Hard water: to drink or not to drink? This question plagues numerous homeowners across the country. The debate about hard and soft water spans decades, with some people proclaiming that hard water has health benefits while others discuss its adverse effects.

When researching the health effects of hard water, look at the bigger picture before making your final judgment. As providers of St. George’s water softener services, our team at Iron Mountain Plumbing can provide information to help you decide.

Continue reading to learn more about how hard water can affect your health and household. If you want professional assistance, call our team at (435) 500-2576.

What Harmful effects of hard water Contain?

Not all minerals found in hard water have adverse health effects. For example, most hard water sources contain moderate to high levels of calcium, magnesium, and fluoride. These minerals can actually improve the quality of your teeth and bones.

However, hard water can also contain harmful contaminants that have adverse effects on your health. Some hard water sources may include:

• • Nitrite and nitrate: Many fertilizers contain these ingredients. Following a fertilizer application, these elements can run off into local water supplies. 

• • Radionuclides: These particles can occur both in nature and through man-made sources like nuclear power plants. As they decay, the particles release radioactivity into their surroundings. 

• • Microorganisms: These tiny life forms are everywhere! Even after municipal treatment, some can still contaminate your water. 

• • Agricultural chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides used to control weeds and destructive animals often make their way into local water sources via runoff. 

• • Arsenic: Some water supplies contain low levels of arsenic. Although you need lots of this element to cause damage, it can still cause illness when ingested in large, continuous quantities. 

• • Lead: This element has no taste or smell, nor does it provide visual queues. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that even low levels can have negative effects on your health.  

The most reliable way to determine your water’s mineral content is through a water analysis panel provided by your trusted local filtration services. 

Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is one of the most common negative health effects of hard water. As the water evaporates off of your skin, it leaves trace amounts of minerals in its wake. These minerals may clog your pores, causing acne breakouts and inflammation.

They also disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, which dries out the epidermis. As a result, you might struggle with itchy, flaky, tight skin. Hard water can exacerbate sensitive skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea as well. 

Limp, Lifeless Hair 

The minerals in hard water can stick to your hair’s coating. When this occurs, your hair becomes weighed down and dull in appearance. If you struggle to maintain shiny, voluminous hair right after a wash, you might have a problem with hard water.

The minerals may also irritate your scalp and induce dryness and flakiness, which causes embarrassment and annoyance. Additionally, the minerals interact with soap products in such a way that they form an insoluble layer of scum across your scalp. Thus, your shampoo works less effectively, no matter which hair remedies you try. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Hard water may also harm your cardiovascular system. Some evidence suggests that hard water can increase your likelihood of developing high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and eventually developing cardiovascular disease. 

Kidney Stones

Since hard water often contains high levels of calcium, you can safely assume that your calcium intake increases when you drink more water. High levels of calcium can increase your risk of kidney stones. As your kidneys work to filter out the excess calcium, the extra mineral buildup forms stones.

Eventually, your urinary tract must pass these stones. Kidney stones often cause intense pain that can last for days or weeks. Sometimes, doctors must use lasers to blast the stones into smaller pieces when a person cannot pass them. 

Alzheimer’s Disease

A hard water supply with higher levels of aluminum can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you already have a family medical history that involves Alzheimer’s, you can test your tap water to determine whether your supply presents a risk factor for you and your family. 

Cancer

Unfiltered tap water may contain contaminants linked to numerous varieties of cancers. With 2 types of carcinogens found in American drinking water supplies, installing a filter could improve your household’s long-term health by limiting your family’s exposure to these contaminants.   

Diabetes

Remember how arsenic made the list of possible contaminants? Evidence suggests that chronic exposure to arsenic through drinking water can increase your risk of diabetes. Arsenic may trigger higher blood-glucose levels, which can develop into type 2 diabetes over time.  

Other Effects of Hard Water

Hard water can have other adverse effects outside of your body as well. Discover other, less obvious ways it may impact your life below. 

Plumbing Damage

The minerals within hard water can build up inside pipes and other important plumbing fixtures. This often results in drainage issues, poor water flow, and appliances with shorter lifespans. 

