If you live in Calgary, chances are you have dealt with hard water at some point. Maybe it’s the stubborn white spots on your dishes, the soap that never seems to lather properly, or the scale that keeps showing up on your faucets no matter how much you clean. It is easy to think of these as small annoyances, but hard water can do a lot more damage than you might realize. Over time, it can shorten the life of your plumbing, appliances, and even your heating system.

What exactly is hard water and why does Calgary have so much of it?

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Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally picked up as water moves through limestone and chalk underground. Calgary’s water supply comes from mountain-fed rivers and reservoirs that naturally carry more of these minerals, which is why our city is known for having water that’s harder than the national average.

How does hard water affect pipes, fixtures, and appliances over time?

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Those harmless-looking white spots on your taps and shower doors are actually mineral deposits. Inside your plumbing, those same deposits build up in pipes, narrowing the pathways water can travel through. This means reduced water pressure, strain on your plumbing, and a higher risk of leaks. 

Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters also suffer. Mineral scale can coat heating elements, making them less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. In the case of your hot water tank, hard water can even cause it to overheat and fail years earlier than it should.

What signs should you look for at home to spot hard water issues early?

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There are several clues that your home might be struggling with hard water. Look for cloudy glassware, dry or itchy skin after showering, or soap that doesn’t lather well. You might notice a chalky buildup on faucets and showerheads or see your water pressure gradually getting weaker. Laundry might come out feeling stiff or looking dull. And if your water heater is making more noise than usual, that can be a sign of sediment and mineral buildup inside.

How can a water softener help protect your plumbing and heating system?

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A water softener works by removing most of the calcium and magnesium minerals from your water before they reach your taps, appliances, or heating system. This not only prevents scale buildup but also helps your soap and cleaning products work better, keeps laundry softer, and extends the life of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. Over time, the savings on repairs and replacements can far outweigh the cost of installing and maintaining a softener.

What quick steps can you take right now to minimize hard water damage?

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Even without a water softener, there are simple things you can do to limit the impact of hard water.

• Wipe down faucets, shower doors, and sinks after use to prevent buildup
• Use a vinegar solution to remove scale from taps and showerheads
• Run hot water appliances with a cleaning cycle using a descaling product
• Install faucet and showerhead filters in high-use areas
• Drain and flush your hot water tank at least once a year to reduce sediment

How often should your water softener be serviced for best results?

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For most Calgary homes, having your water softener serviced once a year is ideal. A technician will check for proper settings, clean the brine tank, and make sure the resin beads are in good condition. They’ll also spot any leaks or wear before they turn into bigger problems. Regular service ensures your softener is working efficiently and giving your home the protection it needs from hard water.

Calgary’s hard water might be here to stay, but the damage it causes does not have to be. At ERM Plumbing and Heating, we can help you choose the right water treatment system for your home and keep it running at peak performance. Call us today to schedule a plumbing check-up and get your home plumbing ready to handle Calgary’s tough water conditions.

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