Calgary’s Water Hardness’ Impact on Plumbing is something that many homeowners are curious about, but most are just too busy or distracted to figure out why their water is leaving stains and causing issues. The Bow River and other sources of Calgary’s water naturally pick up calcium and magnesium from rocks, contributing to a higher mineral content that directly influences how our homes’ plumbing systems perform over time. This mineral content is what makes our water “hard.” So just how hard is Calgary’s water, and how does it affect your pipes, faucets, appliances, and even your skin and hair?
Calgary’s water hardness impact on plumbing isn’t a myth; it’s a fact of life here. If you’re noticing these signs in your Calgary home, chances are you’re dealing with the side effects of our hard water. Let’s investigate further and find out why it happens, the long-term consequences of hard water, and discover some practical solutions you can implement to deal with Calgary’s unique water situation.
Why Calgary’s Water is So Hard
First things first, Calgary’s water is rated hard to very hard based on the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in it. Hard water in itself is not unsafe to drink, according to Health Canada. However, if untreated, over time, hard water can have long-lasting impacts on your plumbing and even your everyday routines.
Hard Water in Calgary - Understanding The Science
Understanding Calgary’s water hardness impact on plumbing requires looking into how water hardness is measured. It is commonly measured in grains per gallon (mpg). The higher the GPA, the harder the water. The City of Calgary has a water hardness range that’s anything but soft water, falling somewhere between 140 and 260 mg per litre or around 7 to 15.1 gpg depending on your location and the time of year.
Take North Calgary, for instance. It’s known to have lower water hardness, averaging about 194 milligrams per litre in January. This higher mineral content translates to limescale deposits on your pipes and fixtures, and that’s when those hard water problems start creeping in.
How Hard Water Can Hurt Your Home’s Plumbing
Those limescale deposits are like uninvited guests that settle inside your plumbing system and wreak havoc as they go. Limescale restricts water flow, making it difficult for your plumbing system to do its job efficiently. Over time, these tiny mineral deposits lead to bigger problems.
Some problems caused by mineral deposits include clogged pipes, reduced water pressure, and eventually, costly repairs or even replacement. No one wants to spend extra on their plumbing when they don’t have to. These issues are why water softeners work so well to prevent plumbing issues.
Effects of Hard Water On Your Daily Life
Hard water’s reach extends beyond your pipes. It can creep into your everyday life, impacting things you might not expect like your water heater, washing machines, and even your water tank. Are your dishes looking a little cloudy, no matter how many times you run them through the dishwasher?
Feeling like you’re using way more soap than usual, but still not getting a good lather? Does your skin and hair feel a bit rough after every wash? You may want to test your water hardness.
Signs You're Living With Hard Water Issues
There’s a pretty good chance you are noticing Calgary’s water hardness impact on plumbing, and possibly even your body. Hard water can make it harder to get a good rinse, leaving your skin feeling dry and your hair dull and lifeless.
This means if you are spending a fortune on high-end shampoo and conditioners that don’t seem to be doing the trick, Calgary’s water could very well be to blame. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, the sodium ions used in water softeners could be a concern.
Solving the Calgary Hard Water Dilemma
So, what can a Calgarian do to manage Calgary’s water hardness impact on plumbing and households? Luckily, there’s an answer: water softeners. The good news is there are options when it comes to water softeners. From whole-house systems to those handy shower head filters that target hard water woes, there’s a perfect fit for every home and budget.
Investing in a water softener installed in your home can significantly reduce hard water deposits in your plumbing. You can test water hardness yourself or hire a professional plumber to test the water for you.
Finding the Right Solution
Before you invest in a water softener, though, you should contact your local Calgary plumber, who understands the unique challenges our hard water presents. A local plumber will be happy to guide you in selecting the best system for your household and can also provide services like drain cleaning, heater repair, toilet installation, and water softener installation.
To properly manage Calgary’s water hardness impact on plumbing, remember regular maintenance is your best bet. Regular cleaning, inspection, and servicing of your plumbing fixtures can go a long way in keeping your system working efficiently. Consider these suggestions as a long-term investment.
You Know Calgary’s Water Hardness' Impact on Plumbing: What's Next?
Calgary’s water hardness impact on plumbing and even your personal care routine is a real challenge. But it’s a challenge you can tackle head-on. Knowledge and action will ensure you continue to enjoy clean and healthy water, a properly functioning plumbing system, and peace of mind, even if we can’t easily fix the quality of our municipal water supply.
All Calgary residents can count on Precision Plumbing to help them install the ideal water softener that can meet their home’s needs. We are excited to hear from you and help you maintain your plumbing system in excellent condition! Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.