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 and 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 and 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
Electric water heater
13
6.5
Gas water heater
11
5.5
Washing machine
11
7.7
Faucets
9
5.4
Toilets
6.5
2
Dishwasher
10
10

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!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)
SMS Opt-in
By entering your number, you agree to get the occasional text—yes, even marketing ones. No spam, no drama, just the good stuff. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to ghost us anytime.

What our customers say

There’s a reason Culligan of Tampa is the best water treatment company in Tampa Bay with over 3,415+ 4.7-Stars Google Reviews.

Great service! You can feel the difference with softened water.
Amy at Cullighan was very professional and courteous in setting up our appointment to have the filters replaced Ted the technician that replaced the filters was very professional and knowledgeable in answering my questions regarding the water issues we have been experiencing in my neighborhood. We are very pleased with our water softener Thank you Cullighan for providing exceptional service
I just scheduled my yearly reverse osmosis drinking system filter replacement and as usual Amy was phenomenal. She is very helpful! Installation was completed very professionally. The water softener is functioning as advertised and the water drinking filtering systems provides great tasting water.
We have been a long time customer! Lacy just helped us with an appointment needed and she is always so helpful and positive! The entire team has always been responsive! They do a great job!
My technician for Culligan is the BEST. Always professional, always treats a client with respect. Does their job with joy and awesomeness. Thank you kindly
I call at the Tampa office and Jessica took my call. Jessica was very nice and helpful. She answered my questions, gave me an estimated cost of the requested service and provided more than one option for setting up the service. Jessica is a very good example of what a customer service personal should be… not only did she provided a great service, she also made me feel that I was treated as a valuable customer.
Amy was great helping me this morning with my account
Jaliee was very helpful scheduling my appointment.
I just want to add that Jessica the customer service representative on the telephone always helps me out . Being dissabled I am always at the doctor and anytime I need to change a appointment she gets me a new one and every time I hang up by mistake she calls me right back. She makes it easy for us to call in our payments But most of all she is a caring and easy to talk to real person to help whenever I need help of any kind. Also the man who services our system always make sure we have plenty of salt and recalibrates our system whenever it needs it and he checks the system every time he comes . Our filter changes are made by very component service people and they are very cleaned and understanding of my needs as a disabled person. I would highly recommend Culligan to anyone. Even the installation was done by plumbers who went the extra steps redoing water lines from my meter that were a complete mess. Most of all the Water tastes and feels good on clothes washed. I HIGHLY !!! recommend the whole house service. Sincerely, JAMES POMMET, U.S.A.F. VETERAN P.S. THANKS AGAIN JESSICA
We have used Culligan water system for 4 years and we are very satisfy with them. Lacy was very helpful when I called .
Jessica is always so pleasant, professional, and helpful - truly appreciate the customer service!
I have had Culligan water softener in our houses since we moved to Florida over 20 years ago. I want to thank Amy at Culligan for helping us when a salt delivery date had to be changed.
Service is great including scheduling.
Jessica was incredibly patient while answering my multitude of questions. She explained the answers in a way that made sense and then made a service appt for me. Excellent customer service!
Outstanding service keep up the good work.
Jessica was a pleasure to work with; knowledgeable, helpful, and accommodated my schedule.
The associate is very clean and organized. He addresses the issue in a timely manner.
Very professional !!!
Thank you!
Closed account. Simple, no hassle process.
Jaelii was very professional & courteous. BTW, I've only encountered a few companies who themselves have the leave a message for a callback @ the time you call them.
Lacy’s Service was exceptional!
My husband and I recently moved into a new home with a Culligan water softener system, and we wanted to have someone come out to inspect it and show us how to properly maintain it since we’re new to owning one. I spoke with Jessica over the phone, and she was incredibly kind, friendly, and accommodating. She took the time to answer my questions and made the process of scheduling an appointment easy. Excellent customer service, and I really appreciate how welcoming and helpful she was!
Jessica was very helpful in helping me through my issue and scheduling me for an appointment. Thank you so much for your help
Lacey was a pleasure to deal with when making my service appointment.
Worlds most efficient NSF Certification | Culligan of Tampa UL Certified Company in Tampa, Plant City, Brandon, Lakeland, Wesley Chapel, Riverview, Temple Terrace Water Quality Association Tested and Certified Under Industry Standards