Depending on where you live, you may have hard water or soft water. While both water types are safe to drink, they can impact the longevity of your plumbing system. If you have hard water, you will most likely need to perform more frequent maintenance and repairs on your plumbing system.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. These minerals are safe to drink, but they can end up clogging some of your pipes. You may notice unseemly stains on your tubs and sinks. Because your appliances have to work harder, you may also end up spending more on your water bill. Additionally, hard water can cause linens and clothes to wear out faster.

The Signs That You Have Hard Water

If you are uncertain about whether your home has hard water or not, there are a few signs you can look for. You can also ask a plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to see what type of water your home has. In general, you can assume you have hard water if you notice any of the following symptoms.

• Chalky residue on your dishes or in your dishwasher.
• Low water pressure from clogged pipes.
• Dry skin.
• Rough, dull clothes.
• Flat hair.

How Can You Alleviate Hard Water?

Over time, hard water can end up clogging your plumbing system. Besides reducing your home’s water pressure, this can also cause your appliances to break down. To avoid hefty replacement and repair costs, you need to be proactive about dealing with your hard water.

If you think that you could have hard water, start by calling a plumber to get your water tested. Afterward, you may want to use a water softener. This will help to reduce the effects of hard water on your plumbing system.

Besides getting a water softener installed, you should also request a maintenance inspection. If you have had hard water for a long time, it may have caused additional wear on your water heater, pipes, fixtures, and faucets. By getting your plumbing system checked out, you can mitigate some of the effects of hard water.

Get Help With Your Home’s Plumbing System

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we have years of experience in helping local residents with hard water. We also offer help with drain cleaning, house repiping, faucet repair, and similar services. To learn more about how we can help your plumbing system perform at its best, reach out to one of our team members today.