Hard water has high mineral content, containing primarily dissolved calcium and magnesium. While it’s safe to drink, it can cause serious issues for household appliances.
If you’re wondering whether you should be concerned about how hard water could be affecting your appliances, keep reading to learn signs of damage to look out for, how to manage it, and when to call an appliance repair technician.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is naturally created when water percolates through soil and rock that contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. As it makes its way through the ground, it dissolves these minerals, carrying them into water supplies.
Because different minerals are present in different locations, water’s mineral content varies by region. You can look up water hardness maps or municipal water quality reports to learn more about the water supply in your area or use a test strip to determine the water hardness in your home.
Common Household Appliances Affected by Hard Water
The hardness of your home’s water isn’t something most people think about. However, while it doesn’t typically pose health risks, it can affect your home appliances.
Washing Machine
Mineral deposits in your washing machine can clog hoses and coat internal parts. The result is dingy clothes, stiffer fabrics, and soap scum residue. You may also have to use more detergent due to the hard water’s interference with soap lathering.
Dishwasher
Scale on heating elements can affect your dishwasher’s cleaning performance, leading to cloudy or spotted dishes. Hard water can also cause hard-to-clean limescale buildup on the spray arms and interior walls.
Refrigerator with a Water/Ice Dispenser
If your refrigerator has a water or ice dispenser, it’s susceptible to the effects of hard water, as well. You may notice that the water tastes off or the ice cubes are cloudy. This occurs due to scale buildup in water lines or filters.
Other Appliances
Hard water can also affect your water heater. Scale buildup reduces efficiency and leads to higher energy bills. Plus, there’s the risk of overheating and the potential for a shorter appliance lifespan.
Your coffee maker or kettle may be affected, too, causing it to clog frequently, brew slower, or need to be descaled more often.
Signs You Have Hard Water Issues
The key to staying on top of hard water issues is to be aware of these signs, which may signal that attention is needed:
- White, chalky residue around faucets and appliances.
- Reduced appliance efficiency and increased energy costs.
- Frequent appliance breakdowns or need for maintenance.
- Dry skin, dull hair, soap that doesn’t lather well.
- Banging noises coming from the water heater, inconsistent hot water, or longer heating times.
How Hard Water Damages Appliances Over Time
A bit of hard water isn’t the end of the world, but if you ignore these issues for long enough, your appliances can be seriously impacted. When limescale is allowed to build up over time, it can cause overheating, corrosion, and premature wear. This shortens appliances’ lifespan, which means you’ll have to pay for premature replacements. Plus, it increases maintenance needs and reduces energy efficiency.
Preventing and Managing Hard Water Damage
So, what can you do to prevent and manage the effects of hard water? Let’s take a look:
Install a Water Softener
Water softeners are added to your home’s plumbing system to remove minerals through a process called ion exchange. It helps to minimize the effects of hard water on your home appliances and extend their lifespan.
Use Specialized Cleaning Products
If adding a water softener isn’t an option for your home, you can use additives when running your dishwasher and washing machine to help prevent mineral buildup. There are also special cleaning products you can use that are designed to remove limescale from small appliances.
Regular Maintenance and Descaling
Professional maintenance may be necessary to remove buildup and ensure your appliances are functioning properly. At the first sign of trouble, call an appliance technician for inspection, tune-up, and descaling services to keep your appliances in good working order.
When to Call an Appliance Repair Technician
Sometimes, hard water-related damage needs professional repair. If you suspect that stubborn mineral buildup is affecting your home appliances, don’t wait to call the experts at Appliance E.M.T. Let us come take a look before the problem worsens, and we’ll get your appliance back on track in no time.
Contact Appliance E.M.T. today for all your appliance inspection, repair, or maintenance needs.
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