What hard water is
Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium picked up from rock and soil. When it’s heated or evaporates, those minerals are left behind as scale, the white or tan crust you see on faucets and showerheads.
Signs you have hard water
- White crust on faucets, showerheads and glass shower doors.
- Spots on dishes and glasses after washing.
- Soap and shampoo that don’t lather well.
- A water heater that pops or rumbles.
What it does to your plumbing
- Water heaters: sediment builds up in the tank, lowering efficiency and shortening its life.
- Tankless heaters: scale coats the heat exchanger and can trigger error codes.
- Faucets and showerheads: aerators clog and cartridges wear faster.
- Valves: scale makes parts stick and seals wear out.
- Appliances: dishwashers, washing machines and ice makers work harder and fail sooner.
Simple ways to protect your plumbing
- Flush your tank water heater once a year.
- Descale a tankless heater about once a year.
- Soak aerators and showerheads in white vinegar to dissolve buildup.
- Replace worn faucet cartridges before they start dripping.
Whole-home water softeners and scale-reduction systems can help in homes with very hard water. If you’re considering one, have a licensed plumber look at how it would connect to your plumbing and water heater.
Is hard water safe to drink?
Yes. Hard water isn’t a health risk. It’s mostly a maintenance issue for your plumbing and appliances. If you have questions about your water, your utility publishes an annual water quality report.