How Hard Water Is Damaging Your Appliances

Every month, you receive a bill from the water company for your water usage. But did you realize that the true cost of your water could be much, much greater?

In fact, depending on your water quality,the water running through your home could be costing you a fortune.

We’re referring to water that contains a high amount of mineral sediment, also known as “hard water.” Few people realize it, but hard water can be so EXPENSIVE.

So if you have hard water, here are 3 ways that it’s costing you money: 

#1 Hard Water Makes Your Appliances Less Efficient

Did you know that hard water is hard on your appliances?

It’s true.

Hard water can reduce the efficiency of your appliances by up to 48%, according to a study by the Water Quality Association (WQA). And that decrease in efficiency can lead to a 29% increase in your energy bills–costing you $1,500 or more over a 10-year period.

(And that’s just for your water heater. The same efficiency loss would affect your dishwasher and your washing machine.)

shower-head
appliances

#2 Hard Water Forces You To Waste More Soap & Detergent

When you have hard water, you have to use more soap, detergent, and other cleaning products. Over time, this can become a significant expense.

Think about how much money you spend on dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, bath & kitchen soap, lotions, and other household cleaners. Probably several hundred dollars a year, depending on the size of your family…and if you have hard water.

(That cost could be reduced by 75% or more with soft water.)

#3 Hard Water Reduces the Lifespan of Your Appliances

Hard water also causes a buildup of scale that can shorten the lifespan of your appliances by 30-50%!

In another WQA study, the heating elements inside water heaters using hard water failed after just 19 months. The water heaters using non-hard water lasted much longer—up to 15 years.

saving-money
Appliance Type
Lifespan with Soft Water
Lifespan with Hard Water
Dishwasher
10
10
Washing machine
11
7.7
Faucets
9
5.4
Toilets
6.5
2
Electric water heater
13
6.5
Gas water heater
11
5.5

How Can You Tell if You Have Hard Water?

If you suspect you have hard water, here are some of the telltale signs to watch out for:

  • Mineral buildup in sinks, bathtumbs, and on your water fixtures
  • Spots on your dishes, glasses, and silverware that don’t come out in the dishwasher
  • Water heaters that fail sooner than they should
  • Soap scum in your bathtub or on your shower curtain/shower door
  • Faded clothing (especially clothes that used to be vibrant & colorful)
  • Dry, itchy skin and limp-looking hair

Or you can always contact Culligan to schedule a free water test. One of our technicians will come to your house and test your water for hardness and other contaminants.

Find Out What's In Your Water Today

Schedule your FREE water test by simply filling out the form below or call us today to learn more about getting cleaner, stain-free water!

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What our clients say

There’s a reason Culligan of Topeka, KS is the best water treatment company in Northeast Kansas with over 160 4.7-Stars Google Reviews.

JD was very knowledgeable and answered all questions both my wife and I had. He assisted in the removal of our old system and setting up the install for a new system at our new home. Would highly recommend
Had Culligan out today to see why my soft water system wasn’t functioning. I also had another issue nobody else could ever resolve after about 6 years. The technician Joe was sent to my home today to resolve my issues. After some investigating, he was able to determine what the problem was. He was absolutely amazing!! Very knowledgeable and determined to get an answer and a solution for me. Really appreciate his expertise and his willingness to find a solution.
Joe D. And MJ are the best. Truly the best to work with!
We hit the Jackpot when we got JoeD and MJ from Culligan. The two nicest guys you'll ever meet. Timely, polite, knowledgable experts in the field.They both deserve a raise!!
Joe D & MJ were my technicians today with installing my water softener. I just wanna start off by saying that Joe is phenomenal, very experienced very knowledgeable, he immediately knew something was off when shutting off my water, he knew right away that it had to do with my water pressure. Got it checked, realized that it is super high, way over the 80 psi that is safe. I went ahead and called a plumber to come out here today to get a PRV installed. They will have to come back out to finish all the installation. But I appreciate both of them being so thorough, bringing that to my attention, because as a newish, homeowner, I could tell something was off with my water pressure, but I didn’t know what to look for. So him pointing that out so I can get it addressed is huge. Thank you to Joe and MJ, as well as a shout out to Justin in this review. Everyone at Cullighan so far has been very thorough about explaining everything. It means a lot! 10 out of 10!
Joe installed our water softener and filter today. He was professional and very helpful. Highly recommend.
If I could give Joe Deupy more than five stars I would.. Such an honest representative of the company.. Culligan is lucky to have him as an employee.
Josh was very easy to work with and very knowledgeable. He made the entire process from the initial water test to the after install follow-up quick and easy. Differently recommend.
During a very stressful time of having no water in our house, Joe with Culligan Water of Northeast Kansas went above and beyond to help us. He was kind, dedicated, patient, and very clear in explaining things. He listened carefully, took the time to FaceTime with us to help figure out the plumbing issue, and truly cared about helping a stranger in need.Joe represented Culligan, a family-owned company, exceptionally well and was an outstanding face for the company. His professionalism, patience, and dedication did not go unnoticed. He deserves recognition, a raise, or at the very least a free dinner for the outstanding customer service he provided.Thank you again, Joe!! I truly appreciate all your time and help this last 24 hours.
Joe Depuy: Polite and helpful.Thank you,Tom Stevens
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