Most homes have hard water, which is packed with minerals and can affect the lifespan and functionality of your appliances and pipes. Hard water can be damaging and even pose possible health threats. Fortunately, there is an easy fix to hard water: water softeners. Water softeners can remove the damaging minerals in your home’s water supply and help protect your family, appliances, and plumbing system from harm. Keep reading to learn how a water softener may be beneficial to you and your home!

How Hard Water Affects Your Appliances

Two of the minerals common to hard water are calcium and magnesium. These are the same minerals that found in limestone and other sedimentary rocks. These minerals are prone to buildups and often form “scale”. Scale is hazardous to your pipes and appliances, especially your water heater. It prevents your appliances from doing their job. For example, it can form insulation in your water tank and cause the tank to corrode, which ultimately leads to jammed valves and unexpected leaks. It can even affect the performance of your dishwasher and washing machine, leaving you with dirty dishes and ruined clothes. If you feel your appliances aren’t working at their full potential, you may want to consider a water softener.

How Hard Water Affects Your Pipes

One of the main issues with scale is that it can cause build up in your pipes, ultimately clogging them and disrupting your home’s plumbing system. Blockages can lead to pressure issues, which can cause leaks and busted pipes. This can result in extensive water damage and timely repairs.

ACE Home Services - How-to Fix a Burst Water Pipe: Repair the Pipe

Another major issue with scale is that it promotes the growth of biofilm, which can be damaging to your health. Although the minerals themselves are not dangerous for your well-being, the scale that they form becomes a popular surface for bacteria to accumulate and form biofilm. Biofilm can harbor disease and virus-causing bugs. If the water from your pipes ever back up in the drain, it exposes you and your family to this harmful bacteria. Yikes!

Take Action Today!

The following are steps you can take today to help prevent any of these issues from occurring and keeping your home in top-condition:

Schedule a plumber for regular maintenance services on your home’s plumbing system
Make sure to regularly check your water heater and other appliances for any signs of hard water damage
Install a water softener to keep hard water from damaging your home

If you think that your home may be exposed to hard water and want to take action, call ACE Home Services! We will send a knowledgeable and experienced plumber to your home to help you find the right softener at the right price. Call us today!