The Effects of Hard Water on your Commercial / Industrial Equipment

Around 60% of the UK is classed as having hard or very hard water.

Hard water effects on your households’ fixtures and fittings are obvious and visible but the effect of hard water on commercial and industrial appliance can be wide-ranging and devastating. 

What Causes Hard Water? 

The simple definition of water hardness is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. It occurs in the UK where the bedrock is made of sedimentary rocks like limestone, chalk, flint, and sandstone. The Southeast of the UK is made up primarily of chalk and limestone and therefore has the hardest water. This mineral build up is what we commonly call limescale.

The Impact of Hard Water

Hardwater can reduce the lifespan of industrial and commercial equipment. This is due to the minerals being deposited and hardening on the appliances they come into contact with. The build-up of minerals will lead to decreased efficiency of equipment and increased energy costs. In addition to affecting your machines, hard water can also damage clothes, etch glass, bind with detergents causing odors, and cause chalky residue or spots to appear on dishes.

To maintain equipment, you can periodically flush the system and replace the water in the boiler, but this means using water, energy, and chemicals, therefore also flushing money down the drain.

Therefore, it is essential for businesses to take appropriate measures to mitigate the effects of hard water.

Water Softeners

The best way to mitigate the effects of hard water is to utilise water softening technologies that soften or remove minerals from the water supply. The two most common methods used to do this are called ion exchange and reverse osmosis.

Ion exchange works by exchanging calcium, magnesium, and other minerals for sodium ions. Reverse osmosis works by using pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane that ‘catches’ the contaminants and filters them out.

By removing the minerals from the water supply you lessen your need for maintenance and repairs on your equipment due to corrosion and blockages. On top of this, preventing mineral build up leads to more efficient machines thereby reducing energy costs.

Things to consider: 

• Type of hard water in your area
• Cost, water softening technologies can require a significant upfront investment.
• If professional help is needed for installation.

Hard water is a real threat to businesses that use water extensively in their daily operations. While a limescale build up might seem a minor thing initially, over time this build up can lead to significant damage, wasted energy, and costly repairs.