How Hard Water Shortens Appliance Lifespan: Protecting Your Home's Essentials

Hard water is a common issue that can significantly reduce the lifespan of any water-using appliance in your home. From washing machines and dishwashers to water heaters, refrigerators, and even coffee makers, hard water creates problems that can lead to costly repairs and replacements. Understanding how hard water affects your home’s appliances—and what you can do to prevent damage—can save you money and extend the life of your appliances.

At Garstang Group, we provide tailored solutions for addressing hard water issues, offering whole-home water filtration systems that soften water and protect your appliances. Here’s what you need to know about hard water, its effects, and how to safeguard your home.

What Is Hard Water?  

Water is considered “hard” when it contains high levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium. While rainwater is soft, as it flows through soil and rock, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium, which lead to hard water in many homes. When this hard water flows through your plumbing and into your appliances, it causes a variety of problems.

If you have hard water, you may notice soap doesn’t lather well, and it takes more detergent to clean your clothes, dishes, and even your skin. This is because the minerals in hard water prevent soap from forming suds properly, making it harder to wash and clean effectively.

Common Signs of Hard Water Include:

• A film on your hands after washing

• Mineral buildup around faucets

• Cloudy spots or film on glasses and silverware

• Clothes that come out of the wash looking dull or stiff

• Soap scum that frequently needs to be scrubbed away in your shower

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Hard water is prevalent in many areas, affecting about 85% of homes in the United States. Water hardness is typically measured in milligrams of calcium per liter (mg/L) or grains per gallon (gpg). Here’s a quick guide to water hardness levels:

• Soft water: 0–60 mg/L

• Moderately hard water: 61–120 mg/L

• Hard water: 121-180 mg/L

• Very hard water: >180 mg/L

How Hard Water Affects Efficiency & Appliance Longevity

Hard water minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, lead to the buildup of limescale in your plumbing, which can cause clogs and reduce water flow. This not only affects your water pressure but can also cause pipes to burst if the buildup becomes too severe.

In addition to damaging your pipes, limescale buildup in appliances that use water, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, can drastically reduce their efficiency. For instance, water heaters may lose 4% efficiency for every five grains of water hardness. Showerheads can lose up to 75% of their flow rate in less than 18 months when exposed to hard water. The harder the water, the quicker these effects accumulate.

Over time, the reduced efficiency and increased strain on appliances can shorten their lifespan by 30% to 50%. This means more frequent repairs and higher energy bills due to the additional effort required to heat water and clean clothes, dishes, or other items.

Hard Water & Your Home Appliances

In the 1970s, appliances were built to last 30 to 50 years. Today, their lifespan has shortened to around 10 years due to advancements in technology and materials. However, hard water can further reduce this lifespan, putting additional strain on your appliances. Here’s how hard water can impact specific appliances:

Washing Machines & Dishwashers:

Hard water reduces the efficiency of these appliances, requiring more soap and water to clean effectively. As limescale builds up, it restricts water flow, causing your appliances to work harder, consume more energy, and wear out faster.

Water Heaters:

Limescale buildup inside water heaters can reduce their efficiency, forcing them to use more energy to heat water. This leads to higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for the appliance.

Refrigerators & Coffee Makers:

Hard water can cause scale buildup in ice makers, water dispensers, and coffee makers, which can eventually lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.

By addressing hard water issues early, you can prevent damage to your appliances and save money on repairs and replacements.

What You Can Do To Combat Hard Water  

The best solution to hard water problems is to install a whole-home water softener. At Garstang Group, we offer high-quality water filtration systems that produce the purest, safest, and cleanest water possible for your home.

Our water softeners and conditioners help reduce the hardness of your water by using an ion exchange process to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions. As hard water passes through the ion exchange resin, it is softened, protecting your appliances, plumbing, and fixtures from limescale buildup.

Advanced Water Conditioners:

These systems reduce water hardness as well as chlorine, chloramines, and unpleasant tastes and odors in your water.

Water Softeners:

Inhibit bacterial growth while softening and refining your water, offering comprehensive protection for your appliances and fixtures.

Innovative Technology:

Our systems feature advanced filtration and water-softening technologies that inhibit the growth of bacteria and remove harmful contaminants.  

For homeowners looking for an eco-friendly option, we also offer advanced conditioners or filtration systems that help reduce limescale buildup, benefiting your appliances and plumbing. These systems do not require salt or potassium and provide significant benefits, though they may not fully resolve issues related to soap lathering or skin and hair dryness that can be caused by hard water.

The Benefits of Softened Water

The Water Quality Association suggests remembering the benefits of softened water with the acronym “FEEL”:

• Function: No more clogged faucets and improved water flow.

• Efficiency: Appliances operate more efficiently, reducing energy usage.

• Extended Life: Appliances and plumbing last longer when protected from hard water.

• Look: Fixtures and appliances stay clean, free from tarnish, stains, or buildup.

Schedule Your Free Water Test Today  

The first step in addressing hard water problems is to have your water tested by a professional. At Garstang Group, we offer free at-home water testing for homes that use either municipal water or well water. Our simple, 10-minute test will identify any potential problems and health risks in your water supply.

Once the test is complete, our friendly technicians will answer any questions and provide tailored recommendations and solutions based on your needs. Protect your home and appliances from hard water damage by scheduling a test today.

By installing a whole-home water filtration system, you can ensure the longevity of your appliances, reduce energy bills, and enjoy the benefits of clean, softened water. Contact Garstang Group to learn more about our water filtration systems and how we can help you maintain a healthier home.