Hard water typically refers to water containing high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, but water hardness can also be caused by a combination of dissolved metals including iron, manganese, aluminum, zinc, and barium. Hard water can affect many homes in Las Vegas, causing multiple cleaning, plumbing, and maintenance-related issues with some more frustrating than others. To avoid these headaches, it’s in your best interest to call in a trusted local plumbing specialist to efficiently address these water hardness-related problems.
Here are the most common problems caused by hard water in your home.
Bad, Metallic Taste, Funky Odor & Cloudy Appearance
This is usually the first telltale sign that you have hard water in your home and it is the easiest way to be detected by any homeowner. If your water smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, the culprit could be a specific type of bacteria that reacts with magnesium or hydrogen sulfide. This unpleasant, metallic taste is usually caused by an excessive amount of iron. You may also notice that your water looks cloudy and your drinking glasses look spotty due to the presence of minerals in high concentrations.
Sluggish Drainage & Limescale Deposits Around your Faucets
The high concentration of minerals in hard water can also have a negative impact on water flow when they accumulate inside the drainpipes. In addition to sluggish drains, you may also have to deal with clogs that form when debris gets blocked in your pipes. Mineral buildup around your bathroom and kitchen sink faucet that continues to form despite using special cleaning solutions is another sign of hard water.
Premature Appliance Wear-and-Tear
Scale deposits can build up on the components of any appliance that uses water, causing it to wear out faster and thus negatively affecting both its lifespan and efficiency. This hard water-related problem can be very costly if the cause is not promptly addressed, as you will ultimately have to replace your appliances. A reputable plumbing company can save you valuable money in the long haul by installing the right water softener system.
Soap Scum on Sinks, Tub, and Shower & Clogged Shower Head
Soap does not fully dissolve in hard water due to its high concentration of calcium, leaving unsightly and stubborn residue on your bathtub, shower, and sinks. In addition, hard water can cause the tiny holes in your shower head to clog, resulting in low water pressure and a poor shower experience.
Hot Water Heater Problems
Hard water can negatively impact both the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater. Limescale deposits formed at the bottom of your tank can limit the amount of hot water, while those affecting the heater's heating element can decrease its functionality and shorten its lifespan by up to 4 years.
Itchy & Dry Skin
Although hard water generally poses no significant health risks to your family, you may experience dry and dull-looking skin after you've showered or taken a bath. Hard water prevents soap from properly dissolving and the soapy residue may aggravate skin sensitivity and existing skin conditions like eczema.
We Have the Right Solutions For Your Hard Water Problems
If you're experiencing one or more of these problems, be sure to contact us at Rebel Refrigeration by phone at (702) 766-9436 or via the online contact form. Our trusted and experienced Las Vegas plumbing specialists will be able to recommend a whole house water softener to properly address your hard water problems, so do not hesitate to get in touch with us for a free no-obligation estimate.