Water Damage Long Island: Why Hard Water Kills Pipes
Water damage is a royal pain, and the last thing you need is to come home to discover a foot of water in your basement—a startling unveiling that would immediately warrant calling a certified water damage restoration company to come and remove the water and make any needed repairs. There are a number of causes for water damage that require immediate water damage restoration services and when pipes burst and spray water everywhere you had better have quick access to such a fast solution. But why prepare for something that can be avoided? There are a variety of causes for pipe bursts, and by understanding them all you can better fend off the water damage monsters from destroying your hardwoods and walls and prevent the need for ever having to call a water damage Long Island team to come to the rescue. This article will focus on hard water problems and how it can destroy your pipes and cause water damage in your home.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that is rich in mineral content that includes calcium and magnesium, as well as dolomite, chalk and limestone. Though drinking hard water will not threaten human health it is notorious for breaking down pipes, boilers, cooling towers and all sorts of industrial devices and equipment. So just imagine what it can do in a domestic setting! Have you ever looked into your hot water kettle to see a hard crusty layer that has built up inside? This is the result of hard water, and any water damage Long Island team will warn you that the same can happen to your home’s plumbing!
What Happens When Hard Water Damages my Pipes?
When hard water damages your pipes you can experience a fully-fledged pipe burst, leaks, or pipe bulging. Water damage Long Island pros warn that as the mineral deposits from hard water cling to the interior walls of your plumbing, the space for water to pass through narrows until eventually there is a backup and pressure builds allowing the pipes to expand and bulge until a burst ensues. In other cases areas of the pipes can leak or drip, which is why such problems should never be ignored because they could be foreshadowing something more severe. When pipes leak for undetected periods of time, mold can form and then you will be in urgent need of professional mold remediation services before your family succumbs to health problems.
Do I Have Hard Water?
You have hard water if you detect white specs on shower tiles, faucets and showerheads, or on your dishes. But to get a more accurate reading you will want to pick up a hard water tester at any hardware store. If hard water is detected, it is an easy thing to treat. Simply add a water softener once every six months and your water will read at normal levels, and your home’s plumbing will thank you for it!