Many homeowners in the Phoenix area have hard water, which is water that contains elevated levels of minerals. While it’s generally safe to drink, it can have a negative impact on many areas of your home, including your plumbing system. It could even affect your appliances, shortening their lifespan and causing them to work inefficiently.
Contact Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an inspection at your Phoenix home. We’ll assess your water quality and recommend how to eliminate hard water and improve your water quality.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water contains a significant amount of minerals, particularly magnesium and calcium. You can see it and, in many cases, can even feel it on your skin as you’re showering or washing your hands. It’s actually a contributing factor in the formation of soap scum. The calcium reacts with the soap, creating a film (aka soap scum) on everything from your dishes to your clothes. The film creates a barrier, requiring extra soap, laundry detergent, and other cleaning products to clean effectively.
How Hard Water Affects Plumbing Systems
Over time, hard water can take a major toll on your plumbing system. One of the primary problems is that the minerals build up within your plumbing pipes, narrowing their diameter. The longer the issue goes unaddressed, the more it worsens, developing into serious problems like reduced water flow and severe clogs. Older pipes are especially at risk for hard water issues. They’re typically prone to corrosion, which hard water can accelerate. Hard water can also damage appliances, leading to internal corrosion and mineral buildup that decreases their lifespan and reduces efficiency.
Signs Your Home May Have Hard Water
Hard water problems in your home are usually easy to notice. For example, you might experience reduced water pressure or see spots on your dishes and drinkware. You may also notice that your appliances aren’t working optimally. However, the most obvious indicator is seeing mineral deposits on areas like your faucets, the corners of your walk-in shower, and on showerheads. This limescale is easily recognizable by its chalky, white, crusty appearance.
Water Softener Solutions for Hard Water
We can install a whole-home water softener, which eliminates hard water from your home. The installation process usually takes between two and four hours, but it’s best to plan for a full day just in case. An adult, preferably the homeowner, must be home during the process. This allows us to access the necessary areas of the home, provide information about the new system, and ask any necessary questions. The water softener starts working quickly, with noticeable differences typically within a few days.
Having soft water is ideal, especially compared to hard water. A water softener reduces mineral buildup, which helps protect your plumbing system and appliances. Soft water is also better for your clothes, hair, and body. It may even help you use less cleaning product, such as soaps and detergents. It allows you to use the standard amount of each rather than overcompensating to counteract the effects of hard water.
We don’t recommend attempting to install the water softener system yourself. It can be challenging to set up correctly for those who don’t have professional experience. Our team understands how to complete the process efficiently and safely. Attempting to install the system on your own may also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Many include terms saying that only licensed professionals can install the system; otherwise, the warranty becomes null and void.
If there’s significant mineral buildup in your pipes, it can be helpful to schedule professional drain cleaning. This service can remove the buildup, along with clogs and other debris that accumulated as a result of hard water issues. Among its many benefits, drain cleaning allows water to flow freely without disruption. You can help give your pipes a fresh start without the troubling effects of hard water flowing through them.
Who Needs a Water Softener in Phoenix?
Many homeowners throughout Phoenix can benefit from installing a water softener. This is especially the case if they’re experiencing issues due to hard water, such as appliance inefficiency. Repeated clogs due to mineral buildup in the pipes can also be incredibly frustrating. The good news is that once the softener is installed, you’ll usually notice fast, positive changes.
Prevent Hard Water With Morehart
Our family-owned and -operated company takes pride in helping clients improve the water quality and overall plumbing systems in their homes. You can trust our experienced, trained technicians to complete water softener installations, water heater repairs, and other jobs safely and accurately. We consistently take the “Morehart, less hassle” approach to customer service. It’s how we’ve earned dozens of positive online reviews. Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating is always available to help clients, providing both standard appointments and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding more about hard water and the effects it could have on your home and body is important as a homeowner. It allows you to make informed decisions in the best interest of your plumbing system and well-being. Here are several questions we often receive from local homeowners who are considering installing a water softener.
Do I Really Need A Water Softener For Hard Water?
You don’t necessarily need one. However, you should get one if you want to extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and improve its functionality. It also helps reduce the risk of emergency repairs and encountering problems like clogs, slow-draining water, and low water pressure. A water softener can even have a positive effect on your body, from your head to your feet.
Can Hard Water Damage My Plumbing System?
Hard water can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. For example, it can cause a mineral buildup in the pipes. This can cause the insides to narrow, reducing water flow and increasing the risk of clogs. It could also decrease the lifespan of your appliances.
What Signs Indicate Hard Water In My Home?
You’ll typically notice reddish stains that resemble rust or a crusty white buildup appearing around areas like your faucets or showerheads. Additionally, spots might appear on your dishes. It could also reduce the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, so your clothes may not be properly cleaned. Additionally, it can result in problems for your body, causing itchy skin, dry hair, and increased eczema symptoms.
How Long Does A Water Softener System Last?
A water softener generally lasts about 10 to 15 years. However, to encourage longevity, it’s important to have us professionally inspect it at least once a year. Monthly maintenance is also crucial to help it last as long as possible.
Start the process of fixing the hard water problem at your home. Morehart Air Conditioning & Heating in Peoria, AZ, provides high-quality water softener installations to local homeowners. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or book services online.
