The Impact of Hard Water on Commercial Plumbing Systems

More than 85 percent  of buildings in the United States have hard water. This can cause myriad problems to appliances and plumbing systems. Left unaddressed, it can lead to buildup that clogs water lines and make drinking water more susceptible to bacteria.

Hard water is often detected when experiencing dry skin or mineral buildup in their hair. It will show up as spots on dishes or leave washed clothes feeling rough or stiff.

Since activities like showering or washing clothes happen at home, businesses often have no idea that they have problems with hard water until it is too late. This makes the problem of hard water more insidious in commercial plumbing systems.

This article covers the impacts hard water can have on pipes, appliances, and people who work in your business. It also includes some steps you can take to avoid or mitigate such issues. Keep reading to find out more.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that is a high mineral content. This happens as water moves through rock formations that contain calcium, magnesium, or other minerals.

The hardness of water is measured by estimating the grains per gallon (gpg). This is where a grain is equal to 0.002 ounces of calcium carbonate that has been dissolved in 1 gallon of water.

In general, anything below 3 gpg is considered soft water. From 3.5 gpg to 7 gpg, the water is moderate (and the ideal level of hardness). Anything at or above 7.5 gpg is considered hard water and requires treatment.

How Does Hard Water Affect Commercial Plumping Systems?

As hard water movies through pipes, it leaves behind a scale that will build up over time. This narrows the space through which water can flow.

These mineral deposits can eventually lead to clogged water pipes or drains. It also means more opportunity for bacteria to accumulate in your pipes.

Hard water also can impact the lifespan of appliances that use water. These include dishwashers, coffeemakers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

The problem is more severe in certain parts of the country . You can perform tests to reveal the mineral contents of your water, but there are some hard water symptoms you can look for as well.

These include residue or film left behind after washing hands and scale buildup in sinks and on faucets. Also, drinking water can have a salty taste to it.

Hard Water Solutions

The good news is that there are some simple treatments  for addressing hard water. The most common is adding a water softener to your water source. These work by replacing magnesium or calcium with sodium ions.

Water filtration systems are another effective way to address hard water. These have the added benefit of getting rid of chlorine and other harmful contaminants in the water.

Find Commercial Plumbing Services Near You

Now that you understand some of the effects that hard water can have on your commercial plumbing system, you can take steps to address these problems. A professional plumbing service can further advise you on ways to manage any ongoing issues.

At Andersen Commercial Plumbing, we provide economical and functional solutions that help our clients operate more successfully. We work in a range of industries, from small businesses to major healthcare, biotech, and aerospace operations. Reach out to us today  to learn more.