The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that about 85% of all American households have hard water. Water hardness refers to the levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in the water. Some estimates suggest households can save hundreds annually on home upkeep through the use of a water softener. A water softener is a point-of-entry system that removes hardness minerals like calcium and magnesium from tap water before it enters the home. Let’s explore the potential issues if you have hard water but don’t use a water softener.

Limescale in Pipes

When hard water is warm or still, it can leave behind limescale. While each layer is microscopically thin, it really adds up over the years. With each new layer, the diameter of your pipes becomes smaller, decreasing water pressure. Another issue in metal pipes is that scale can cause them to corrode through electrochemical reactions.

Drainage Issues

Scale builds up in your drains as well, including sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and even your sewer line. That accumulation shrinks the diameter of the drain, slowing drainage. It creates a rough surface where food, hair, and other items can more easily form clogs. Scale also promotes the formation and hardening of soap scum. That combination is why homes with hard water and no water softener frequently need drain cleaning and hydro jetting services.

Less Effective Detergent

Just as hard water can promote soap scum, it can limit a detergent’s ability to be effective. Households with hard water tend to spend significantly more on laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, body wash, and so forth. These additional expenses are key reasons why water softeners are often recommended in areas with hard water. Hard water can also cause laundry freshness issues, faded laundry, and spots on glassware and dishware.

Reduced Energy Efficiency

Scale accumulation reduces the energy efficiency of water-using appliances. This loss is particularly notable when it comes to electric and fuel-fired water heaters. A water heater can account for as much as 20% of a household’s total energy usage. Sediment in the tank and buildup on components can increase month-to-month costs by 10% to 15% on average.

Shorter Appliance Lifespans

Studies by the Water Quality Association show that hard water can have a devastating impact on appliance lifespan as well. It can reduce water heater and boiler lifespans by up to 50%. Water hardness also has a dramatic effect on washing machines, dishwashers, coffee makers, and so on. It also shortens the life of your aerators, faucets, showerheads, toilets, and other fixtures.

Homeowners who are unsure how hard their water is should schedule a quality test. Testing can reveal hardness, alkalinity, impurities, and many other issues with your home’s water. If you live in Muncie, IN or a surrounding area and need water softener services, make your first call to Aqua Gold Water Treatment.