If you live in Houston, your home likely has hard water. When water travels through soil rich in limestone, it picks up higher levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. The U.S. Geological Survey defines water with a hardness level of 120 parts per million or higher as hard water. Houston water typically measures between 140 and 200 ppm, placing it in the range of very hard water. While safe to drink and use, mineral-heavy water can create problems throughout your residence.
How Hard Water Affects Your Home
Hard water manifests in various ways, ranging from inconvenient to costly. Common effects you might witness include the following:
Appliance Strain
Washing machines, dishwashers, and particularly water heaters wear out more quickly when mineral scale coats their heating elements. If your water heater has a gas line, buildup can cause it to burn more fuel, resulting in higher energy costs.
Personal Discomfort
Hard water can make hair feel brittle and dry out the skin. Clothes come out of the wash stiff and faded.
Pipe Buildup
Minerals accumulate inside pipes where they restrict water flow, resulting in leaks or clogs.
Stains and Spotting
Chalky deposits appear on shower doors, tubs, and sinks. Glassware frequently comes out cloudy.
Signs of Hard Water in Houston
You might already be noticing the impact of hard water in your home. If any of the following warning signs are showing up, hard water might be the culprit:
- An inefficient or noisy water heater struggling to keep up
- Dry skin or dull, lifeless hair
- Laundry that looks faded or feels rough
- Spots on dishes or glasses, even after washing
- Chalky or white residue on fixtures and faucets
Why Hard Water Hurts Water Heaters
Your water heater can be one of the biggest victims of hard water in your home. Minerals settling along heating elements or inside the tank can create scale. Sediment builds up from the bottom of tank heaters, making the unit work harder. Conversely, tankless models can suffer from scale clogging the narrow passages, which reduces their efficiency. If your water heater is connected to a gas line, the strain can cause it to burn more fuel to heat less water; energy bills increase, and the system’s lifespan decreases. The only thing that will keep your water heater performing efficiently is preventing the buildup.
Fixing Hard Water: Softeners and Filtration
If you’re a Houston homeowner, you may be susceptible to the hassles of hard water, but you don’t have to live with it. Professional solutions can significantly improve your home’s water quality. Many homes combine the following two options for the most comprehensive solution:
Water Softeners
These remove hardness minerals through a process known as ion exchange. Minerals are replaced with either potassium or sodium. This can protect your appliances, water heater, and plumbing, and your entire house will have softer water.
Whole-Home Filtration Systems
These can handle other water concerns in the Houston area, such as odors, chlorine, and sediment.
Why Choose Village Plumbing, Air, & Electric
We have decades of local experience serving homeowners in the area. Our licensed technicians understand the unique aspects of local water and provide solutions tailored to protecting your home. These include water hardness testing, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance.
Protect Your Home from Hard Water
Hard water in Houston damages plumbing, shortens water heater lifespans, and wears appliances out. Premature repairs and higher bills can add up quickly as hidden costs, but we can provide the right system to protect your household from the damaging effects of hard water. In addition to plumbing, we handle sewers, drains, HVAC, and electrical services. Our water treatment services include water softeners, water filtration, and tub and shower treatments. Contact Village Plumbing, Air & Electric to schedule a water quality inspection or install a water softener to prevent major plumbing problems caused by buildup.
FAQs About Hard Water in Houston
Is Houston water hard or soft?
Most Houston residents have water that’s either hard or very hard. Testing commonly yields results of 140-200 ppm.
Does hard water damage water heaters?
Yes. Over time, scale buildup increases energy consumption and reduces efficiency, particularly in gas-powered water heaters connected to gas lines.
Can a simple filter fix hard water?
No. A standard file improves odor and taste, but it won’t remove hard minerals. The proven solution is a water softener.