Water Taste and Smell

Hard water may not taste or smell as pure and clean as softened water. The minerals suspended in the liquid can affect how you and other people perceive the water. Some areas have stronger-tasting water than others. 

Stained Clothes and Dishes

Since hard water has an insoluble reaction with soaps and detergents, it often clings to other materials. Your dishes may have developed a chalky film. Your clothes may appear stained, dull, and limp despite numerous washing cycles. 

Avoid the Negative Health Effects of Hard Water with Industry-Leading Filtration Systems

Ready to discover what pure, clean, soft water tastes like? You’ll never know a better, bubblier rinse! At Iron Mountain Plumbing, we designed our whole-home water filtration services to benefit every aspect of your lifestyle, from your health to your ablutions.

Call us at (435) 500-2576 to learn more about filtration installation. Don’t forget to check out our special offers, too! 

Author Bio:
Daniel Tanner
Owner / Managing Member. Iron Mountain Plumbing is located in Cedar City, Utah. This organization primarily operates in the Plumbing Contractors business / industry within the Construction – Special Trade Contractors sector.

When a water heater smells like gas, it can rightfully cause concern for the homeowner. Water heaters keep the water at a comfortable temperature for showers and baths. They also ensure the water reaches an optimal temperature for washing dishes and clothes.

However, these appliances do more than make your life more convenient on a utilitarian level. They can also pose a threat to your property and family without prompt, professional services to address malfunctions. If your water heater emits a gaseous odor, contact our emergency plumber in St. George, UT, immediately by calling (435) 500-2576.

Otherwise, continue reading to find out what to do when you smell gas coming from your water heater. 

Do You Have a Gas Leak?

The first concern that likely pops into your mind is whether your water heater has sprung a gas leak. Homeowners should always address this question first to ensure the safety of their families and properties. Although your water heaters can emit a strong odor for various reasons, eliminating the most dangerous concern brings peace of mind and protects your loved ones and home.

How can you tell whether you have a gas leak? Determine whether the scent you’ve detected is just a gassy smell or has something more to its odor. For example, you may pick up a burning smell coming from your water heater.

A burning smell may indicate the presence of a gas leak. You might detect other unpleasant odors resembling:

 

• • Sulfur

• • Rotten eggs

• • Scorched rubber

• • Sweaty socks

• • Paint thinner

Since most natural gas leaks don’t otherwise emit a smell or color, read below for other common gas leak indicators.  

Signs of a Gas Leak

If you picked up on a worrying smell, check for other common symptoms associated with a gas leak. For example, water heaters can make a high-pitch whistling or hissing sound as their gas connections release pressure from a leak. Some homeowners also observe:

 

• • Unusually bubbly hot water

• • Increased gas bills

• • Clouds of dust or white, steamy fog near the heater

• • Dead or dying foliage located near the water heater. If the dying plants are indoors, you and your family should leave the vicinity immediately!

• • Visible damage around the gas connection, such as rust, corrosion, and breakage

Symptoms You Can Experience with a Gas Leak

You may also exhibit or observe concerning symptoms in family members and pets. Keep an eye out for the following signs of exposure:

 

• • Fainting

• • Breathing difficulties like shallow breaths or panting

• • Dizziness 

• • Confusion

• • Exhaustion

• • Weakness

• • Irregular heartbeat

You should see a medical professional regarding these issues, whether you have a gas leak or not. However, exhibiting symptoms coupled with malfunctioning utilities strongly indicate a gas leak.  

What to Do If You Have a Gas Leak

Once you’ve determined that your water heater smells like gas due to a leak, your next mission involves getting your family, pets, and yourself to safety. Follow the steps listed below to inform your action plan. 

 

1. 1. Turn off your water heater: First, switch the heater’s thermostat to the “off” setting. Then, find the main boiler switch and turn it to the off position. Locating these appliances before an emergency can save lives. 

1. 1. Create a draft by opening all doors and windows: You want to allow as much gas to escape as possible. Releasing gas outdoors may save your property. 

1. 1. Evacuate family members and, if possible, your pets: Find a distance up to 350 feet away from your home. Determine a plausible evacuation space before emergencies occur to keep everyone on the same page. 

