Hard Water in Tempe: How It Damages Pipes and What Homeowners Should Know
Hard Water in Tempe: How It Damages Pipes and What Homeowners Should Know
If you live in Tempe, you are probably familiar with the white crusty buildup on your showerheads and faucets. That is hard water, and it is a fact of life here in the desert. While it is annoying to clean, what it does inside your plumbing system is a much bigger problem. In our years servicing Tempe homes, we see this a lot—hard water silently eating away at pipes and appliances.
The Reality of Tempe’s Water Quality
Our local water supply comes from a mix of surface water and groundwater, picking up plenty of minerals along the way. According to the City of Tempe water quality report, our water typically has a mineral content around 200 to 300 parts per million (ppm) of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The USGS water hardness data classifies anything over 180 ppm as “very hard.”
This means your water is packed with calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are fine to drink, they wreak havoc on your plumbing. When water flows through your pipes, it leaves behind microscopic deposits that build up over time. Think of it like plaque in your arteries, slowly restricting flow and causing damage.
How Hard Water Attacks Your Pipes
The type of pipes in your home determines how hard water affects them. Many older homes in neighborhoods near ASU or south of the US 60 still have galvanized steel or older copper pipes. Hard water scale sticks to the inside of these pipes, narrowing the opening. Over time, you’ll notice a drop in water pressure. It takes longer to fill the bathtub, and the shower feels weaker.
With copper pipes, the problem can be even worse. The high mineral content, combined with the hot Arizona temperatures, can cause pinhole leaks. The minerals slowly corrode the copper from the inside out. By the time you see a damp spot on your drywall, the damage is already done. We regularly get calls for Tempe plumbing services just to replace sections of copper pipe that have completely failed due to hard water corrosion.
The Toll on Your Water Heater
Your water heater is the biggest victim of hard water. As water heats up, the calcium and magnesium separate and fall to the bottom of the tank. This creates a thick layer of sediment. If you’ve ever heard a popping or rumbling noise coming from your water heater, that is the sound of water boiling under the sediment layer.
This sediment buildup forces your water heater to work much harder to heat the water. It wastes energy and drives up your utility bills. Worse, it drastically shortens the lifespan of the unit. A water heater that should last 10 to 12 years might only last 6 to 8 years in Tempe without proper maintenance. If you suspect your unit is struggling, it might be time to look into water heater repair before it fails completely and floods your garage.
Protecting Your Fixtures and Appliances
It isn’t just pipes and water heaters taking a beating. Your dishwasher, washing machine, and icemaker all suffer from hard water exposure. The minerals clog internal valves and wear out rubber seals faster than normal. You might notice your dishes coming out cloudy or your clothes feeling stiff and fading quickly.
Even your expensive bathroom fixtures aren’t safe. The scale buildup can ruin the finish on faucets and clog the tiny nozzles in your showerhead. Trying to scrub it off with harsh chemicals can sometimes damage the fixture even more. It is a frustrating cycle for many homeowners.
What Homeowners Can Do
You can’t change the water coming from the city, but you can change the water flowing through your house. The most effective solution is installing a whole-home water softener. These systems use ion exchange to remove the calcium and magnesium before the water ever hits your pipes. It is an upfront investment, but it pays for itself by extending the life of your plumbing and appliances.
If a water softener isn’t in the budget right now, regular maintenance is key. Flushing your water heater once a year to remove sediment is absolutely essential in Tempe. You should also routinely clean your faucet aerators and showerheads by soaking them in white vinegar to dissolve the scale.
Don’t wait for a pinhole leak or a blown water heater to take action. If you are noticing low water pressure, strange noises from your water heater, or severe scale buildup, give AZ Home Services Group a call at (602) 806-7212. As your trusted plumber in Tempe, Arizona, our technicians can assess your plumbing and help you find the best solution for your home.
