If you live in California, you’re likely familiar with hard water. It’s a common issue for CA homeowners. You may notice cloudy spots on your glasses and dishes, or stains on some surfaces. Maybe you’re dealing with dry or irritated skin after bathing.
When it comes to plumbing, the impact of hard water on your water heater can be significant. So whether you’re a new homeowner or someone who has been dealing with hard water for years, let’s discuss the problems that it can cause and what you can do about it.
Understanding Hard Water
Hard water is mineral-rich, primarily with concentrations of calcium and magnesium. This occurs naturally as water flows through limestone and other deposits. It’s safe to drink, but it can cause problems for your plumbing infrastructure even if you have the best water heater for hard water.
Hard water is present throughout California, especially in areas that draw from the Colorado River or local groundwater supplies. Southern California, in particular, has some of the hardest water in the country.
Effects on Water Heaters
How does hard water affect plumbing systems? The primary issue is scale buildup. This occurs when the minerals leave sediment inside the water heater tank and on heating elements. This scale buildup acts as an insulator, which causes your water heater to work harder to heat the water. This can:
- Significantly reduce efficiency over time
- Increase energy consumption and utility bills
- Shorten the life span of your equipment
- Spread mineral deposits throughout your pipes
- Reduce water flow and pressure
If you live in an area with hard water, you need regular water heater service to avoid problems.
Signs of Hard Water Damage
A couple of the warning signs you have hard water include:
- Chalky residue on faucets or showerheads
- Spots or film on glassware
- Dry, itchy skin after showering
- Appliance performance issues
Hard water may also have an unpleasant or slightly metallic taste. If you have a sudden change in water quality, it might be due to an increase in the mineral count.
Solving Hard Water
How do you keep hard water from ruining your hot water heater?
You can install a water softener system that will treat the water. There are salt and salt-free options available. You can also install whole-house filtration systems or use other types of water conditioners.
Regular maintenance and descaling can remove minerals from your water heater to avoid buildup, protecting your pipes and infrastructure.
Long-term Benefits of Addressing Hard Water
A high-quality water heater should last a long time, but hard water can require its replacement sooner. That can get expensive. By addressing hard water, you can extend the life span of your water heater and the plumbing throughout your home.
You also benefit from:
- Improved energy efficiency and lower utility bills
- Better overall water quality
- Better-tasting water
- Softer skin and hair
You’ll also see improved performance from appliances that use water, like your dishwasher or washing machine.
Professional Assessment and Installation
While there are DIY solutions, dealing with hard water is best left to the professionals. An expert can evaluate your water hardness levels and help you choose the right solution.
For example, you may benefit from installing the best electric water heater for hard water or other types of water heaters for hard water. Household size, water usage, and local water quality all play a role in finding the right solution, so make sure you get an evaluation by an experienced technician. Having the work done by a pro ensures the system is properly integrated into your existing plumbing and operates safely.Regular maintenance by certified technicians can keep your water heater operating for years to come. The pros at Payless Water Heaters have installed more than 100,000 water heats throughout SoCal and NoCal and provide professional water heater installation and water heater repair. When you need water heater service, contact Payless Water Heaters.