1. 1. Call first responders: Firefighters and paramedics will arrive on the scene to examine any family members displaying symptoms of exposure. They’ll also investigate your home to confirm a gas leak and determine the property’s safety. 

1. 1. Call for prompt emergency repairs: You need a reliable plumbing service provider to assess your water heater for damages. They’ll determine whether you need a repair or replacement. 

1. 1. Choose a course of action informed by your HVAC technician: Once your technician determines the cause behind the leak, they’ll help you move forward in your decisions. They possess extensive knowledge about the safest and most cost-effect route for you and your family. 

Other Common Reasons Why Your Water Heater Smells Like Gas

Although gas leaks are frightening, they aren’t the only reason why your water heater might stink. You’ll find some other, less dangerous common reasons below. 

Corrosion

Most water heaters contain an anode rod. This rod draws corrosive substances away from the tank. The substances attach themselves to the rod instead, prolonging your heater’s lifespan.

Some rods become corroded with time, which causes them to release metal particles into the water supply. These metals react with the other gasses, causing bad odors in your water.  

Bacteria

Each water source contains sulfate, which presents an excellent feeding source for sulfur-reducing bacteria (SRB). As the bacteria feed on the sulfates, they emit hydrogen sulfide gas. While water treatment protocols typically wipe most bacteria out, the SRB population can rise in water that doesn’t get flushed and replenished. 

Stagnant Water

All appliances require regular maintenance, and water heaters are no exception. Without maintenance, the water stagnates and becomes smelly.

You can avoid this problem with a maintenance plan that includes occasional water flushing. A technician will flush water out of the system until it empties. Then, they’ll refill it with fresh, clean water.

Sometimes, the smell of stagnant water sticks to the tank. Even repeated flushings don’t solve the stinky problem after going untreated for a long period of time. In this case, you may want to invest in a new water heater and follow up with regular maintenance flushings.

Flushing your water heater prevents other issues such as:

 

• • Mineral buildup

• • Extensive corrosion

• • Clogged components

Contact Iron Mountain Plumbing with Any Water Heater Concerns

When your water heater smells like gas, contact the best water heater repair company in St. George, Utah. Our technicians at Iron Mountain Plumbing have the tools, training, and experience to protect your family’s comfort and safety. Call us at (435) 500-2576 to speak to a representative at any time of night or day.

Author Bio:
Daniel Tanner
Owner / Managing Member. Iron Mountain Plumbing is located in Cedar City, Utah. This organization primarily operates in the Plumbing Contractors business / industry within the Construction – Special Trade Contractors sector.

How long do water heaters last?

How long do water heaters last? The question is not always easy to answer because several factors can cause one heater to last longer than another. At Iron Mountain Plumbing, we build our reputation through our unmatched skill in repairing and maintaining St. George’s water heaters, sump pumps, gas lines, plumbing, and more. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current water heater or trying to get a few more years out of it, let the experts at Iron Mountain Plumbing help you today.

The Typical Lifespan of a Water Heater

A water heater typically lasts about ten years, but some can fail years earlier while others may last for twelve years or more. Nobody can predict for sure when any particular water heater will fail. However, a proactive approach to caring for your water heater can reduce the number of repair bills and limit your risks. If you have questions about your water heater or you notice any warning signs of water heater failure, talk to one of our professionals about a quality, affordable replacement.

Estimating How Long Your Water Heater Will Last

Keep these nine factors in mind when budgeting for eventual water heater repairs and replacement or buying a home with an existing water heater. Be prepared with enough money in your emergency fund in case your answer to the question “how long do water heaters last?” turns out to be overly optimistic. 

1. Usage

Every time the water heater elements turn on, the activity adds wear to the heating element, the combustion chamber, and the water tank. Families and businesses that use less hot water tend to get more years out of their water heaters. Setting the water heater’s thermostat to a lower temperature setting can reduce demand on your water heater and lower the risk of scalding injuries.

However, it might be a good idea not to leave your water heater unused for months, especially during the winter. Running hot water periodically for seasonal properties can keep the heater running smoothly when you start using the property again. Before you start your water heater after a long absence, check for signs of rust and damage.

