With a change of seasons ahead for most of us, fall is the perfect time to think about updates that you can tackle around your home. Inspecting your pipes and appliances is important to prevent key (and costly) issues from appearing. These updates are especially important if you have hard water.
Hard water contributes to the inefficient operation of your major water-using appliances, including the water heater, dishwasher and refrigerator. The pipes and valves within these appliances can also become clogged with scale, reducing water flow or causing leaks, resulting in potentially expensive part replacements.
Most homeowners think of wrapping their pipes with insulation to safeguard them from cold temperatures, but you can take a few additional easy steps this season to keep your pipes and appliances in good working condition.
1. Clean out and fix damaged pipes
2. Change out old hoses in washing machines
3. Examine your water heater for rust spots and sediment buildup
4. Assess the working condition of your appliances
5. Clean out septic systems
What’s the permanent solution?
Installing a water softener will help to prevent buildup.
If you are frustrated with the regular maintenance associated with hard water, try installing a water softener before the conditions get cooler. This is a permanent solution because it filters out the hard water minerals before water flows through pipes and damages your appliances. The only maintenance required is to replenish the salt supply and conduct regular maintenance checks.
To get started with a permanent solution, request a free test strip, which will confirm if you have hard water. Once you know that answer, an easy questionnaire helps you determine the best system solution for your home.
