Water Quality’s Impact On Plumbing: Gateway Plumbers Guide

Taking care of your home in Aurora, CO, is important, especially when it comes to your plumbing system. At Gateway Plumbers, a trusted plumbing company offering quick emergency plumbing services and trenchless sewer repair, we get that Aurora's water quality can be a tough issue for homeowners. That’s why our plumbers Aurora CO residents trust, whom Aurora CO residents trust, offer services made to tackle these problems directly. We aim to give you solutions that last and the peace of mind you need. Keep reading to find out how Aurora's water quality affects your plumbing and how Gateway Plumbers can help you.

Understanding Aurora CO's Water Quality

Aurora gets its water mainly from surface water. This type of water is naturally harder than groundwater. That means it has more dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are not bad for your health. However, they can cause some plumbing issues over time.

Hard water can lead to lower water pressure and can make your appliances fail earlier than expected. It can affect how well your plumbing system works and how long it lasts. This is why it is important to know about Aurora's water quality and how it can affect your plumbing.

The Basics Of Water Hardness And Mineral Content

Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). In Aurora, the water hardness usually ranges from moderately hard to very hard. This is generally between 10 and 17 gpg. High mineral levels like this can lead to a buildup of scale in your pipes, water heater, and other plumbing fixtures.

Scale can make it hard for water to flow. This slows the water pressure and can even cause clogs. It can also cover your water heater, making it work harder, which uses more energy. If this keeps happening, your water heater and other hot water appliances, like dishwashers and heat pumps, may break down earlier than they should.

Knowing about the hard water in Aurora can help you protect your Aurora plumbing. By acting now, you can avoid expensive repairs and make your plumbing last longer.

How Seasonal Changes Affect Aurora's Water Quality

Seasonal changes in Aurora can affect your plumbing needs. In the summer, more people use water, which can raise mineral levels in the supply. This makes the water harder.

Here’s how the seasons can affect your plumbing in Aurora, CO:

• Summer: More evaporation can make minerals stick around in the water, making hard water problems worse.
• Winter: Cold weather can freeze pipes. This can lead to burst pipes, especially if they are already weak from the hard water.

If you know about these seasonal changes, you can expected plumbing issues and take steps to prevent them.

The Impact Of Water Quality On Your Plumbing System

Now that we have looked at the features of Aurora's water, let's see how it affects your plumbing system. The high mineral content in hard water can cause different problems. This can hurt the effectiveness and lifespan of your plumbing.

Hard water can cause clogged pipes and lower water pressure. It can also corrode fixtures. If you do not address these problems, hard water can damage your plumbing. It is important to know these effects so you can make good choices to protect your plumbing system at home.

Long-term Effects Of Hard Water On Pipes And Fixtures

Hard water can slowly harm your pipes and fixtures. This happens over time and can cause serious plumbing problems that lead to expensive repairs. Here are some long-term effects to know:

• Scale buildup in pipes can block water flow. This might cause lower water pressure or even complete stops in flow.
• A drop in water flow can make it hard for appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to work well.
• Hard water can also damage plumbing fixtures. This means they may not last as long and can look worse over time.
• Faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures may gather mineral deposits. These stains can be hard to clean and can make the fixtures less useful.

Identifying Signs Of Corrosion And Sediment Buildup

Early detection of plumbing issues caused by hard water is important. It helps to prevent serious damage and high repair costs. Knowing the signs of corrosion and sediment buildup can help you fix these issues quickly.

One common sign of sediment buildup is reduced water pressure. If you see a big drop in water pressure in your home, it's important to check your plumbing system.

You should also look for discolored water. Water that is reddish-brown or rusty can show that there is corrosion in your pipes. This happens because the iron in your pipes reacts with hard water, leading to rust. Over time, corrosion can weaken your pipes, which could lead to leaks and bursts. If you spot any of these signs, it's a good idea to call a professional plumber. They can check the damage and suggest the right fixes. Don't let sediment buildup and corrosion harm your plumbing system, especially your sewer system.

Preventive Measures to Protect Your Plumbing From Water Quality Issues

Now that you know about the possible issues with Aurora's water quality, you might be thinking about how to keep your plumbing safe. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to lessen the impact of hard water and help your plumbing last longer. See more on Dealing with a Sewage Backup: A Step-by-Step Guide.

One great way to fight hard water problems is to buy a water softener or a filtration system. These devices work to remove minerals from your water. This helps stop scale buildup and keeps your pipes and fixtures in good shape. Let’s look at the differences between these systems. This will help you choose the best one for your home.

Water Softeners And Filtration Systems: A Comparison

Water softeners and filtration systems are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Understanding their distinctions is vital in selecting the right solution for your specific needs.



Water softeners use a process called ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water and replace them with sodium ions. This process prevents scale formation, protecting your plumbing and appliances. Filtration systems, on the other hand, use a physical barrier to remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities from water, improving its taste and odor but not necessarily addressing hardness.