2. Hard or Soft Water

The hardness of water refers to sediment, or scale, that naturally dissolves in the water. If you have hard water, sediment can build up in the water tank, pipes, and valves. These sediments can reduce the water heater’s efficiency, forcing it to work harder and taxing crucial components.

Installing a whole-house water filter or water softener can remove sediment and increase the longevity of your water heater.

3. Maintenance

Regular maintenance, including flushing the water heater, descaling, and replacing parts as they wear out, reduces strain on the water heater and can add years to its life expectancy. It is prudent to have a professional inspect your water heater every year along with your HVAC system.

4. Manufacturer

All brands of water heaters are not equal. Quality construction, safety features, and durable materials can make the difference between a clunker and a dependable heating system. Some water heaters have a self-cleaning feature that flushes the tank and removes sediment buildup.

Installing a quality brand can give you the benefit of an extended warranty and peace of mind. Investigate the reputation and reliability of the water heater manufacturers you are considering, and don’t be afraid to ask them, “How long do water heaters last at your company?”

5. Climate

The weather conditions in your area can affect the lifespan of your water heater, especially if your heating and cooling system is inconsistent. Extreme cold can cause fatigue and damage to metal parts of the water heater and damage seals. Low ambient temperatures can cause the water heater to strain to maintain an appropriate water temperature.

6. Installation

Having a professional technician install your water heater reduces the risk of problems with the electrical system, water hookups, and other parts of the water heating system. Talking to an expert before you buy a water heater makes it more likely that it will be a good fit for your home and your lifestyle. If you believe the contractor who installed your water heater made a mistake, have a heating maintenance technician inspect it and make any necessary repairs.

7. Type of Water Heater

Of the two main types of water heaters, tankless water heaters can last longer and save money. Tankless water heaters do not store water like conventional tank water heaters, meaning they do not start heating water until you turn on the tap.

Tankless water heaters might not be ideal if you need large volumes of water at once, but they can be attractive for most homeowners.

8. Benefits from Upgrading

Some water heaters need replacement because they are obsolete. Even if your water heater still functions, its inefficiency, unreliability, and lack of modern features could be a reason to get a new water heater.

Consider the benefits of smart water heater technology that makes it easy to keep your water heater going strong. With internet access, you can turn off your water heater or change the temperature from just about anywhere.

9. Emergencies

Even the best water heaters can fail due to flooding, fires, and other accidents in the home or workplace. Maintain adequate homeowner’s insurance and have an emergency fund on hand in case a disaster requires you to replace your water heater without warning.

Get a Long-Lasting Water Heater from Iron Mountain Plumbing

How long do water heaters last? As long as possible if you have Iron Mountain Plumbing in your corner.When it is time to replace your water heater, or you need water heater repair in the St. George, UT, area, rely on Iron Mountain Plumbing. We will help you select a long-lasting, durable water heater or heat pump that will get you through even the coldest winters. For a consultant with a qualified water heater technician, call Iron Mountain Plumbing today at 435•241•7031.

How Does A Water Softener Work?

You probably know that hard water is not a good thing. It can destroy plumbing and impair water pressure. But how does a water softener work, and do you need one? 

Here, we explain how you could benefit from installing a water softener. 

If you want to know the benefits of installing a water softener in St. George, Utah, the team at Iron Mountain Plumbing is here to help.

What Is Hard Water? 

In order to know the benefits of a water softener, you must first know the undesirable qualities of hard water. While hard water is common, there are many disadvantages to leaving it untreated.

Water hardness refers to a high concentration of mineral content, namely calcium and magnesium, in your drinking water. While hard water is not dangerous to consume, it can damage your plumbing system and home appliances. 

Hard water affects every aspect of your plumbing system, including your washing machine, dishwasher, and even your coffee pot. The longer you wait to treat hard water, the more damage it can cause.

Installing a water softener will drastically improve the water quality within your home.

How a Water Softener Works

The most common water-softening process is called ion exchange. The tank of the water softener contains a bed of negatively charged resin beads. As water flows through the tank, the resin beads attract the positively charged ions of calcium and magnesium, removing them from your water. The result is clean, mineral-free, softened water from your faucets.

