Is Arizona Water Really That Hard? Here’s What It Does to Your Home
If you live in Arizona and feel like your faucets, shower heads, or appliances don’t last as long as they should—you’re not imagining things. Arizona has some of the hardest water in the country, and over time, it can quietly damage your plumbing system, appliances, and even your wallet.
Let’s break down what hard water really is, why Arizona water is so hard, and what it’s doing to your home behind the scenes.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily:
Calcium
Magnesium
While these minerals aren’t harmful to drink, they become a serious problem once they move through your plumbing system day after day.
How Hard Is Arizona Water?
In many parts of Arizona—including Surprise, Peoria, Glendale, and the greater Phoenix area—water hardness often measures 15–25+ grains per gallon.
For reference:
0–3 GPG = Soft
3–7 GPG = Moderately hard
7–10 GPG = Hard
10+ GPG = Extremely hard
Arizona water regularly falls into the “extremely hard” category.
What Hard Water Does to Your Plumbing System
1. Scale Buildup Inside Pipes
As hard water flows through your pipes, minerals stick to the pipe walls, forming limescale. Over time, this causes:
Reduced water flow
Increased water pressure stress
Premature pipe failure
This buildup happens out of sight, which is why many homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until repairs get expensive.
2. Shortened Life of Water Heaters
Your water heater takes the biggest hit.
Hard water causes:
Mineral sediment collecting at the bottom of tank water heaters
Reduced heating efficiency
Overworked heating elements
Cracking and early tank failure
In Arizona, we regularly see water heaters fail years earlier than expected due to hard water alone.
3. Damaged Fixtures & Appliances
Hard water wears down:
Faucets and valves
Shower heads
Dishwashers
Washing machines
Ice makers
Minerals clog internal components, forcing appliances to work harder and break sooner—often outside of warranty.
4. Higher Energy & Utility Bills
When scale builds up:
Water heaters use more energy to heat water
Appliances run longer cycles
Flow restrictions reduce efficiency
This means higher gas, electric, and water bills, even though nothing looks “broken.”
5. Soap Scum, Dry Skin & Dull Laundry
Hard water affects daily life too:
Soap doesn’t lather properly
Shampoo leaves residue on hair
Skin feels dry and itchy
Clothes come out stiff, faded, or dingy
White film builds up on sinks and showers
Many homeowners assume this is normal—it’s not.
Can Hard Water Be Fixed?
Yes—and this is where water softeners come in.
How a Water Softener Helps
A properly sized water softener:
Removes calcium and magnesium
Prevents scale buildup
Protects pipes and appliances
Extends the life of your water heater
Improves water feel on skin and hair
Reduces soap and detergent use
For Arizona homes, a softener isn’t a luxury—it’s preventative plumbing protection.
Why Arizona Homes Especially Need Water Treatment
Arizona’s water supply comes from sources like:
The Colorado River
Groundwater aquifers
Central Arizona Project (CAP)
These sources naturally carry high mineral content, and municipal treatment focuses on safety—not hardness removal.
That means the responsibility falls on homeowners to protect their plumbing systems.
How to Know If Your Home Has Hard Water
Common signs include:
White, chalky buildup on fixtures
Frequent plumbing repairs
Water heater issues
Dry skin or hair
Spotty dishes and glassware
Low water pressure over time
If you’re seeing even one or two of these, hard water is likely the cause.
Professional Water Testing Matters
Not all homes need the same solution. Water hardness varies by neighborhood, plumbing layout, and household usage.
A professional water test helps determine:
Exact hardness level
Proper softener size
Whether filtration or RO is also recommended
This ensures you’re not overpaying or installing the wrong system.
Final Thoughts: Hard Water Costs More Than You Think
Hard water doesn’t fail loudly—it fails slowly and expensively.
By the time pipes clog, water heaters fail, or appliances break down, homeowners have already paid thousands more than necessary.
Addressing hard water early is one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in an Arizona home.
Ready to Protect Your Home from Hard Water?
At Set Apart Plumbing, we specialize in:
Water hardness testing
Water softener installation
Whole-home water treatment solutions
Long-term plumbing protection for Arizona homes
📞 Call us today to schedule a free water test and find the right solution for your home.
480-404-0979
setapartplumbing.com
