Taps & Plumbing
The Benefits
Soft Water Effects… preventing damage to your plumbing and appliances.
Hard water is caused by minerals in the water such as calcium and magnesium, which can wreak havoc on your home. While hard water is safe for people to drink and use when cooking, it can make your home harder to clean and leave watermarks on shower screens and glass. Over time, these minerals can coat your pipes and appliances such as taps and showerheads, reducing the flow of your water.
The mineral deposits, known as limescale to most people, can even be the cause of failure for certain appliances by reducing their lifespan. This is particularly true for washing machines.
The plumbing of your house is extremely important, and needs to be kept clear of any blockages. However, with hard water causing the build up of mineral deposits inside pipes, it reduces the availability of water over time. If a tap has a build-up of limescale, it can cause it to drip water and produce only a weak stream of water for you to use.
The minerals found in hard water can even erode the pipes and cause holes. These types of problems aren’t always noticeable at first and it is hard to tell when you need to act upon it until it’s too late.
Another danger that limescale can cause in pipes is a complete blockage when there is too much. Appliances that use hot water can further accelerate the rate of limescale build-up. Over time, this can cause your appliances to consume more energy due to the increased strain it puts on the machine to heat the water. Water heaters will have more mineral buildup than cold water pipes and sometimes a popping sound can be heard when the water heater is heating. This is caused by interior mineral expanding and contracting.
An integral part of any home is your boiler, water hardness levels are extremely important when it comes to your boiler. If you have extremely soft water with a high flow rate, it can leave pits in the copper tubing. On the other hand, extremely hard water will cause mineral deposits to be left behind and can block the boiler tubing. Alongside your water hardness, the pH level of the water flowing through your boiler is equally important, by ensuring the pH level is correct, you can prolong your boilers lifespan. Most manufacturers will provide the recommended pH levels in your manual.
If you want to prevent hard water damage, one of the best ways to do so is to have a water softener installed in your home. The softener is installed between your water source and the internal plumbing to filter out all the minerals that cause limescale. Inside the tank is a resin or crystalline substance suspended in a saltwater solution. When water containing minerals filters through, the minerals swap places with the sodium in a process called ion exchange. A softener is usually installed under the sink, but loft installations are an option as well.
The Facts
- Soft water will increase the lifespan of your household appliances and keep them running at their best.
- A water softener will trap the potentially harmful minerals that can damage and block your plumbing.
- A water softener will ensure there are no mineral build-ups, ensuring you have an optimal flow of water.
- Limescale build up is eliminated, making your taps and appliances much easier to clean.
- A water softener will ensure there is no strain on hot water appliances, keeping your heating bill down.
- A water softener will supply your boiler with the ideal water, prolonging its lifespan and saving you money.
- No more limescale in your kettle, making that morning cuppa' even better!