Understanding the Hard Truth
For many Edmonton homeowners and business owners, hard water isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a hidden problem that quietly erodes your plumbing, damages your appliances, and affects your health. If you’ve ever noticed white, chalky residue on faucets or experienced dry, irritated skin after a shower, chances are, it’s is already in your home.
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we’ve seen firsthand how if untreated, it can wreak havoc on everything from water heaters to skin health. The good news? You don’t have to live with it.
This guide breaks down what it actually is, how it causes damage, and what you can do to stop it—before the problem gets worse.
What Exactly Does It Mean?
It contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t harmful to drink, but they can cause major issues in plumbing systems, household appliances, and even your skin and hair.
Edmonton and surrounding areas often experience moderate to high levels of water hardness due to the naturally mineral-rich underground sources that supply the region.
The Warning Signs You Have It In Your Home
Not sure if you have it in your home? Here are some telltale indicators:
- White or cloudy spots on dishes and glasses
- Limescale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and kettle elements
- Dry, itchy skin or brittle hair after bathing
- Stiff or faded laundry after washing
- Low water pressure caused by mineral buildup inside pipes
- Shortened lifespan of appliances like dishwashers and water heaters
Damages To Your Plumbing
Mineral buildup doesn’t just look unsightly—it causes real damage to your home’s infrastructure.
1. Scale Buildup in Pipes
As this water flows through your plumbing, it leaves behind mineral deposits. Over time, these deposits form scale, a hard, chalky layer that narrows the diameter of your pipes. This restricts water flow, reduces pressure, and can lead to full blockages that require professional cleaning—or even pipe replacement.
2. Water Heater Inefficiency
Sediment from this settles at the bottom of your water heater tank, forcing the system to work harder and use more energy to heat your water. This not only increases your utility bills but can lead to premature system failure.
Tankless water heaters are particularly vulnerable to scaling on their internal heat exchangers, which can result in costly repairs if not addressed early.
3. Damage to Fixtures and Appliances
From faucets to washing machines, this water corrodes and clogs anything it touches. Appliances wear out faster, need more maintenance, and lose efficiency over time—costing you money in repairs and replacements.
The Impact on Your Skin and Hair
Beyond your pipes and appliances, it also affects your body. Most people don’t realize that water quality can have a direct impact on personal comfort and hygiene.
1. Dry, Itchy Skin
This vicous water strips away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and more prone to eczema flare-ups. The minerals in the water can also react with soap, making it harder to rinse clean, which leads to residue buildup on your skin.
2. Dull or Brittle Hair
When the water reacts with shampoo, it forms a film that’s difficult to wash out. The result? Hair that feels heavy, looks dull, and is more prone to breakage. Over time, this residue can even cause scalp issues.
Long-Term Costs of Ignoring
Many homeowners try to live with it, assuming it’s only a minor annoyance. However, the long-term consequences can be severe and expensive:
- Higher energy bills from inefficient appliances
- Frequent plumbing repairs due to pipe blockages or leaks
- More money spent on soaps and detergents that don’t lather properly
- Shortened appliance lifespan, leading to early replacements
- Increased dermatology visits for skin conditions exacerbated by mineral exposure
Ignoring it now could mean major costs down the line.
The Solution: Water Softener Systems
The best defense against this is a professionally installed water softener. These systems work by removing calcium and magnesium ions from your water supply, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions to create “soft” water that’s gentle on your plumbing and your skin.
Benefits of Installing a Water Softener:
- Extend the life of your pipes and appliances
- Improve water pressure and flow
- Save money on energy bills and repair costs
- Enjoy cleaner dishes and laundry
- Soothe dry skin and protect hair health
- Use less soap and shampoo for the same results
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we assess your water hardness levels, recommend the right system for your home or business, and install it with precision and care. We also offer maintenance services to keep your softener running optimally for years to come.
Why Edmonton Chooses Go 2 Plumbing and Heating
We’re not your typical 9-5 plumbing outfit. At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we offer:
- 24/7 Emergency Service – because plumbing problems don’t wait for business hours
- Expert Water Quality Testing and Solutions
- Certified Installations of water softeners and filtration systems
- Reliable Residential and Commercial Plumbing Services
- Upfront Pricing and No Pressure Quotes
We’ve helped countless families and businesses in Edmonton eliminate similar problems—and we’re ready to help you next.
Call Now Before Any Hard Damage Occurs
Don’t wait for a major pipe burst or an expensive appliance failure to take this topic seriously. If you’re seeing signs of buildup, dealing with skin irritation, or simply want better water quality at home, now is the time to act.
Get a professional assessment and solution today.
📞 Call 780-850-8817 for 24/7 service and free consultations
🧾 Request a quote online at https://www.go2plumbers.ca/contact-us/
At Go 2 Plumbing and Heating, we protect your plumbing, your appliances, and your comfort—one drop at a time.
