Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium, and when it flows through your plumbing, it can leave tiny deposits of those minerals on whatever the water touches. The water droplets evaporate, but the minerals don’t. You may think of hard water as a nuisance, but it’s a very different story for your plumbing, especially the drains. Keep reading to find out more about how hard water can threaten your drains.
Layers of Mineral Deposits Contribute to Clogs
When hard water flows through a pipe, it leaves behind a film. While the water evaporates, the minerals that make it hard get left behind on the inside of your pipes. As more water runs through the pipe, the layer of mineral deposits gradually starts to grow.
Sometimes, it can grow for so long that it eventually starts to close off the pipe. Your sinks and tub can back up, requiring the help of a plumber. Drains may seem slow as the opening in the pipe gets smaller and smaller.
But another possible effect is that the combination of mineral deposits partially closes off the drain, and another material, such as hair, ends up clogging the pipe. While the water in our area isn’t typically hard enough to cause serious plumbing damage on its own, when combined with other factors, it can lead to significant trouble.
Potential Corrosion
The mineral deposits can be corrosive, resulting in damage to your pipes. This is more likely to happen if you have an older plumbing system with iron or copper pipes. If your home has these materials, you need to keep an eye out for signs of pipe corrosion. However, even modern materials can suffer damage if they’re exposed to the minerals in hard water for an extended period.
How Can You Prevent Problems From Hard Water Deposits?
While most people focus on hard-water issues like spots on their dishes, dry skin, and damaged clothing, it can also wreak havoc on your plumbing. Fortunately, you don’t have to deal with these problems.
You can take some steps yourself to protect your drains from hard water deposits. One is to install a water softener, which can remove a lot of the minerals. Another is to have your drains regularly cleaned to remove any mineral buildup. A plumbing service can help keep those drains clear so that you don’t have to deal with clogs.
Leave Your Pipes to the Pros
If you’re having issues with mineral deposits, hard water, slow drains, and frequent clogs in Albuquerque, NM, contact Ace Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical about drain cleaning.