At A-Star Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we’ve served the Dallas, Fort Worth Metroplex for almost 30 years. During that time, we’ve encountered nearly every plumbing issue. One of the most common issues in North Texas homes and businesses is limescale buildup due to hard water. Below we cover how Dallas hard water impacts your plumbing.

Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build up over time, creating scale and mineral deposits in your plumbing and appliances. This can lead to several issues, including reduced water flow, clogged pipes, and damaged appliances.

Hard water is ubiquitous in Dallas due to the region’s geology, sitting on top of the Barnett Shale formation, which is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. As a result, many homes in the area experience issues with hard water. Hard water contains many contaminants that can be linked to causing cardiovascular disease, cancer, cerebrovascular mortality, malformation of the central nervous system, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, childhood dermatitis, and even kidney stones.

Limescale buildup is a common issue found on faucets, shower heads, glass shower doors, tubs, water heaters, and inside pipes. Over time, this buildup can be costly for homeowners. In addition, in areas like Dallas, where hard water is extreme, limescale buildup has been known to block pipes completely.

Not just your plumbing and appliances are affected by hard water, it can also cause problems with laundry, dishes, and more. For example, hard water can cause clothes to look dingy, dull colors, and give whites a grey or yellow appearance. Gradually, it can even damage fabric fibers and shorten the lifespan of your clothes. Similarly, washing dishes, glassware, and silverware in hard water can cause spots and a cloudy coating. This is even more noticeable when using dishwashers, as the minerals from hard water are released faster under high heat.

So, what can you do to prevent or mitigate the impact of hard water on your plumbing? Here are a few tips:

How to Avoid Hard Water

Install a Water Softener:

A water softener is a device that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water. Installing a water softener in your home can prevent mineral buildup in your plumbing and appliances.

Water Filtration System:

A water filtration system can remove the minerals and impurities that cause hard water, leaving you with soft, clean water that won’t cause limescale buildup or damage to your plumbing and appliances. There are a variety of water filtration systems available, including whole-house systems that filter all the water in your home, as well as point-of-use systems that filter water at specific taps or appliances.

Use vinegar to clean your fixtures:

If you notice mineral deposits on your faucets and showerheads, you can use vinegar to dissolve them. Simply soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap it around the affected fixture. Let it sit for a few hours, then remove the cloth and rinse the fixture with water.

Regularly flush your pipes:

Flushing your pipes with hot water can help to prevent mineral buildup and keep your pipes flowing smoothly. You can do this by running hot water through your pipes for a few minutes each week.

Consider replacing old plumbing:

If your home has old plumbing, it may be more susceptible to damage from hard water. Consider replacing your pipes with newer, more durable materials like PVC or copper.

Contact A-star today to consult a licensed plumbing expert for a complete water filtration solution for your home or business.