We’ve all seen the signs of them: that perfect showerhead that now only dribbles water, the white crusty residue in the swimming pool, and other indications of high mineral content in our water. Though not a health hazard, mineral deposits can eventually breakdown crucial parts of any building. The good news: hard water does not have to be such a headache. Read on to find out more about fixing and preventing mineral deposits.

Causes
Arizona water is drawn from sources with high mineral content. These include ground water, streams, lakes, rivers and aquifers. Since the mineral content of this water is high due to contact with the bedrock, drinking water in Arizona is usually “hard”, or has a high mineral content. Not to worry; the Enivornmental Protection Agency does everything it can to keep water healthy. To learn more about harmful secondary chemicals, visit the EPA website.

As a result, minerals like lime, calcium, and magnesium accumulate over time. Below are some of the places to look out for them:

• Faucet aerators
• Showerheads
• Toilets (especially jets)
• Swimming pools
• Water heaters
• Horizontal water lines
• Hot water pipes (Hot water makes minerals collect faster.)
• Dishwashers
• Washing Machines

A Few Fixes

Showerheads and More
Since the holes in most showerheads are very small, they are often one of the first things to become blocked with sediment. Soaking the showerhead in vinegar is a common fix to this problem. Vinegar can also be used on toilet jets, and faucet aerators.

Old Pipes
Most indoor water pipes have a 7/8-inch diameter. After years of continuous use, minerals form a thick coating around the inside of the pipe. Older pipes, usually made of galvanized iron, will erode as the minerals stockpile and make them very brittle. It’s a good idea to have your pipes checked if your home is more than 10 years old. Plumbing professionals can replace corroded pipes with newer copper pipes, which will remain stable for a longer amount of time. Also, pipes running horizontally amass minerals along the bottom, making them more of a problem than vertical pipes.

Water Heaters
Hot water is a catalyst for mineral deposits. It’s a good habit to flush your water heater every 1 to 4 months to prevent blockage.

Faucet Aerators
The small attachment at the end of many faucets mixes air and water to ensure a continuous flow. They are relatively inexpensive, and should be replaced when they show signs of being clogged.

The Whole Shebang
Water softeners replace calcium and lime ions with potassium and sodium ions, making water softer. They are an effective preventative measure for any building with running water.

Think you may have a problem with mineral deposits? Call Sun Devil Plumbing today.