Regeneration 

As you use your water softener, calcium and magnesium cling to the resin bed. Eventually, the saturation level of the resin will reach maximum capacity. When this happens, the water softener needs regeneration. 

When your water softener enters the regeneration stage, the brine tank releases salty water into the water softener tank. The brine water cleanses the resin bed, freeing it of mineral deposits. 

Once the regeneration process is complete, your water softener will return to softening as normal.

Water Softener vs. Water Filter

If you installed a water filter on your kitchen sink, that’s a good start, but your home is not fully protected against hard water. While a water filter fits to one tap to remove impurities in your drinking water, a water softener is deeper in your plumbing and removes hard-water-causing minerals from all water entering your home, no matter where it flows. 

Signs of Hard Water

You may first start to notice the signs of hard water during your daily routine. If freshly washed dishes have a cloudy appearance, or if you wash your hands and just can’t seem to wash off all the soap, those are two signs that you have hard water. 

The damage from hard water isn’t just to dishes and hands. Over time, hard water buildup can cause serious problems throughout your home.

Scale Buildup

Over time, limescale builds up, forming large deposits and damaging your plumbing system. As scale buildup grows, your water flow becomes impeded. If you start to notice diminished water pressure when you shower or wash dishes, there could be scale buildup within your plumbing system.

Shortened Life of Appliances

Hard water wreaks havoc on all your appliances, from your dishwasher to your coffee maker. Scale can build up inside your appliances more quickly than in your pipes. Even with regular descaling, hard water can shorten the life of home appliances.

Damaged Water Heater

Hard water can collect on the water heater’s heating element and cause corrosion. If you have ever heard your hot water heater make an alarming popping sound, you may have hard water. 

Wasted Detergent 

If you find yourself constantly using more detergent and still ending up with grimy clothes, hard water is probably to blame. Soap reacts negatively with magnesium and calcium, creating soap scum. 

Since a water softener removes hard elements, your clothes will get cleaner with less detergent.

How Much Does a Water Softener Cost?

When deciding if a water softener is the best choice for your home, make sure to think about all costs involved. Consider the cost of the water softener itself, as well as installation costs. A professional plumbing company can give you an estimate of installation costs. 

Beyond installation, you will have to think about maintenance and upkeep as well. The resin beads inside the tank last around five years before they require replacement. The saltwater brine requires replacement more often, about every 60 days.

Regular cleaning by a licensed professional is necessary to extend the life of the water softener. With regular maintenance, a water softener can last up to 15 years.

Benefits of a Water Softener

The initial cost and upkeep of a water softener can be costly, but the benefits of ridding your home of hard water outweigh the cost. Every home should have a water softener because:

• Your clothes will require less detergent and will smell and look cleaner. 
• You may notice that your dry skin improves. 
• The life of your appliances will lengthen once you have clean, soft water flowing through them every day.
• Your plumbing overall will face fewer problems. Limescale buildup can cause serious damage, resulting in costly repairs. 

Improve Your Home’s Water with a Water Softener

It’s normal to hesitate before making a big decision like installing a water softener. While signs of hard water are easy to detect, sometimes you need hard evidence. If you need to know for sure whether or not you have hard water, a professional can conduct a water sample test.

Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right, and you deserve to have the cleanest water possible throughout your home. Once you install a water softener, you can take clean water one step further by installing a reverse osmosis water treatment system. 

How does a water softener work, and do you need one? Iron Mountain Plumbing in St. George, Utah, can answer all your questions. Call our experienced team at 435•241•7031 to learn more about water softeners.

When you have a plumbing emergency, it’s important to know when you can repair it yourself and when you should call a professional. Plumbing emergencies never happen at convenient times, and professional emergency repair can be expensive. 

While some problems have easy fixes, some emergency plumbing situations require attention from a plumber. Putting off calling a plumber can end up causing more damage and costing you more money.

Iron Mountain Plumbing is the best emergency plumber in St. George when you need help from a professional. Here, we share nine plumbing issues that require a professional plumber.

1. Clogged Drain

All drains clog at some point. Kitchen and shower drains are notorious for developing clogs due to food waste, hair, and soap buildup.

