How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing System in Virginia Homes

Virginia’s natural beauty comes from many sources, including the mineral-rich soil. And while these minerals might be good for the local flora and fauna, they can wreak havoc on your plumbing system.

Many of them, like calcium and magnesium, cause hard water problems in Bedford, Virginia. If you’re a homeowner in the area who can’t quite get your dishes clean, it might be only a matter of time before you’re facing a plumbing repair bill. Here’s a closer look at how hard water impacts your plumbing system.

Diagnosing Hard Water Problems in Virginia

The signs of hard water are often everywhere. Fortunately, they also tend to show up long before more serious damage occurs. Keep an eye out for these signs:

• White chalky film on plumbing fixtures that is hard to remove
• Cloudy or spotty glassware
• Dry, itchy skin after a shower
• Graying laundry items

If you have one or more of these issues, you’ll want to consult with a specialist to confirm whether you have hard water problems in Virginia.

How Hard Water Affects Plumbing and Appliances

The minerals that cause hard water don’t just come out of your tap. Some of them stick to the inside of your pipes. This creates a hard buildup called scale.

Scale narrows the diameter of your pipes, which will restrict flow and increase pressure. It’s not healthy for any pipes to go through this much stress, but it's even worse for Virginia homeowners with older, galvanized steel pipes.

As for your appliances, hard water takes a toll on them, too, especially your water heater. The sediment forms a film at the bottom of the tank that acts as an insulator between the heat source and your water. This forces the water heater to work harder to get water to the desired temperature, causing energy bills to spike and making water heater breakdowns more likely.

Protect Your Home Today With Aqua Clear

Hard water doesn’t have to silently destroy your plumbing. With the right approach to water quality and maintenance, you can say goodbye to mineral and scale buildup.

The Aqua Clear team has served Southwest and Central Virginia homes since 1976. Contact us to schedule your appointment with a water treatment professional today.