3 Ways Hard Water Can Damage Your Drainage
When homeowners think of the possible things that can damage their plumbing, few think of hard water. Hard water is filled with minerals. Water becomes hard when it falls down on the ground and picks up debris in the form of minerals such as magnesium and calcium. If you have hard water, you should call a plumber to install a water softener. Here are some ways hard water can damage your drainage.
Clogging Plumbing
Over time, hard water causes clogged drains. Although the minerals in hard water are too minute to clog your drains, they can come into contact with soap to form soap scum. This scum hardens as it moves down your water pipes. Soap scum hardens into solid particles that mineralize as hard water moves through the area. This creates plugs that slow drains. As a result, this clogs toilets and interferes with the garbage disposal.
Additionally, clogged plumbing is hard on the inner sections of your pipes and can cause problems such as joinery gaps and pinhole leaks. Over time, clogged pipes can cause issues such as mold growth, drips inside your walls, and indoor flooding. Consult a plumber for the installation of a water softening or infiltration unit.
Corrosion
Hard water contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which destroy some types of metal used for plumbing. The minerals gradually eat away the metal in your pipes. As a result, you will experience breaks, leaks, and discolored water.
If the corrosion in your pipes isn't addressed early, the entire plumbing system could disintegrate. You will end up incurring the cost of replacing your plumbing system. Take note that corrosion isn't limited to your pipes. It can affect your drains, faucets, appliances, valves, and fixtures.
Stains
Hard water creates stains on sinks and faucets. The white or yellow buildup on these fixtures is because of an accumulation of calcium.
This buildup isn't only unattractive, but it also leaves your fixtures looking dirty. Cleaning dishes and these fixtures become a challenge because the stains reappear every time you run hard water. The moment you notice the flaky buildup on fixtures, you should call plumber services before the damage worsens.
In Conclusion
Other signs that you have hard water are a yellow or white flaky buildup on your showerhead. Also, check for spray nozzles that are clogged. These nozzles are clogged by an accumulation of calcium from the hard water. Furthermore, hard water causes your clothes to become discolored.
If you notice any of these signs, call a plumbing service before the problem gets out of hand.