Problems That Soft Water Can Have On A Plumbing System

Soft water can have several problems in a plumbing system, mainly due to its corrosive properties.

This type of water can be more corrosive to certain types of plumbing systems than hard water. 

This is because soft water has a lower pH and lower mineral content, which can make it more aggressive and reactive toward certain types of metal pipes, such as copper or lead pipes.

Let’s start with some of the common problems that can occur from soft water.

Problems that soft water can have on a plumbing system

Soft water can have several problems in a plumbing system, mainly due to its corrosive properties. 

Here are some of the common problems that can occur:

Corrosion

Soft water is aggressive and reactive towards certain types of metal pipes, such as copper or lead pipes, and can cause corrosion over time. 

Corrosion can result in leaks, discoloration of the water, and other plumbing problems.

Corrosion is a common problem that can occur from using soft water. 

The corrosive properties of soft water can cause metal pipes and other plumbing components to gradually degrade over time, which can result in leaks, discoloration of the water, and other plumbing problems. 

Here are some more details on the corrosion problems that can arise from using soft water.

Copper pipe corrosion

Copper pipes are commonly used in plumbing systems and are particularly susceptible to corrosion from soft water. 

The corrosive properties of soft water can cause the copper pipes to develop pinhole leaks or corrode from the inside out, which can lead to water damage and costly repairs.

Galvanized pipe corrosion

Galvanized pipes, which are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting, can also corrode from the inside out when exposed to soft water. 

Over time, the zinc coating can degrade, leading to rust and corrosion of the underlying metal.

Corrosion of other plumbing components

Soft water can also cause corrosion of other plumbing components, such as valves, faucets, and water heaters. 

Over time, the corrosive properties of soft water can cause these components to fail or become less efficient, resulting in the need for costly repairs or replacements.

Discoloration of water

Soft water can cause discoloration of the water due to the corrosion of metal pipes or plumbing components. 

The discoloration can range from a slight yellow or brown tinge to a more pronounced red or rust color.

Pinhole leaks

Soft water can cause small leaks, known as pinhole leaks, to develop in metal pipes. These leaks can be difficult to detect and can cause water damage if left untreated.

Pinhole leaks are a common problem that can occur in metal pipes when exposed to soft water over time. 

These leaks can be difficult to detect and can cause water damage if left untreated. 

Here are some more details on the pinhole leaks problem that can arise from using soft water.

Cause of pinhole leaks

Soft water is corrosive and reactive towards certain types of metal pipes, such as copper or galvanized pipes, which can cause the metal to degrade over time. 

As the metal degrades, small pinhole leaks can develop, which allow water to seep out of the pipe.

Detection of pinhole leaks

Pinhole leaks can be difficult to detect as they are often small and hidden within walls or other areas of the plumbing system. 

However, signs of pinhole leaks may include low water pressure, discoloration of the water, or damp spots on walls or ceilings.

Water damage from pinhole leaks

If left untreated, pinhole leaks can cause water damage to walls, floors, and other areas of the home. 

Water damage can also lead to mold growth, which can pose a health risk to occupants.

Cost of repairs

Pinhole leaks can be costly to repair, especially if they are not detected early. 

Repairs may require opening up walls or ceilings to access the affected pipes, which can result in additional repair costs.

Pipe degradation

The corrosive properties of soft water can cause the degradation of metal pipes over time, leading to reduced water flow and pressure.

Pipe degradation is a common problem that can occur when metal pipes are exposed to soft water over time. 

Soft water can be corrosive and reactive towards certain types of metal pipes, causing the metal to degrade and become thinner or weaker. 

Here are some more details on the pipe degradation problem that can arise from using soft water:

Cause of pipe degradation

Soft water has low levels of minerals, which can make it more aggressive towards certain types of metal pipes. 

As the soft water passes through the pipes, it can gradually erode and weaken the metal, causing it to become thinner and more prone to cracking or leaking.

Types of metal pipes affected

Copper and galvanized pipes are particularly susceptible to pipe degradation when exposed to soft water. 

However, other types of metal pipes can also be affected over time.

Detection of pipe degradation

Pipe degradation can be difficult to detect as it occurs gradually over time. 

Signs of pipe degradation may include low water pressure, discoloration of the water, or leaks.

Cost of repairs

Pipe degradation can be costly to repair, especially if the damage is extensive. 

Repairs may require the replacement of sections of pipe or the entire plumbing system, which can be a significant expense.

Scale buildup

While soft water can reduce mineral buildup on fixtures and appliances, it can also cause scale buildup inside pipes, which can reduce water flow and pressure.

Scale buildup is another common problem that can occur with soft water. 

While soft water has low levels of minerals, it can still cause scale buildup in plumbing systems over time. 

Here are some more details on the scale buildup problem that can arise from using soft water:

Cause of scale buildup

Soft water can still contain some minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can form scale buildup in plumbing systems. 

