Many homeowners in California have hard water running in through their taps. This is due to at least 40% of their water being groundwater, which is harder than surface water. While hard water seems like a rusty nuisance that just stains your sink and other items, the truth is it’s more brutal on your plumbing system and home appliances.
The difference between hard and soft water is that the former has higher mineral content. Hard water consists of sulfates, bicarbonates and chlorides with specks of oxidized ferrous iron which causes redness (or brown stains) on surfaces.
Luckily, hard water can be filtered to make it less harmful to your plumbing system. If you live in Sacramento or North Valley, you should definitely consider water filtration services from Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. To better understand how inconveniencing hard water can be to your home, here are eight of its major effects.
1. Clogged Pipes and Fittings
As minerals settle on the interior of the faucets, it can be coated with a pipe scale. Just like plaque in your veins and arteries can damage your heart, scale in the faucets can damage your plumbing system. If your water doesn’t lather easily, it contains harmful mineral deposits. PVC, copper, and steel pipes can reach the end of their lifespan quickly if you don’t detect the problem early.
We recommend installing a whole-house water softener system in your main supply to remove these minerals from your water. Our floor-mounted home water softener gets rid of sodium, calcium, and magnesium to guarantee clean and safe drinking water for your family.
2. Filthy Shower Heads
Considering that your local municipality supplies you with groundwater for domestic use, chances are you’re bathing with hard water. Unfiltered water contains a lot of bacteria, hard metals, and scum that you don’t want to touch your hair. Since the chlorine and calcium in the shower can harm your scalp, you need to take the initiative to get rid of these elements.
Since we care about your safety, we provide a range of modern showerheads that come with reliable filtration systems. Besides removing chlorine, metals, and odors, our showerheads are efficient since they can help you save water.
3. Discolored Sinks
Your kitchen sink is designed to get rid of grease, food, and other unwanted items in your kitchen. However, scale build-up causes these items to bind on the walls of drain pipes. Over time, the gunk will accumulate and reduce the water flow. If your sink has a garbage disposal unit, you need to keep it clean at all times. Otherwise, you will be repulsed by the odors and slimy dirt that won’t go down the drain.
We recommend investing in an under-sink water filter that gets rid of elements in the hard water. If you have a small space for installation, our filter is designed to fit in a closed cabinet.
4. Clogged Faucets
Unfortunately, your beautiful brass or stainless steel faucets are vulnerable to the mineral deposits from hard water. As the water circulates, it leaves a trail of chlorine and magnesium deposits in its wake. As these unsightly deposits worsen over time, they become impossible to clean off. Unfortunately, you’ll have to replace your expensive faucets prematurely.
Our faucet water filtration system provides a range of options that include filtered water, unfiltered water, and filtered spray. It provides potable water and attaches to your conventional faucet easily. We install a space-efficient filter that eliminates lead, chlorine, asbestos, Benzene, and any other harmful particulates.
5. Dirty Washing Machines
Scale from unfiltered water can clog the mechanical system of your washing machine and wear it down over time. Since hard water damage can take several years off the life of your washing machine, you need to take the necessary steps to safeguard it. Mineral deposits that clog the washing machine can write it off as it contains delicate rubber seals, hoses, and drums.
The best way to protect your washing machine is to trap the sediments at the point of entry. We install a mainline filter that contains a cartridge to protect your washing machine from limestone and chlorine deposits. A standard filter can last for 9–12 months depending on the severity of the problem.
6. Chalky Dishwashers
If your dishwasher is becoming coated in scale, it poses more risks than you think. Certainly, a dirty dishwasher can’t keep your dishes clean. Besides, the chalky residue that clogs up your dishwasher can damage the components. Unclogging the dishwasher with vinegar will only provide a temporary solution. If you don’t act fast, the salts will eventually corrode the appliances.
Our dishwasher water filter combats all residues and buildup on the glassware. It takes advantage of the reverse-osmosis technology to remove chlorine and heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, and fluoride. Our filter is not only easy to install, but the twist and lock design will help you replace the cartridges easily.
7. Unresponsive Water Heaters
When calcium and fluoride settle at the bottom of your water heater, the sediments absorb most of the heat, making the heater more costly to operate. We start by removing the sediment to increase the efficiency of your heater. Even if you have a tankless water heater, the minerals that clog your pipes can restrict the amount of water that goes to the appliance.
For all tankless heaters, we install a filtration system with an array of cartridges for maximum absorption. The conventional water heaters require an innovative five-stage filtration system that prevents scale buildup by removing fluoride and any other particles that cause sedimentation.
8. Unsightly Bathtub
Considering that water circulates in your bathtub, the presence of mineral deposits can cause discoloration that affects the aesthetic value. Dealing with the limescale that hard water leaves on your bathtub can be a daunting task. While cleaning the bathtub every time you use it can help, you’ll notice that the chalky stains won’t budge.
Even if the bathtub looks shiny after cleanup, the hard water will react with soap and create slimy gunk again. Since you don’t want to bathe with the scum that floats on your bathwater, you need to take the necessary precautions.
Our bathtub water purifier utilizes innovative filtration technologies that get rid of the elements that harden your water. Our easy-to-replace filters ensure you enjoy clean bathing water and protect your bathtub from the elements that can shorten its lifespan.
Get Top-Notch Water Filtration Services
Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning provides trustworthy water softener installation and replacement services to homes. Our whole-house water softener system utilizes the latest technology to remove salts, metals, and minerals from your water before it runs in your taps. This makes it good for drinking and cleaning. Our system is also engineered to protect your pipes, drainage lines, and appliances from corrosion and damage. Our BBB accredited company also offers heating, air conditioning and duct services for residents of Sacramento and North Valley.
Is your home water mainly hard and wreaking havoc to your appliances and plumbing system? Contact Gallagher's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today to get prompt assistance for water filtration and keep your family safe.
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