Can Hard Water Damage Your Plumbing?

By Geoffrey Sperring

March 10, 2025

Have you been looking forward to a nice shower only to find there's just a trickle of water coming out of the shower head? The most common reason for this is clogged water pipes caused by hard water scaling.

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Read on to learn how hard water damages plumbing and the steps to take to reduce the effects of hard water in the home.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that has a significant amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium. It's formed when groundwater filters through mineral deposits such as limestone, gypsum and chalk. Water in the home may also have trace amounts of iron and zinc.

Is Hard Water Bad for You?

Hard water isn't unhealthy, but drinking hard water can contribute to increased calcium and magnesium in your diet. The downsides of hard water are that it may have a mineral or metallic taste, and it can leave a residue on plumbing, dishes, glasses and your skin.

What Areas Are Affected by Hard Water?

Hard water is common in the United States and Canada. Areas with hard drinking water include the central United States and Southern Canada. Places with high rainfall, such as Oregon, the Gulf states and the Eastern seaboard, tend to have softer water.

Can Hard Water Buildup Ruin Your Plumbing and Fixtures?

The most serious effect of hard water is the buildup of limescale deposits on the inside of plumbing fixtures, appliances and hot water tanks. These deposits restrict water flow and reduce the efficiency of dishwashers, washing machines and water heaters. Hard water damage to plumbing includes:

Buildup of scale:
A hard scale forms on all internal surfaces, especially on appliances used for water heating and cooking.
Reduces water supply pressure:
Scale clogs pipes and reduces water pressure, leading to damage to plumbing and blocked pipes.
Clogs drains:
Drains, especially small-diameter drains, become clogged with scale and act as a trap for waste products.
Damages faucets and other seals:
Deposits damage rubber seals on faucets and appliance valves, causing leaks and incorrect operation. Scale deposits are often unsightly, and if neglected, faucets can jam and become unusable.
Reduces water heater efficiency:
The deposits coat the heating elements in hot water tanks, water heaters and coffee makers, urns and kettles, reducing efficiency and increasing utility bills.
Damages appliances:
Hard water buildup can cause wear and tear to seals, pumps, valves and sensors. Heating elements are particularly susceptible, as the buildup reduces heating efficiency and may cause elements to overheat and burn out.

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5 Ways You Can Reduce or Reverse Hard Water Damage

Fortunately, there are many solutions for managing water quality in the home. These include preventive maintenance, replacing scaled equipment and investing in a water-softening solution.

Descale Equipment

It's relatively easy to descale appliances such as kettles and washing machines. You may buy descaling tablets or simply use some white vinegar mixed in water. Fill the appliance with the mixture and then heat and rinse. For washing appliances, pour the mixture into the machine and run on a hot cycle without soap.

Flush the Hot Water Tank

Periodically, drain and flush your hot water tank to remove sediment and scale. Most water heaters have a smooth porcelain glass interior, which helps prevent scale from sticking. In serious cases, remove and clean or replace the heating elements. Also, change the anode rod regularly, as it corrodes faster in hard water.

Use Dishwasher Salt

Using coarse dishwasher salt softens the water in the dishwasher. This, together with a rinse aid, prevents unsightly scale deposits on glassware and crockery. Dishwasher salt keeps dishwasher components free of scale.

Replace Clogged Pipes and Fittings

Replace blocked and corroded pipes and fittings. Galvanized water pipes are especially prone to blockage from scale and should be replaced when the water flow is restricted by scale. Consider replacing corroded and damaged faucets and other plumbing fittings.

Install a Water Softener

Overcome all hard water problems by installing a water-softening system. According to pricing data from Lowes, a point-of-use water softener costs in the region of $75 (CAD 108). Expect to spend up to $1,600 (CAD 2,305) for a whole-house softener for families of up to four people. These figures exclude installation costs.

Don't Ignore the Effects of Hard Water — Be Proactive

If you live in an area where the water is very hard, you can save a lot of money and trouble by being proactive. Installing a water softener minimizes the risk of scaling developing downstream of the water purifier. It also improves the water taste and makes washing easier. Keep the rest of the plumbing system in good order and prevent hard water damage to plumbing by periodically flushing out scale and preemptively replacing blocked pipes.

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