Houston’s water is some of the hardest in the country thanks to the limestone, magnesium, and calcium that are sunk deep into our water tables. That hard water can do a number on your clothing, dishes, and appliances—but it can do a number on your pipes, too.
The damage may be invisible, but the eventual effects won’t be. Here’s what you need to know.
How can I tell if I have hard water in Houston, TX?
Hard water is usually pretty easy to spot. You’ll see:
- White, chalky deposits on faucets
- Cloudy, spotty, or hazy dishes
- Soap scum on sinks and tubs
- Low water pressure
You may see other affects as well, such as:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Rough, itchy clothing
- Dull skin or stiff hair
If you put water and soap in a bottle, shake it up, and can’t get a single sud? That’s a sure sign you have hard water. Hard water can render soap almost ineffective, which can make life pretty unpleasant.
What does hard water do to pipes in Houston, TX?
Hard water is to pipes as cholesterol is to arteries.
Minerals build up inside your pipes, clogging them and weighing them down.
They can further react with the material used to build the pipes. In Houston the most common types of pipe are copper and PEX for the water supply and PVC for drainage and sewer lines.
- Hard water strips away copper’s protective layer, which means copper pipes are prone to leaks after prolonged interaction with hard water.
- PEX pipes don’t corrode, but over time the hard water deposits can utterly block them, leading to clogs.
- PVC pipes get clogged and leaky, because the hard water reacts with PVC’s chemical reagents to make them brittle, all while the deposits put additional stress on the system.
Bottom line: no matter what type of pipes you have, hard water is bad news. It won’t happen right away, but if you don’t take steps to protect your pipes you’ll eventually face a big, messy, expensive clog or leak.
How can I protect my pipes from hard water in Houston, TX?
We know. You’re hoping we’ll tell you that you can just pour some vinegar down your pipes to wash out all the scales and all will be well. But vinegar isn’t strong enough, and commercial descalers can damage your pipes in other ways. Harsh chemicals just aren’t good for any pipes anywhere or at any time.
Unfortunately, especially here, a water softener is typically the best solution. This removes the minerals from your water supply so that they never reach your pipes, your appliances, your clothes, your skin, your dishes, or your hair.
How much does it cost to install a water softener in Houston, TX?
Most customers can expect to pay $700 to $4500. The final quote will depend on:
- Unit type
- Unit capacity
- Home plumbing complexity
- Local permit costs
- Local water hardness (there are variations from town to town)
It may sound like a lot. But it is very inexpensive indeed when you consider that major leaks can cost $5000 to $10,000. You’ll also enjoy your home more when you’re not constantly itchy, when you can get good water pressure in the shower again, and when you can finally get your hair to look good once more. Plus, you should factor in the cost of replacing damaged appliances, since hard water can shave years off the lifespan of dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines.
Where can I get help protecting my pipes from hard water in Houston, TX?
Acosta Plumbing Solutions makes it easy! Just request an appointment online. We offer free estimates and financing options to make it easy for you to protect your pipes.
Ready to get started? Contact us today!