When it comes to maintaining your home, water quality is often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. If your home has hard water, you’re likely dealing with more than just stubborn soap scum or cloudy glassware. Hard water can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and water heater, leading to costly repairs and reduced efficiency. Here’s what you need to know about hard water and how Shield Plumbing can help.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are safe to drink, they leave behind deposits known as limescale. Over time, this buildup can affect your plumbing and appliances, especially your water heater. Homes in Tacoma and the surrounding areas often experience hard water due to the region’s natural water composition, making it a common issue for local homeowners.
How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing
- Clogged Pipes
- Mineral deposits accumulate inside your pipes, narrowing their diameter and restricting water flow. This leads to low water pressure and increases the likelihood of clogs.
- Leaks and Corrosion
- Over time, limescale can weaken pipes, causing leaks and even corrosion, particularly in older plumbing systems.
- Reduced Appliance Lifespan
- Hard water damages water-using appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and faucets by clogging their internal components and reducing efficiency.
- Increased Maintenance Costs
- Hard water forces your plumbing system to work harder, leading to more frequent repairs and higher maintenance costs.
The Impact of Hard Water on Your Water Heater
- Sediment Buildup in the Tank
- In traditional water heaters, hard water causes minerals to settle at the bottom of the tank. This sediment buildup creates a barrier between the heating element and the water, forcing the heater to use more energy to heat the water.
- Shortened Lifespan
- Sediment buildup leads to overheating and wear on the heating element, significantly reducing the lifespan of your water heater.
- Inefficiency
- A water heater filled with sediment is less efficient, driving up your energy bills as the system struggles to perform.
- Tankless Water Heaters Aren’t Immune
- While tankless water heaters don’t have storage tanks, hard water can still affect them. Mineral deposits can clog the system’s heat exchangers, reducing efficiency and leading to costly repairs.
How Shield Plumbing Can Help
Shield Plumbing offers comprehensive solutions to combat hard water and its effects:
- Water Heater Descaling Services: Remove mineral buildup and restore efficiency to your water heater.
- Water Softener Installation: Reduce hard water’s impact on your plumbing by removing excess minerals.
- Routine Maintenance: Regular inspections and cleanings keep your plumbing and water heater in top condition.
This February, take advantage of Shield Plumbing’s 15% off all water heater installation services, including tankless systems. With this limited-time offer, you can save up to $1,200 while upgrading to a system that’s better equipped to handle hard water.
Protect Your Plumbing and Water Heater Today
Don’t let hard water damage your home or cost you more in energy and repairs. Shield Plumbing is here to help Tacoma homeowners tackle hard water with expert solutions and a commitment to lasting results. Call us today or book online to schedule your free water assessment or take advantage of our February water heater promotion!
