Hard Water Or Soft Water? Here's How Knowing The Difference Could Save You Money

If you’ve ever had to pay for the cost of drain repairs then you’ll know just how much of an impact limescale damage can have on a property. Depending on where you live, the level of limescale in your water can vary a great deal and while some areas of the country are relatively safe, for others it’s a constant battle.

Today we’ll be talking about the cause of limescale damage, and how being prepared can save you a lot of money on drain repairs in the long run.

Hard Water Causes Drain Damage

If you’ve not come across the terms hard water and soft water before then here’s a quick lesson in geology. Hard water refers to water that is rich in minerals from the local area while soft water refers to the opposite.

Counter to what you might think there are no hazardous health effects to drinking hard water and there may even be some minor benefits. For the most part, hard water contains calcium and magnesium - both of which are actually quite good for you in small quantities - and while the difference is minor there’s certainly nothing to worry about from drinking hard water.

Unfortunately, while hard water might not be any danger to you, it’s an absolute nightmare for your plumbing. You see, all the calcium that’s helping improve the strength of your bones is also building up inside your pipes, causing serious damage in the long run. This is what we call limescale.

What Can You Do About Hard Water?

If you’re worried about the risks of limescale damage then the first question you should ask yourself is whether or not you live in an area with hard water. (This should be relatively easy to find out from Google).

If you do live in an area with hard water then you may want to invest in a water softener. While an artificial water softener could potentially worsen the quality of your drinking water, it will also significantly lower limescale damage in your pipes.

That being said, many people dislike the taste of softened water, so if you do install a water softener, it may be a good idea not to have it connected to your kitchen sink. That way you’ll still be able to get nice drinking water while your bath/shower water will be far less likely to cause drain damage.

Repairing Drain Damage

Lastly, if you do run into problems with limescale damage to your drains then don’t worry. While drain damage can be expensive to repair, it isn’t always. And, a good drain repair service will be more than worth it.

For more information about high quality drainage services, contact Environ Drainage Services at 020 3875 8207.

A drainage issue isn’t something you can necessarily handle yourself. To avoid future problems, a contractor must address the underlying condition. This isn’t always easy, but the right drain experts will work with you to fix any issues as effectively and efficiently as possible. When choosing a drainage firm in London, here’s what to look for:

• A good contractor will have good references. You want a company with expertise that knows what it’s doing. Positive references are a good indication that your contractor will resolve the problem in the most suitable way, is courteous and easy to deal with, and follows through on their promises.
• Your contractor should offer a significant guarantee. This is a sign that they’re confident in the quality of their work, so watch out for any contractor who won’t.
• For drainage contractors, price isn’t always the best indicator of quality. Rely more on references, guarantees, and their expertise in the field. The cheapest quote could lead to an ineffective solution.
• As a customer, you should be completely at ease with your contractor. Your contractor should explain the problem with your drains clearly and suggest practical solutions. If you’re uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to change firms altogether.
• A scale drawing should be available. A good sewerage company in London must have general knowledge of construction and the relevant building regulations. The contractor should give you a clear, scale drawing of the project and sit down with you and explain everything in detail. It’s a good opportunity to air any worries you may have.

While there are some home remedies you can try to resolve problems with blockages, you will often end up searching Google for a ‘drainage company near me’ for professional help. Listed below are a few of the most common causes of clogged drains and the prescribed fixes for each of them:

• Hair: Plunging the drain is sometimes successful. You may be tempted to try a commercially available drain cleaner, but this can damage pipes if used frequently. Try and use a baking soda and vinegar solution on a regular basis to keep pipes clear, but if obstructions build-up, you may need a drainage contractor.
• Soap: The ideal method to remove soap accumulated in pipes is pressure cleaning by experts.
• Dirt: Using drain rods may work, but if you’re inexperienced, you could damage your pipework. Call in the professionals.
• Oil, Grease, and Fat: Try mixing some detergent with hot water in the sink bowl, and flush it away with hot water. This usually dissolves any hardened fat. Plunge the sink, but if the problem doesn’t resolve, contact an expert.
• Food Waste: Avoid flushing food waste down your drain. Clear dishes into the bin before washing them. Food waste may still accumulate over time, so if water runs sluggishly away when you remove the sink plug, you may need expert help to flush through your system with high-powered water.