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: 

What our clients say

There’s a reason Culligan of Greater Rochester is the best water treatment company in Greater Rochester with over 228 4.5-Stars Google Reviews.

Diane Malcomson
3 months ago
Good service, polite staff, efficient delivery
Tom Hanson
3 months ago
We were not getting soft water from our water treatment equipment and I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong with it. The technician came out and determined the problem right away and has the parts right with him and was able to repair it and now we have beautiful, soft water again.
Rosie Lund
4 months ago
Nice and friendly. Always respectful and delivery on time. Appreciate notice before arriving. Great!.
Echoman
4 months ago
From the user-friendly website scheduling, then initial contact with Diane to schedule the free water testing/consultation onto Scott's patient, knowledgeable and informative onsite consultation; absolutely first-rate Customer Service.
C R
5 months ago
Great service and products. Very friendly staff and great service with a smile
Jenifer Torske
7 months ago
I have been a Culligan customer for 21 years. The service, the people, and the product are the best. Would not go to another company.
James Young
8 months ago
great team, excellent install of 3 sink RO systems in my triplex + water softening for entire building. great rental program that includes annual filter replacement (which are normally like $400). Writing this review today because I had a leak at one RO faucet on a Saturday, they immediately answered the emergency pickup line, was something they were able to walk me through to fix, took less than a minute. highly recommend!
Bobby Erickson
10 months ago
We have horrible water from our well, so we need a high quality system to allow us to have safe/clean water coming through our house. We compared products and services, as well as pricing, with other local brands and found Culligan to be the best overall product for our household needs. They were extremely nice and thorough with their installation and removal of old equipment. Everything was cleaned up, and functioning properly when they left - and no problems since. We are now 10+ years satisfied with Culligan.
I appreciate the service so I don’t have to lift the heavy salt bags and my softener always works well. Also I have a water purification system in my kitchen and have had excellent service for that as well.
Josh Noser
1 year ago
Great source for supplying our business with bulk softener salt and distilled water at an affordable price.
Anita Wells
1 year ago
Great service on delivering the salt and great water quality.
Julie Roenigk
1 year ago
We are very satisfied with the service and products. They are knowledgeable and willing to explain about the system.
Downtown Dental
1 year ago
Friendly and reliable service☺
Barb Metcalf
1 year ago
Excellent service that provides us peace of mind knowing we don’t have to struggle picking up & lifting heavy salt into our softener.
Ivy Berry
2 years ago
Highly recommended
Doreen Ryan
2 years ago
They donate water to the Scheels Healthy Human Race and I was returning water jugs!
Tamara King
2 years ago
Courteous and reliable!!
Trista Johnson
2 years ago
Every time I call with questions the receptionist is ALWAYS so kind and caring. It is a seamless/stress free service that I love!
Bonnie
2 years ago
Great, recomend too all.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee Worlds most efficient NSF Certification | Culligan of Greater Rochester UL Certified Company in Rochester, Kasson, Stewartville, Byron, Pine Island Water Quality Association Tested and Certified Under Industry Standards

#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.