With so many concerns about water contamination in places like Fountain, Security and Pueblo, we’ve been fielding a key question from our customers: “Can water quality in my area be harmful in ways that aren’t physical?” Unfortunately, the answer to that question is yes. We all know that drinking water contamination can be harmful to our health and the health of our pets. However, polluted water can also be damaging to non-living things — like your household appliances.
Increased awareness of water contamination can help reduce its effects on your appliances. This helps you increase their lifetime in your home and save you money on costly repairs and replacement. Let’s have a closer look at the impact of local water quality on some of the most important equipment in your home. .
The Effects of Hard Water and Contamination on Appliances
Mineral and chemical contaminants in water can be extremely taxing on appliances that store water or use water as part of their function. They have the advantage of being able to hide in plain sight in most cases, disguised as a harmless glass of water. At the molecular level, however, there is a lot more going on and that action can cause damage to your appliances and drastically affect their lifespan.
Hard Water
Hard water is water that is packed with high amounts of dissolved minerals — predominantly calcium and magnesium. These minerals occur naturally in the environment, but they can also be introduced to drinking water via industrial or chemical pollution. Hard water causes unsightly stains on your sink and tub, but it can also create more complicated issues if the mineral deposits build up on fixtures or within your appliances.
In a hot water heater, for example, minerals can build up on the heating elements, disrupt the internal thermostat or cause leaks in the tank itself. In the case of a dishwasher, hard water may create filmy, crusty dishes or build up on the drain, heating elements and racks. Some minerals may even react to the chemicals in the dishwashing detergent, leading to crusty build-up or corrosion.
Acidic Water
Acidic water has a low pH value that makes it very corrosive. At the worst pH levels, acidic water can dissolve copper and other metals, creating a toxic mess that can lead to heavy metal poisoning. Heat increases the corrosive effect of acidic water. As you can imagine, that is extremely damaging to your appliances.
Hot water heaters are the most impacted by acidic water. The internal components are exposed to high temperatures and are constantly exposed to water in the holding tank. They may begin to corrode and disrupt key fail-safes, like temperature controls and shut-off mechanisms. In extreme cases, corrosion may cause leaks in the tank or at key connections.
Iron
Iron is another potential contaminant that can damage water appliances. You may be able to identify particles in a glass of drinking water, or detect an odd, metallic taste. Unlike calcium and magnesium, iron doesn’t cause issues by forming a hard buildup. Instead, iron contaminated water creates clogs.
Iron particles can collect over time, building up in pipes and slowing your appliance’s performance. Iron particles can collect in the bottom of your water heater, or along pipes that power your dishwasher and washing machine. In some cases, you may not have particles. Ferric water has dissolved solids that won’t collect. However, you’ll know you have it when a glass of water turns a cloudy orange (or your laundry, dishwasher interior and porcelain fixtures.
Appliances that can be damaged by the negative effects of hard water and other pollutants:
- Dishwasher
- Water Heater
- Refrigerator
- Ice maker
- Whole-home humidifier
- Washing machine
- Coffee maker
- Steam machines
- Iron
- Aquarium
- Hydroponic equipment
- Power washer
- Toilet
- Specialty shower heads
- Bidet
Factors that Affect Water Quality
Now that you know the impact water quality can have on your home appliances, let’s explore the factors that affect water quality in your area. Take a look at these questions to determine if your water has a higher likelihood of contamination.
Do you live in an area with high industrialization or manufacturing?
Has your community been impacted by chemical spills, firefighting foam or an environmental disaster?
Do you use a private well?
Do you live in a major agricultural area with livestock or the use of chemical fertilizers?
Do you live downstream from a major city or industrial/manufacturing district?
Has your utility company cautioned you against drinking tap water? Have you ever been advised to boil your tap water or buy bottled water?
Do you live in an area with high geothermal activity or active mineral springs?
Has the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated your community as a Superfund site?
How Do I Check the Water Quality in My Area?
You can get a general picture of your water quality by checking in with your utility company or requesting a water quality report. If you live in southern Colorado, you can check in with the following local utility providers to learn more about their water quality test protocols and the water in your community.
- Pueblo Water
- Colorado Springs Utilities
- Security Water District
- Fountain City Water District
- Widefield Water and Sanitation
- Colorado Division of Water Resources
These entities are responsible for testing your water and ensuring it is safe to drink. If you are on a well, live in an area with old pipes or simply want a more detailed profile of your individual water quality, water testing is the key.
Water testing can be basic — testing for bacteria, minerals and metals — or it can be extremely complex, checking for PFAS or other contaminants. A sample of your water is drawn from your tap by your plumber and then sent to a state-certified laboratory.
Preventing Water Damage to Your Appliances
In real estate, the old adage is that it’s all about location, location, location. In the case of water quality, we can also distill it down: filtration, filtration, filtration! The best option for removing contaminants is to filter your water. Whether you live in the heart of the city with a utility provider, or you’re hanging out on the plains with a private well, filtration is the only way to ensure you have clean water.
A filtration system prevents hard water damage, neutralizes acidity and catches particles before they can collect in your appliances and cause issues.
- Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration
- Whole House Carbon Water Filter
- Whole House UV Water Filter
You may have noted that these systems are all designated as “whole-home systems.” The reason for that is that whole-home systems clean your water at the entry point to your home — before it flows to your washing machine, water heater, dishwasher or toilets. Point of use filters are not as useful when it comes to protecting your appliances. Many appliances are directly connected to your water system, requiring individual filters for each one. A broad system gives all of your appliances a fighting chance of living at or beyond their guaranteed operational lifetime, not to mention the benefit of safer, cleaner and better tasting drinking water.
Protect Your Appliances: Test and Treat Your Water
Water pollution can damage your appliances if not managed effectively. If you have noticed that your water-based appliances seem to fail more frequently, or you just want to be proactive about preventing damage, consult with a plumbing professional about testing and filtration options for your household. They can help you diagnose and solve your water quality issues before they have a negative impact on your home.