Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of certain minerals like calcium and magnesium. While safe for human consumption, it can have detrimental effects on a facility’s plumbing system and water-based equipment. Untreated hard water can result in a variety of short and long-term problems. Below are 10 effects of hard water to your facility that could negatively impact if the water is left unsoftened.
- Efficiency: Mineral deposits in pipes cause reduced water flow. The pipes are the arteries and veins of the building and without proper water flow, the system can break down.
- Appliances: Appliances operating with water wells are also susceptible to mineral buildup over time. They will begin to require more energy to run and costs can begin to rise.
- Scale: The buildup of calcium and magnesium is called limescale, or “scale”. Scale deposit is not a good conductor and when it builds up on the heating elements, it forms a barrier between the water and the source of heat. More energy must be used to heat the water.
- Maintenance: Equipment wash downs may be a frustrating and longer than needed process. Cleaning your equipment with hard water leaves residue and film which is unsightly and does not leave the appliance properly cleaned.
- Plumbing: More frequent plumbing fixture replacement. According to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), hard water can decrease the lifespan of a toilet by 70 percent.
- Laundry: Facilities with laundering equipment or using detergents have reason to be concerned as well. The minerals in hard water combine with the detergents and can render them ineffective, forming soap curd. This can create an insoluble precipitate and require more detergent to be used.
- Pipes: Excess mineral buildup creates scale in pipes. Scale can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and over time this can cause the erosion of pipes, resulting in leaks and breaks.
- Drinking-Water: The excessive minerals in hard water, namely Magnesium and Calcium, can alter the taste to food or drink products when made with unsoftened water.
- Skin Irritation: Hard water removes moisture from your skin which causes it to become dry and possibly irritated.
- Did you know? Not softening or pre-treating the water sent through your facility’s boiler or cooling tower equipment may negate the manufacturer’s warranty.