If your home has hard water, you know how annoying it is to see water spots and mineral scale around your faucets, tub, and shower. Mineral scale can be difficult to remove, and the residue coats tile in the shower so the tile loses its luster. While hard water may just be a major annoyance when it comes to cleaning your home, the scale the water leaves behind can damage your home's plumbing. Here is how hard water hurts your plumbing and three ways a plumbing contractor might help.

1. Remove Scale Buildup With A Water Jet

You've probably seen mineral scale from hard water on your dishes, and a similar thing happens in your plumbing. However, the insides of your plumbing are out of reach, so you can't clean them off to get rid of the scale, and the scale keeps adding layer after layer over the years.

A plumber can eliminate hard water scale buildup with a hydro jet. This plumbing tool shoots out a powerful stream of water that knocks scale off of the insides of the plumbing pipes. You may want to have this done if the scale is so bad that it keeps causing your drains or sewer pipe to clog.

2. Flush The Water Heater To Get Rid Of Sediment

Hard water minerals contribute to the sediment that collects in your water heater. When sediment builds up, your water heater might behave erratically. The heating elements might not be able to heat the water very well. The sediment might make crackling noises as it bounces around the inside of your tank.

A plumbing contractor can flush out the tank to get rid of sediment. They may also need to check the drain and safety valves to makes sure mineral scale isn't stuck and interfering with the way they work. If your home has very hard water, you might need your water heater serviced regularly so it works safely and heats properly.

3. Install A Water Softener To Eliminate Hard Water

An easy solution for hard water damage is to have a water softener installed in your home. A water softener is usually a good investment when your home has hard water because it prevents the accumulation of mineral scale in your water heater, pipes, washing machine, and dishwasher.

Without all those hard minerals circulating through your plumbing, your pipes and appliances have a longer life and lower risk of giving you problems. You may want to discuss getting a water softener with your plumbing contractor, and if you're not sure if your water is hard, you can have the water tested and you'll find out how high the mineral content is in your water.

Reach out to a plumbing contractor today for more information.