Can Hard Water Cause Plumbing Problems?

Hard water is a very common problem in many households throughout the USA. Here in Georgia, we only have to deal with slightly hard water according to the Water Hardiness Map of the United States.

Water is labeled as "hard" when the most common minerals found in the water are calcium and magnesium. This generally is due to the types of minerals, rocks and metals that are found in the ground.

What Problems Can Hard Water Have On Plumbing Systems?

Here is our list of problems that we know of that hard water can cause and they are mostly due to the increased amount of minerals found in hard water.

1. It can cost you more money because the hard water wears down materials including clothing, metals of fixtures and appliances.
2. Problems in pipes and faucets due to scale buildup.
3. Water heater problems due to scale deposits.
4. Calcium buildup in pipes reduces water flow, creates clogs and increases stress on pipes and fixtures.

Does Hard Water Affect Appliances?

As we mentioned above, the calcium buildup can reduce water flow and create clogs which can affect appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, etc.

Eventually, these kinds of problems can cause your home's appliances to malfunction, leak and of course, use up more electricity.

Hard water can also be especially more difficult on the heating elements of water heaters which in turn reduces the lifespan of the water heater.

How Do You Prevent Hard Water Build Up?

The best solution to dealing with hard water is installing a water softener system.

Know that the water softener system will not only save your pipes but it will help to save everything in your houses that uses water. Your washing machine, your dishwasher and your toilets and maybe even your skin!

How To Remove Calcium Buildup In Your Water Pipes?

1. Purchase a product called CLR - follow the instructions and it may solve your problem.
2. Again, if the damage to your pipes is more than this solution can fix, then call us at Atlantis Plumbing today. Our professional plumbers will take care of the problem for you.
3. For each sink/shower/bathtub drain that you want to treat - fill a large pot of water.
4. Shut off the main water valve to your house.
5. Turn off the breaker to your water heater (to prevent it from burning up while no water is flowing through it)
6. Turn on all the water faucets of your home (indoors and outdoors) to allow any remaining water in our pipes to drain out. Once all the water is drained out then turn off the taps.
7. Put on eye goggles and gloves when using CLR. Use a funnel and pour the solution (according to the instructions) down your drains.
8. Bring each pot of water you saved to a boil. Once it's been at least 10 minutes since you poured the CLR down the drains, pour the boiling water quickly down the drain. This is to dissolve any grease or soap that is leftover in our pipes. Do this for each drain that you treated.
9. Once you're finished - turn your water back on and then turn your breaker for your hot water heater back on.
10. One by one, open each faucet all the way and let the water run for about 2 minutes.

If you have any questions or problems concerning your water pipes, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.