Bad water quality does not only impact cooking and drinking. At worst, plumbing systems fail because of hard water. A little less known problem is how sediment build-up can shorten the lifespan of our appliances and everything it touches. If these issues are left unaddressed, bad water quality can destroy more of your household, which ultimately leads to costly home repairs.
Most homeowners don’t heed the water running through their pipes until something so alarming happens. The residue on the glassware from the dishwasher may go unnoticed. The same goes for how the washing machine takes longer to clean the clothes. When faucets start to weaken, that’s when households begin to panic. But at this stage, the damage could have been so great that it would give plumbers and your wallet a hard time.
Look for signs that the water in your home may be affecting your household deeper than you can imagine.
Hard Water and Its Effect on Appliances
Lesser households know about the effects of hard water on their appliances. Its abundance of minerals like magnesium and calcium creates serious issues for household systems.
These minerals remain in appliances as hard water passes through. When the build-up worsens in pipes and heaters, they become less efficient. The same goes for our washing machines and dishwashers. The sediment that got stuck in their parts would push them to work harder and use more energy. As a result, the clothes may feel stiff after washing. The dishwasher will also produce dishes with a cloudy film.
You can prevent these issues with a good filtration system. A water softener can address the hard water problem. Reduce mineral build-up to save your appliances.
Sediment and Debris in Plumbing Systems
As mentioned, sediment collects in appliances and plumbing fixtures. Even if the water looks clean, there are still tiny particles of dirt that make their way through pipes. They stop and build up in areas which ultimately clog the pipes and other waterways.
When this happens, water pressure drops. Fixtures will also not function as smoothly as before.
Regular maintenance keeps these issues in check. Flush out water heaters to remove some build-up. This is something you should do more often if you live in Western or South Australia, where hard water is a common household problem.
Homeowners should buy a water filter in Australia, even if they live in soft water regions, to reduce sediment before it reaches their appliances.
Chlorine’s Impact on Plumbing and Fixtures
Chlorine is regularly added to tap water to fight bacteria and keep it safe for drinking. While this process protects us from unclean water, chlorine can be harsh on household systems.
High chlorine levels break down pipes and rubber seals inside appliances. This can lead to costly repairs. Water fixtures may also lose their shine and develop a rough texture over time.
For homeowners looking to reduce chlorine exposure, a filtration system helps remove excess chemicals while keeping water safe for use. This is a good solution for households wanting to reduce chlorine exposure.
Signs That Water is Causing Appliance and Plumbing Issues
Some water-related problems show up slowly. Others become noticeable quickly. Keep an eye out even for very small changes. Monitor your appliances and plumbing to identify bigger issues down the line. Here are some signs:
- Look for reduced water pressure. Build-up inside pipes restricts flow, making faucets weaker over time.
- Cloudy or spotted glassware. Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits that make dishes look dirty even after washing.
- There is faster wear and tear on appliances. Washing machines and dishwashers are often victims of mineral build-up.
- Check for leaks. Chlorine exposure can break down rubber and plastic parts. Conduct a regular check on them.
- Watch out for unusual noises from heaters. A popping sound from a water heater could mean a sediment build-up.
