Quick Answer: Denver's water is 3x harder than the US average. Minerals (calcium and magnesium) build up inside pipes, reducing flow and eventually blocking drains completely. Water softening or targeted maintenance can prevent most hard water damage.
If you've lived in Denver longer than a year, you've probably noticed it: white crusty buildup on showerheads, spots on dishes, and soap that doesn't lather right. That's hard water. But what you don't see—inside your pipes—is a bigger problem. Denver's severe hard water is silently clogging your drains, reducing water pressure, and damaging your plumbing system.
Why Denver Water Is So Hard
Denver sits on the Front Range, where snowmelt percolates through limestone-rich rock. As water passes through limestone, it dissolves minerals—particularly calcium carbonate and magnesium. The result: water with 200+ parts per million (ppm) of minerals. The EPA considers water "hard" at anything above 60 ppm.
Denver's water hardness: 3-4x the national average.
How Hard Water Damages Your Drains
1. Mineral Scaling Buildup
As hot water cools in pipes, minerals precipitate out and form a hard, chalky coating on pipe walls. Over months and years, this buildup reduces pipe diameter. A 1-inch drain becomes 3/4-inch. Then water backs up.
Visible sign: White crusty buildup inside showerheads or faucet screens.
2. Reduced Water Pressure
Mineral scaling narrows pipes gradually. You notice weak shower pressure or sinks draining slowly. Most people blame the fixture; actually, the entire line is partially clogged.
3. Clogs Form Faster
Hard water + soap + hair = perfect storm for clogs. Soap doesn't rinse completely in hard water, leaving a sticky residue. Hair and debris stick to this residue. What would take 2 years to clog in soft water takes 6 months in Denver.
4. Pipe Corrosion Accelerates
In metal pipes (copper, galvanized steel), mineral deposits create electrochemical corrosion. Pinholes form, leading to leaks. Older Denver homes with original galvanized steel pipes are particularly vulnerable.
Signs Your Drains Are Suffering From Hard Water
- Recurring clogs at the same drain (not other drains)
- Slow drains throughout the house that don't respond to plunger
- Weak water pressure in showers or faucets
- White or rust-colored buildup visible in drain openings
- Soap scum buildup that gets worse even with frequent cleaning
- Sprinkler system failures (hard water clogs nozzles)
Solutions: Stop Hard Water Damage
Option 1: Water Softener (One-Time Investment)
Cost: $1,500-3,000 installed | Maintenance: Salt refills ($50-100/year)
A whole-house water softener removes hardness minerals before water enters your pipes. This is the permanent solution.
Benefits:
- Stops hard water damage completely
- Extends pipe lifespan by 15-20 years
- Reduces water heating costs (soft water heats faster)
- Better soap suds, softer skin, cleaner dishes
Option 2: Targeted Drain Cleaning (Temporary)
Cost: $300-800 (hydro jetting) every 18-24 months
If you don't want a water softener, professional hydro jetting removes mineral scaling from pipes. This buys you time but doesn't prevent future buildup.
Best approach: Hydro jetting now to clear scaling, then install softener to prevent it happening again.
Option 3: Point-of-Use Softener (Compromise)
Cost: $500-1,500 | Coverage: One fixture (bathroom, kitchen)
Not ready for a full softener? Point-of-use softeners treat water at a specific faucet. Kitchen or bathroom only. Works, but doesn't solve the main line problem.
Immediate Actions to Reduce Hard Water Damage
- Use drain strainers to prevent hair + scaling combo clogs
- Flush drains with boiling water weekly (helps dissolve scaling)
- Don't ignore slow drains (they'll only get worse)
- Schedule professional inspection to assess existing mineral buildup
- Clean showerheads and faucet screens monthly to prevent total blockage
Get a Professional Assessment
Hard water damage builds invisibly. You won't see the problem until your drains stop working. A professional camera inspection reveals mineral scaling before it becomes emergency territory.
Call (720) 500-6955 for a FREE inspection and recommendations on water softening or drain cleaning.