When the soft water is heated, the minerals can precipitate out and form a hard, crusty buildup on the inside of pipes and other fixtures.

Effects of scale buildup

Scale buildup can cause a number of problems, including reduced water flow, decreased water pressure, and damage to water-using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. 

Scale buildup can also create an environment for bacteria and other pathogens to grow.

Detection of scale buildup

Scale buildup can be detected by examining plumbing fixtures for a white or yellowish crusty buildup. 

Additionally, reduced water flow or pressure may indicate the presence of scale buildup in the plumbing system.

Cost of repairs

The cost of repairing scale buildup can vary depending on the severity of the problem. In some cases, simply removing the buildup with a descaling solution may be enough. 

In other cases, it may be necessary to replace affected fixtures or pipes.

Plumbing component failure

Soft water can cause the failure of plumbing components such as water heaters, valves, and faucets due to the corrosive effects of the water.

Plumbing component failure is another potential problem that can occur with soft water. 

While soft water is less likely to cause corrosion and scale buildup, it can still have a negative impact on plumbing components such as valves, seals, and washers. 

Here are some more details on the plumbing component failure problem that can arise from using soft water:

Cause of plumbing component failure

Soft water has a low mineral content, which can cause rubber and plastic components in plumbing systems to become brittle and crack over time. 

This can lead to leaks and other issues with the plumbing system.

Effects of plumbing component failure

Plumbing component failure can cause leaks, reduced water pressure, and other problems with the plumbing system. In severe cases, component failure can result in flooding and water damage to the home.

Detection of plumbing component failure

Signs of plumbing component failure may include leaks, reduced water pressure, and unusual noises coming from the plumbing system.

Cost of repairs

The cost of repairing plumbing component failure can vary depending on the severity of the problem. In some cases, simply replacing the affected component may be enough.

In other cases, it may be necessary to replace entire sections of the plumbing system.

The reasons

The primary way that soft water can be corrosive to plumbing systems is through a process called “ion exchange.” 

This is the process by which calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are replaced with sodium ions in soft water. 

The exchange of ions can occur through a variety of methods, but the most common is through the use of an ion exchange resin.

During the ion exchange process, the positively charged calcium and magnesium ions in hard water are attracted to the negatively charged ion exchange resin. 

As the hard water flows over the resin, the calcium and magnesium ions are removed from the water and replaced with sodium ions. 

The resulting soft water has a lower mineral content, which can make it more aggressive and reactive toward certain types of metal pipes.

The problems

The corrosiveness of soft water is due to its lower pH and lower mineral content. 

Soft water typically has a pH of around 7.0 or lower, which can make it slightly acidic. 

When soft water comes into contact with metal pipes, it can cause a process called “metal leaching,” which is the gradual loss of metal ions from the pipes. 

This can result in a number of plumbing problems, including corrosion, discoloration of the water, and pinhole leaks.

In the short term, the most noticeable effect of soft water on users is likely to be an improvement in the quality of their water. 

Soft water can make soaps and detergents more effective, leading to cleaner dishes and clothes, and it can also reduce the amount of mineral buildup on fixtures and appliances.

However, over the long term, the corrosiveness of soft water can cause significant damage to plumbing systems, which can result in leaks, discoloration of the water, and other plumbing problems. 

These problems can be expensive to repair and may require the replacement of pipes or other plumbing components.

In addition to its corrosive effects on plumbing systems, soft water can also have other side effects. 

For example, soft water can have a higher sodium content than hard water, which can be problematic for people on low-sodium diets or with high blood pressure. 

Soft water can also be slightly more acidic than hard water, which can cause irritation to some people’s skin.

The solutions

To address the corrosiveness of soft water, there are a number of possible solutions. 

One option is to install a neutralizing filter, which can raise the pH of the water and make it less corrosive. 

Another option is to add alkaline compounds to the water, which can also raise the pH and reduce the corrosiveness of the water. 

Finally, it may be necessary to replace metal pipes with non-corrosive materials, such as plastic or PVC pipes, to prevent the gradual loss of metal ions from the pipes.

Conclusion

In summary, while soft water can have some benefits, such as reducing mineral buildup and making soaps and detergents more effective, it can also be corrosive to plumbing systems and have other side effects. 

The softening process often involves exchanging calcium and magnesium ions for sodium ions, which can increase the levels of sodium in the water. 

If the water is also low in alkalinity, the resulting water can be acidic, which can further increase its corrosiveness.

Over time, this can lead to the degradation of metal pipes, which can cause leaks, discoloration of the water, and other plumbing problems. 

To address this issue, it’s important to test the water’s pH and alkalinity levels and ensure that the plumbing system is made of appropriate materials that can withstand the corrosive effects of soft water. 

In some cases, it may also be necessary to install a neutralizing filter or add alkaline compounds to the water to increase its pH and reduce its corrosiveness.