Hard water, or water with high mineral content, is common in many areas of Waukesha, WI, so homeowners should be aware of the ways that hard water can affect their lives. Hard water contains higher concentrations of various minerals, like calcium and magnesium, which can cause issues with many household appliances that use water during operation. Here are some of the ways that hard water can affect your appliances.
Hard, Scaly Mineral Deposits
Hard water carries minerals into your appliances, where they can be deposited within the appliance itself, in hoses that carry water to the appliance, and in the drain lines. These mineral deposits can be difficult to remove and, over time, can build-up to the point where they create a blockage that affects the performance of the appliance. This build-up tends to occur faster in appliances that use hot water or have drying capabilities as evaporation leaves behind a greater concentration of minerals.
Water Flow Restriction
Hard water mineral deposits in the pipes that feed water to your appliances can restrict the amount of water that flows into the appliances, negatively affecting their operation. Appliances that are not getting the right amount of water at the right time cannot operate optimally, often leading to the homeowner having to run the appliance additional times to achieve suitable results. Moderate water flow restrictions can generally be solved with professional pipe cleaning services, while severe restrictions may require repiping.
Reduced Efficiency
Hard water can make your appliances work longer and harder than they should have to in order to achieve suitable results. For example, the minerals in hard water reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, so loads run in dishwashers and washing machines may have to go through the wash cycle twice for everything to get cleaned properly. This will also increase wear and tear on the unit, ultimately leading to less time between replacements.
Warranty Denials
While manufacturer warranties for appliances are designed to cover the issues that arise under normal use, many of these documents waive coverage for damage that occurs due to hard water. If there is mineral build-up in the appliance, it could be seen as an indication that you did not care for the appliance properly, and your claim may be denied. This could leave you on the hook for an expensive repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Hard water can negatively affect the performance and longevity of your appliances, so it is important to do everything you can to reduce the effects of hard water in your home. One common solution is to incorporate a water softening system into your existing plumbing to reduce the mineral content of the water flowing through your pipes. For more information about water softening systems and dealing with hard water, contact the plumbing experts at Jeff’s Custom Care today!