The Real Cost of Hard Water on Your Appliances

Hard water might seem like a minor inconvenience—maybe it leaves a few spots on your glassware or makes your soap less sudsy. But behind the scenes? It’s working overtime to wear down some of the biggest investments in your home: your appliances.

We’re not trying to sound dramatic, but when you’ve been Minnesota’s water experts since 1947, you see what hard water can really do. And it’s more than a few calcium deposits—it’s reduced efficiency, early breakdowns, and costly repairs or replacements.

Let’s break it down.

Water heaters take the biggest hit
Your water heater is basically ground zero for hard water damage. As water heats up, those hard minerals (mostly calcium and magnesium) separate and settle at the bottom of the tank. That sediment buildup acts like insulation, forcing your heater to work harder just to get the same job done. Not only does this drive up your energy bill, but it also shortens the lifespan of your water heater—by years.

Dishwashers and washing machines aren’t spared either
Hard water can clog up hoses and coat internal parts with scale. That means your appliances use more energy, more detergent, and more rinse cycles just to do what they’re supposed to do. Over time, the buildup can lead to mechanical issues and breakdowns that cost more than a softener would’ve in the first place.

Coffee makers, ice machines, and other small appliances suffer too
Even the smaller gadgets in your kitchen aren’t immune. Mineral deposits can gum up your coffee maker, clog your ice machine, and reduce the efficiency of anything that involves heating or moving water. And let’s be honest—no one wants crunchy coffee.

More maintenance, more repairs, more replacements
Hard water doesn’t just cost you in energy and cleaning supplies. It costs you in time, frustration, and real money. Whether it’s the plumber you called to fix your water heater (again), or the new dishwasher you had to replace two years early, those costs add up fast.

So, what’s the fix?
A water softener from Commers Water doesn’t just protect your home—it protects your investment. Our custom-built systems are designed to match your household’s water usage and local water quality. They reduce buildup, extend the life of your appliances, and help everything run more efficiently—from your water heater to your washing machine.

Plus, you’ll save money on energy, repairs, and cleaning products. And you’ll have the peace of mind knowing your appliances are being treated to soft water—the way they were meant to be.

Hard water is sneaky. But we’re not. We’ll give you clear answers, honest solutions, and water you can feel good about. Give us a call and let’s talk about how to protect your home—and everything in it.