Plumbers in Littlehampton; Hard water affecting plumbing system
Ways In Which Hard Water Can Affect The Plumbing System And How Plumbers Help
The quality of water on your property is directly proportional to the quality of life you are experiencing. Water is not created equally, and therefore, in most places, we get what is most often called hard water. In this blog, we will learn more about hard water, the way it affects the plumbing system and how professional plumbers in Littlehampton can help.
Although many of us use water, which comes in abundance, the quality of water is different from one place to another. This common water quality issue can impact your plumbing system. The presence of hard water affects the plumbing systems, the efficiency and the longevity of our plumbing system. Let us, therefore, discuss the problems and solutions related to hard water in detail.
Concept of Hard Water
Hard water is characterised by high concentrations of minerals. Such water mainly contains calcium and magnesium. These minerals are present in the ground and can eventually find their way into water sources. When water percolates through mineral-rich soil or rocks, it eventually absorbs these minerals. Slowly and gradually, the water starts getting harder.
The degree of water hardness is measured in parts per million. Water is considered hard when it has a hardness level above 60 ppm or 3.5 gpg. However, the plumbing systems start getting disturbed, and the problems in the system become more noticeable as the hardness level increases. If you are struggling with hard water problems in your house, talk to the plumbers in Littlehampton to get expert advice on the treatment of water.
Hardship of the Plumbing Fixtures
When hard water starts disturbing the plumbing system, it is seen on plumbing fixtures. The minerals in hard water start depositing on faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures. You can notice a chalky and white residue that is known as limescale. These marks and residue as a result of hard water make the space look shabby and unclean. It also prevents the fixtures from working properly.
Limescale in a large number can slow down the flow of water. It is because it reduces the water pressure. Additionally, limescale clogs the openings of faucets and shower heads, which reduces the performance level. The accumulation of limescale on fixtures may also result in the need for more frequent cleaning and upkeep.
Effects on Pipes and Water Heaters
While the effects on fixtures is more visible, the effects of hard water can go beyond the surface. Plumbing pipes and water heaters can suffer from limescale buildup, too. As hard water flows through pipes, it leaves behind deposits and leaves it to pile up over time. This buildup can constrict the inner diameter of pipes and reduce the water flow.
In water heaters, the heating element quickly gets effected by hard water. The minerals in the water actually coat the heating element, which kills the efficiency. This process not only increases energy consumption but lowers the lifespan of the water heater. In extreme cases, too much limescale buildup can cause overheating issues and even damage the water heater completely.
Impact on Appliances
Hard water can also destroy your expensive household appliances that use water. The most common examples of household appliances that require water usage are dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers. These appliances get to suffer as a result of the adverse effects of hard water. The minerals of the hard water react with the use and, therefore cause the below-mentioned problems:
1. Reduction in the quality of cleaning
Limescale can decrease the detergent’s effectiveness. When the detergents cannot function properly, you cannot expect successful cleaning in dishwashers and washing machines.
2. Appliance Gets damaged
Hard water deposits can pile up in the internal components of appliances. It can lead to damage and might require costly repairs.
3. Appliances Become short-lived
The accumulation of limescale can also add to the premature wear and tear of appliances. Thus, the appliances are short-lived.
How plumbers in Littlehampton can help
There are many ways to reduce the bad effects of hard water on plumbing systems. Plumbers in Littlehampton adopt effective approaches like the installation of water softeners to assist in the protection of your appliances. These devices work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions. It helps to reduce the hardness of the water.
Plumbers also conduct regular upkeep of your plumbing system to help manage the effects of hard water. Professional plumbers use commercial descaling solutions to break down limescale deposits on fixtures and flush the water heater after a certain interval. It removes the excessive buildup.
If you are struggling with problems in your plumbing system, look no further than Unirex. We are a team of reliable plumbers with years of experience working towards achieving a healthy plumbing system.
For more information about our plumbers in Littlehampton, visit our website and call us to book an appointment.