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The quality of the water in your home is an important factor to consider when it comes to the health of your plumbing system. Hard water contains high levels of minerals that can cause adverse effects on your plumbing system, such as clogged pipes, damage to fixtures, and more. In this blog post, a plumber in Toronto lists the negative impacts of hard water on your plumbing system, and how to prevent them.
Clogged Drains:
Hard water can cause a build-up of scale in your pipes, which can lead to clogged drains. When the minerals from hard water settle in your pipes, they create a thick coating that restricts the flow of water and can eventually lead to clogs. As water flows through your pipes, it carries the scale with it and over time, the buildup increases until it clogs the drain.
Clogged drains can be a major inconvenience and often require a professional plumber to clear out the blockage. It is important to check for clogs regularly and take steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Broken Pipes:
One of the most damaging effects of hard water is broken pipes. As hard water flows through the pipes, it leaves behind deposits that can cause buildup and blockages. Over time, these blockages and buildup can cause corrosion in the pipes which can lead to cracks and eventually, complete pipe failure.
To prevent pipe failure, you should have your plumbing system regularly inspected by an emergency plumber in Toronto to ensure that there are no issues or blockages. You should also use a water softener, if possible, to reduce the amount of hard minerals that enter your pipes.
Corrosion:
Hard water is known to cause corrosion in a variety of plumbing components, including metal pipes and valves. This is because the minerals in the water can break down the protective coating on the surfaces of these components, leading to rust and eventually, leaks.
In addition, corrosion can reduce the lifespan of your plumbing components, resulting in frequent breakdowns and repairs. To prevent corrosion, it is important to install high-quality pipes and valves that are resistant to corrosion and, as mentioned earlier, install a water softening system.
High Water Bills:
Hard water contains more minerals than soft water, and as it passes through your pipes, those minerals build up and create a layer of scale. This scale reduces the flow of water and increases the pressure, forcing your water heater to work harder than usual to heat the water and send it into your home. The result is a higher utility bill for your hot water usage. You may also see an increase in your cold water bill if you have reduced flow from the mineral buildup. Talk to a 24 hour plumber in Toronto to obtain the right solution.
If you live in an area with hard water, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues that it can cause to your plumbing system. Get in touch with a certified plumber if you need assistance with the same.