Typically, you can remedy a simple clog yourself. When they start happening more often, there could be an underlying cause.  A professional plumber has the tools to locate clogs deep within your pipes and remove clogs before complete blockages form. 

You should never hear ongoing gurgling or hissing sounds coming from your drains. Noise coming from a drain, even rarely, indicates backup deep within the sewer line. A professional plumber has the tools to locate and remove the clog.

2. Bad Water Pressure

You know exactly how the water pressure coming from your shower head should feel.  If you turn on your shower and there is a trickle where there used to be a steady stream, that is a problem. Low water pressure indicates a leak, and it might not be easy to find. If left undetected, water leaks can cause extensive structural damage to your home. 

3. Frozen Pipes

In the winter months, a cold snap could cause your pipes to freeze and burst.  While it may not immediately signal danger to you, when a burst pipe thaws, it creates flooding. As soon as you notice you have frozen pipes, turn off the main water supply to reduce the risk of flooding.

4. Burst Pipes

Pipes don’t only burst when they freeze. A burst or broken pipe can happen at any time. Don’t just think of a burst pipe as occurring under a sink. 

Water pipes run throughout your floor and walls. When a pipe bursts within your home, the signs may show up as mold spots on the walls or sudden puddles on the floor. Water may drip down from the ceiling or seep up through the carpet. 

Burst pipes waste hundreds of gallons of water. Hidden water damage within your home can result in a compromised foundation and serious mold infestation.

5. Sudden Bill Increase

Take note of your regular water usage in relation to your monthly water bill. If you notice a sharp increase in your bill but have not increased your water consumption, that indicates a hidden water leak. 

While it may not seem like an emergency, a drastic increase in your water bill is enough to warrant a call to a plumber. It could indicate any number of problems, from a broken water main to a hidden leak.

You may not be able to locate the cause of your increased bill on your own, but a professional plumber will have the tools to locate the problem.

6. Malfunctioning Hot Water Heater

Lack of hot water is an obvious indicator that your hot water heater is not working. You may not realize that if your water is suddenly hotter than normal, that also means your water heater has a problem.

When a water heater malfunctions, it can raise the water to dangerous temperatures. A professional can assess your water heater and readjust it so that the water coming out maintains a safe. 

7. Clogged Toilet

Flushing anything other than toilet paper can lead to a clog. Even though wipes deemed as “flushable” have become popular, they can lead to emergency plumbing situations. The best thing you can do to prevent a clogged toilet is to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, regardless of what the packaging says.

8. Gas Leak

Did you know a gas leak is a plumbing emergency? Since many hot water heaters operate using gas heat, plumbers often work to repair gas leaks in pipes leading to the unit. 

 If you notice a “rotten egg” or sulfur-like smell in your home, turn off the gas immediately. Call 911 and a professional plumber who can check all gas appliances for signs of a leak. 

While you wait for a professional to arrive, open the windows to release any gas and protect your family. An unrepaired gas leak can result in carbon monoxide poisoning and should always have a professional perform thorough repair.

9. Broken Water Main

Because the location of the water main is sometimes deep under your home, you may not realize it’s broken. Indicators of a broken water main include soggy spots in the yard, low water pressure, and the dreaded high water bill.

A broken water main is a serious issue that could result in thousands of dollars of damage.

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

The best way to avoid getting into an emergency plumbing situation in the first place is through preventative maintenance. Schedule an annual appointment with a professional plumber to assess your plumbing system and identify early signs of water leaks or clogs. 

During the assessment, a plumber will also examine your water heater for silt buildup, signs of too much pressure, or unsafe water temperatures. 

Many outdated pipes and plumbing systems are outdated and unable to keep up with the demands of modern water usage. Regular maintenance is the best way to help an outdated plumbing system handle contemporary water demands. 

Call a Professional Plumber: Iron Mountain Plumbing

Emergency plumbing situations are always best when handled professionally. Trying to execute a plumbing repair on your own can end up causing more damage than you started with. Iron Mountain Plumbing is the best plumbing company in St. George to handle any emergency repair. 

Don’t procrastinate when you discover a plumbing emergency within your home. Call our professional plumbers at 435•241•7031 and let us help.