or replacement, contact Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical!