Today, we’re going to talk about something important that many homeowners overlook with their home plumbing systems. It has nothing to do with the newest, smartest, most efficient plumbing technology and everything to do with the water that flows through the fancy fixtures.
You might think that water is just water, but it’s not at all. There are actually two types of water, and each of them affects your plumbing in significantly different ways. I’m talking about hard water vs. soft water. The products you choose and the way you design your home plumbing need to be based on which of these will be flowing through your pipes.
At Sacramento Plumbing Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how making informed decisions about plumbing products can save homeowners tons of money and improve the efficiency of their plumbing. So, let me give you my perspective and some recommendations for choosing the right plumbing products based on the water hardness in your area.
What’s the Difference Between Hard Water and Soft Water?
Okay, first things first, water hardness.
Water can be hard or soft. Hard water is full of mineral particles that it picks up as it flows underground and over rocks. Mostly calcium and magnesium. When you use hard water in your home without taking steps to soften it, those minerals cause trouble. Over time, they stick to your pipes, faucets, and appliances and build into deposits that cause clogs, reduced water flow, staining, and damage to your pipes and fixtures.
Soft water doesn’t have the same amount of mineral build-up. As a result, it’s much more gentle on your plumbing system. It doesn’t lead to mineral deposits, which means you experience better water flow, less stains, and a longer lifespan for all your plumbing fixtures. Soft water is way better in nearly every way from a plumbing perspective.
My Plumbing Recommendations for Hard Water Homes
If you’re in an area with soft water, you can choose any plumbing products you want without concern. If you’re dealing with hard water, you’re going to want to make smarter decisions.
The good news is there are plenty of ways to prevent the damage that hard water can cause. It requires more time and attention, but it’s worth the effort and isn’t a big deal. Here are my top recommendations.
Use Pipe and Water Softener Products
The best and cheapest way to prevent hard water problems is to install a water softening system and use conditioners to treat the water entering your home. These systems are great at effectively reducing the hardness of your water and will be a huge benefit for your entire plumbing system. It’s possible to do this yourself with the help of YouTube, but I highly recommend hiring a professional plumber to install and maintain these systems for the best results.
Don’t Skip Routine Maintenance and Inspection
Most homeowners ignore the importance of hiring a professional plumber for routine maintenance and inspection. A lot of them can get away with it because their home runs on soft water. But if you’re running on hard water, scheduling routine maintenance and an inspection of your entire plumbing system isn’t negotiable. You might get away with it for a while, but eventually, you’ll have problems that will be far more expensive than regular maintenance costs.
Choose the Right Pipe and Fixture Materials
Certain materials are much better than others when it comes to resisting mineral deposit build-up, corrosion, and staining.
When it comes to your pipes, CPVC, PEX, PP-R, stainless steel, and copper are the best options. Each of these materials serves a different purpose. Some are better at resisting deposit build-up and corrosion resistance, while others are better for businesses like restaurants. Your plumber can tell you which choice is best based on your circumstances.
As far as fixtures go, the material you choose will determine how often you need to clean unattractive mineral stains. The most affordable and most common material choice is porcelain. On top of being resistant to hard water stains, porcelain is already white, which makes any stain far less noticeable. Other material choices are stainless steel, which is pretty stain-resistant, and certain types of ceramic tile.
Buy Faucets, Showerheads, and Dishwashers with Anti-Scale Technology
Another option to consider is fixtures designed specifically to resist scale build-up. These products include specialized components that prevent mineral deposits from accumulating to ensure your water flows at a consistent pressure. There are also dishwashers with scale-busting technology that can help maintain the best cleaning levels and reduce your need to descale it constantly.
Spend the Money on a High-Efficiency Water Heater
Water heaters are particularly vulnerable to hard water damage, including scale build-up and corrosion, which is why traditional water heaters have sacrificial anode rods. When your water heater suffers hard water damage, it reduces heating efficiency and increases energy costs.
I always recommend that my clients invest in a high-efficiency water heater with anti-scale features to avoid these issues. This is particularly important if you’re dealing with hard water, but a high-efficiency water heater is an excellent choice for all homeowners regardless of their water hardness.
Wash Your Clothes with a Washing Machine with Hard Water Modes
This one isn’t really a plumbing product, but it’s a recommendation that I make often. Some washing machines have settings designed to handle hard water conditions by adjusting water usage and the amount of detergent required to clean your clothes as efficiently as possible. If you’ve noticed your washing machine has been struggling, consider looking into one of these guys.
How to Test Your Water Hardness
If you aren’t sure about your home’s water hardness, you need to find out. You can perform a simple DIY test using kits available at hardware stores or online, but once again, I suggest you consult with a professional testing service to get an accurate assessment of your water quality.
Contact Sacramento Plumbing Solutions for the Best Products Based on Your Water Hardness
Whether you’re dealing with hard water or enjoying the benefits of soft water, understanding the characteristics of the water running through your plumbing system is essential. This information will help you select the best high-performance fixtures and appliances. It will reduce maintenance and repair costs. And it will reduce your water usage and contribute to a more sustainable house, which is particularly important in states like California. I’ve done my best to provide valuable insight in this article, but remember that every area, home, and plumbing system is unique. You need to consult a professional plumber for personalized guidance on selecting the best plumbing products based on your water’s hardness and other factors.
At Sacramento Plumbing Solutions, we have over 20 years of experience helping homeowners make the right choices to ensure their plumbing system operates at their best. If you live in the Sacramento area, schedule a free plumbing inspection to learn more about plumbing products, water-softening systems, and our comprehensive services to address your plumbing needs and ensure your home’s plumbing system remains in top condition.
