Hard Water in Hampton Roads: 4 Signs Your Plumbing Is Suffering

What is Hard Water?

According to the USGS, the term hard water refers to water that is high in certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulated in the water long before it reached your indoor plumbing. Running deep through the soil, water passes through layers of limestone and other mineral rocks, picking up deposits along the way. Believe it or not, it has no known adverse effects and is generally considered safe to drink. However, the minerals cause unsightly hard water buildup stains, form film on fixtures and dishes, and damage your plumbing.

Long-Term Effects of Hard Water Buildup

Limescale is tough on plumbing, and over time, you can see the effects. Below are warning signs that preventive maintenance or repairs may be needed. Over time, corrosion caused by mineral-heavy water can actually cause plumbing, fixtures, and pipes to break if the damage becomes severe.

1. Mineral Scale

As time passes, hard water causes mineral scale buildup in your plumbing. You may also see buildup on your showerhead or appliances. Descaling agents are available over the counter to remove the scale and protect your plumbing. 

2. Low Water Pressure

Mineral buildup in your pipes can cause blockages over time. These blockages result in low water pressure, and if the problem is left untreated, pipes can break. You can flush pipes with a descaler to break down these mineral buildups or install a water softener. If the problem persists, you should call a plumber.

3. Frequent Appliance Repairs

The buildup from high-mineral water passing through your plumbing causes corrosion to occur in your plumbing and on appliances and fixtures. As a result, your plumbing wears out faster and requires frequent repairs. Corrosion can actually cause pipes to leak or burst, so it is important to do regular preventative maintenance. 

4. Rust-Colored Water

Besides high calcium and magnesium content, mineral deposits from water may contain high amounts of iron.  The iron can turn the water rust-colored over time. If you find that your water is discolored, iron deposits are most likely the culprit.

Other Effects of Limescale

High mineral deposits in your water cause additional problems. Magnesium and calcium deposits cause stained or cloudy glassware and dishes. When soap combines with the mineral deposits in the water, the result is a filmy residue that is unsightly and difficult to remove. Deposits build up in the laundry as well. In fact, you may notice that with the passage of time, hard water buildup in your washing machine has turned the color of your laundry dull and that its texture is rough or stiff. These are all signs that your plumbing is suffering from the long-term effects of hard water.

What to Do When You Have Mineral-Heavy Water

When you know your home uses hard water, it’s important to take preventive action.

• Have regular maintenance checks for blockages.
• Check your plumbing pressure regularly.
• Check pipes for any wear and tear that requires repair or replacement.
• Invest in a water softener in the form of an additive or device.

By doing so, you’ll be able to avoid emergencies where the plumbing deteriorates to the point of bursting.

As a homeowner with hard water buildup, you need a local plumbing company that can provide an honest assessment. And if you have a plumbing emergency, you need an experienced professional who responds quickly and effectively.

Smith & Keene has been serving the Hampton Roads area since 1947. We built a reputation of excellence, providing our community with the same high-quality plumbing service since our business first formed. We offer an annual plumbing membership for $149 to address long-term problems such as plumbing damage from mineral-heavy water. If you have any questions about limescale issues, please contact us.