Twin Cities Hard Water Blues: Preventing Clogged Drains Due to Hard Water

Keeping your plumbing fixtures looking good and working well can be a challenge, especially if you have hard water. Hard water can cause a number of problems for your home’s plumbing system, from leaving unsightly hard water stains to causing buildup and clogging your drains. In this blog, our plumbing professionals at Dean’s Home Services provide helpful tips to counteract the effects of hard water in your Twin Cities home.

Hard Water in the Twin Cities

Hard water is a common plumbing problem for many who live in the Twin Cities area. Water is considered to be hard when it contains high levels of dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium. In St. Paul, the water is measured at 307 parts per million, which is considered to be quite high. It’s even higher in some suburbs of the Twin Cities, like Brooklyn Park, where the water’s average hardness is 547.8 parts per million. This makes finding a solution to hard water essential if you live in this area.

Impacts of Hard Water on Plumbing Systems

Mineral deposits from hard water are known as scale, and scale buildup can cause a variety of plumbing problems. The most common issues include:

• Clogged pipes: As minerals build up inside your pipes, they can narrow the passage for water to flow. Over time, this constriction can cause slow drainage or full-on pipe blockages that require professional cleaning.
• Reduced water pressure: Mineral buildup can clog your showerheads, faucets, and appliances, reducing water pressure. This not only makes daily tasks like showering or doing dishes more difficult but also puts strain on your plumbing fixtures.
• Damage to appliances: Hard water can also shorten the lifespan of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. The scale buildup inside these appliances reduces efficiency and forces them to work harder, leading to premature wear and costly repairs.
• Stains and residue: Hard water leaves behind visible stains on sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. It can also cause soap scum on glass doors and tile, making cleaning more of a chore.

In addition to the plumbing impacts, hard water can also dry out your hair and skin and fade or stain your laundry.

3 Ways To Counteract Hard Water

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies homeowners can implement to prevent hard water from damaging their plumbing system. Our plumbers at Dean’s have compiled our top three tips for dealing with hard water:

1. Install a Water Softener

The most effective and direct way to combat hard water is by installing a water softener. These systems replaces the calcium and magnesium in your water with sodium, which helps prevent mineral deposits from forming in your pipes and appliances. Not only does this reduce the risk of clogs, but it also improves the overall efficiency and lifespan of your plumbing system.

At Dean’s , we can professionally install high-quality water softeners, ensuring your home is protected from the damaging effects of hard water. Our team can assess your water hardness levels and recommend the right softener for your needs.

2. Regularly Clean Faucets & Showerheads

Mineral deposits often build up around faucets and showerheads, reducing water flow and pressure. To prevent this, clean them regularly by soaking the fixtures in a solution of vinegar and water. The acidity of the vinegar helps dissolve the scale and restore optimal water flow.

You can also install aerators on your faucets, which are small devices that limit the flow of water. These help reduce the amount of hard water passing through your fixtures, lowering the chances of buildup.

3. Schedule Professional Drain Cleaning

Over time, even with preventive measures, hard water can cause mineral buildup in your drains. To avoid slow or clogged drains, it’s important to have your plumbing system professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Dean’s offers expert drain cleaning services to remove blockages and ensure your pipes stay in good condition.

Call Your Local Twin Cities Plumber

If you find yourself dealing with hard water, turn to the experts at Dean’s Home Services! We have you covered, whether you are looking to schedule a plumbing inspection to identify hard water concerns or need to have a water softener installed. Our outrageously professional team has served Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding towns since 1996, and we’ve built a reputation for being the top home services company in the area. Our team also has over 100 combined years of experience in the plumbing industry, so working with us ensures a job well done!

Contact Dean’s today to get started with our plumbing services to address your hard water woes!