Hard Water effects on your home

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Hard water is a fact of life for most of us in the Northeast.

In fact, The stats tell us 85% of homeowners are affected by hard water.

If you were to take a look around your home for signs of hard water, they wouldn't be hard to miss!

When hard water evaporates it leaves behind mineral deposits known as scale. Scale can be found most easily around faucet taps and shower heads. It appears as a White or rusty scale buildup.

Over time, scale buildup can affect your plumbing as well as water dependent appliances.

• If your dishwasher is no longer cleaning dishes as well as it used to, hard water might be the problem. Soap doesn’t lather as well with hard water, diminishing the soap’s effectiveness.
• If you notice your clothes are coming out of the wash looking a little dingy and just not as bright and clean as they should be, is another sign of hard water.

Over time hard water scale buildup forms in your pipes.

It slows the efficiency of your water-using appliances. More energy is required for your water heater to function, and the flow of water to your dishwasher and washing machine slows down. 

These deficiencies can lead to higher utility costs.

According to Homewater101 

• 29% more energy is used to heat your water during the life of your water heater if you have hard water.
• Over 10 years, it’s estimated your water bill will be $1,500 more if you have hard water.
• The lifespan of home appliances decrease by 30-50%.

If possible, investing in a water softener can help eliminate your hard water problems. But in the meantime there are things that you can do to help with the rust stains and White scale that is left behind.

Keep in mind, none of these things will help with mineral build up in your pipes, but acts as a temporary appearance fix.

For Stains, spots and scale buildup 

Apple Cider Vinegar or White Vinegar is a good natural alternative to chemical cleaners if you prefer.

Vinegar’s acidity can cut through the minerals left behind by hard water. Create your own cleaner by mixing a 50–50 solution of distilled water and vinegar to spot-treat scale on shower doors, faucets and around sinks and tubs.

Combine vinegar with baking soda for a more powerful scrub for inside bathtubs and sinks.

If you do not have vinegar, lemon juice is a good alternative!

Again, none of this will help with corrosion to your pipes or the affects that hard water has on your appliances. It's best to speak to a professional regarding this and Water Softener solutions.

If you have an questions or concerns about the effects that water can have on your home; give us a call today at 603-298-6942.

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