The truth about hard water and plumbing problems in Michigan

If you live in Michigan, chances are you’ve heard of the term “hard water” it’s been thrown around. But what does it mean actually? And more importantly, how does it affect your plumbing?

Hard water is water that has a high concentration of minerals, primarily calcium, and magnesium. While minerals aren’t harmful to drink, they can wreck havoc on your homes, plumbing system overtime. Want to help break down the impact of water on your place, fixtures, and appliances And what you can do to protect your home.

How hard water affects your plumbing 

Mineral buildup in your pipes 

One of the biggest plumbing issues caused by hard water scale buildup. Water flow through your pipes, the minerals and hard water stick to the walls, gradually forming thick layers of scale. Overtime, this reduces the water, flow, increasing water, pressure and can lead to pipes blockages and bursting .

Lifespan of water heater 

Hot water, silent killer of water heaters. The mineral settle at the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sediment that reduces heat efficiency. This means that the water heater has to work harder and use more energy to heat the water. And extreme cases, the buildup can cause the heating element to fail completely, forcing you to replace your water heater much sooner than you want to. 

Damage to faucet and fixtures 

I noticed white, chalky deposits around the faucet or showerhead? That’s what we call mine scale and it’s a direct result of hard water.  These mineral of deposits can clog, aerator, reduce water, pressure and even lead to leaks by corroding internal parts. 

Appliance wear and tear 

Hard water doesn’t just affect your pipes. It also shorten the lifespan of the household appliance like dishwashers, washing machines, and your coffee maker. Mineral deposits, clog, small water passages, reducing efficiency and leading the costly repairs or replacements.

Soap scum  and stubborn strains 

Hard water makes it difficult for soap and detergent to dissolve properly. This leads to soap scum buildup in your sinks, tubs, and showers, making your bathroom look dirty, even when it’s clean. It can also leave unsightly spots on glassware and dishes, so no matter how much detergent you use.

How to combat hard water issues

Good news? You don’t have to live with the consequences of hard water. Here are some solutions to project your farming system, and extend the life of your appliances.

Installing a water softener

A water softener is the most effective way to eliminate hard water problems. It works by removing the calcium and the magnesium ions and replacing them with sodium and potassium, preventing scale buildup in your plumbing and appliances.

Regular plumbing inspections

If you’re unsure about the condition of your pipes, a professional plumbing inspection can help you identify existing hard water damage and prevent costly repairs down the line.

Use vinegar for scale removal

For minor scaled buildup on faucet and showerhead, soaking them, and white vinegar can help dissolve the mineral and restore the water flow.

Flush your water heater

Drain and flushing your water heater once or twice a year can help remove the sediment buildup and keep it running efficiently.

Final thoughts

Hard water is a common problem in Michigan, but it doesn’t have to ruin your plumbing. Installing a water softener and staying on top of the maintenance can save you thousands of dollars and repairs and replacements. If you’re dealing with a stubborn water issue, it may be best to call a professional. They’re all over the state of Michigan and yes, we’re talking about professional plumbers.