Much of the Inland Empire has naturally hard water, meaning it carries higher levels of calcium and magnesium than softer water supplies. It's perfectly safe to drink, but over time, those minerals leave deposits inside pipes, fixtures and appliances.
Signs You Have Hard Water
Hard water often shows up as white or chalky buildup around faucets and showerheads, spots on dishes after washing, soap that doesn't lather well, and a slightly stiff feeling in laundry. These are easy to notice, but the bigger effects happen where you can't see them.
What Hard Water Does Inside Your Plumbing
- 1
Mineral scale builds up inside pipes
Over years, scale narrows the inside of pipes, reducing water pressure and flow throughout the house.
- 2
Water heaters work harder
Scale that collects on heating elements and at the bottom of the tank makes a water heater less efficient and more prone to early failure.
- 3
Fixtures wear out faster
Faucet valves and cartridges can wear down more quickly when mineral deposits get into moving parts.
- 4
Appliances lose efficiency
Dishwashers and washing machines can see reduced performance and a shorter lifespan with ongoing scale buildup.
Quick tip: A water softener system can reduce mineral buildup throughout your home, protecting your water heater and fixtures over the long run.
What You Can Do About It
Regular water heater flushing helps clear out mineral buildup before it causes bigger problems. Many homeowners with especially hard water also choose to install a whole-home water softener, which treats water before it reaches any fixture.