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Hardness in Perth's Water: Understanding, Impacts, and Solutions

Hard water is water with high concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. In Perth, these minerals naturally occur in our groundwater sources and can cause scale build-up in pipes, reduced efficiency in appliances, and other household issues that affect both water quality and the longevity of your plumbing system.

This page is part of our comprehensive guide to water contaminants in Perth. For an overview of Perth's water sources and treatment process, see our guide to Perth's drinking water supply.

Understanding Hardness in Perth's Water

Perth's water supply relies heavily on groundwater sources, which naturally contain minerals that contribute to water hardness. As rainwater filters through limestone and chalk deposits underground, it dissolves minerals before entering our water supply. The Water Corporation notes that these calcium and magnesium minerals cannot be removed by standard filtration, though specialized water softening systems can effectively address hardness issues. Key factors affecting water hardness in Perth include:

  • Geographic location and local geology
  • Seasonal variations in water sources
  • The mix of groundwater and desalinated water in your area
  • Water treatment processes used by local authorities

Perth's groundwater typically ranges from moderately hard to very hard, with calcium carbonate levels between 120-180 mg/L in many areas. The hardness varies significantly across suburbs, with northern and eastern suburbs often experiencing higher mineral content due to their proximity to specific groundwater sources.

You might notice hardness in your water through visible scale on taps and showerheads, soap that doesn't lather well, or a film left on glassware after washing. While these minerals are naturally occurring and safe to consume, they can cause numerous household problems over time.

Potential Risks of Hard Water

While hard water is generally safe to drink and may even provide some dietary minerals, it can cause several problems for your home and daily activities:

Household Impacts:

  • Scale build-up in pipes reducing water flow and pressure
  • Mineral deposits in appliances shortening their lifespan
  • Increased energy consumption in water heaters (up to 25% efficiency loss)
  • Spotting and streaking on dishes, glassware, and shower screens
  • Difficulty getting soaps and detergents to lather properly
  • Faster deterioration of washing machines and dishwashers
  • Blocked showerheads and tap aerators requiring frequent cleaning

Personal Effects:

  • Dry, itchy skin after showering
  • Dull, lifeless hair that's difficult to manage
  • Faded clothing colours and rough-feeling laundry
  • Higher usage of cleaning products and detergents
  • More frequent replacement of water-using appliances

The financial impact of hard water is often underestimated. When considering the shortened lifespan of appliances, increased energy costs, and additional cleaning products required, hard water can cost the average Perth household hundreds of dollars annually.

Recommended Filtration Solutions

Best Option: Advanced Water Softening System

This premium water softening system represents the cutting edge in water softening technology. The WaterMark approved system features a state-of-the-art intelligent valve that calculates backwash cycles based on your water volume and quality, ensuring optimal performance with minimal waste.

Key features:

  • Volumetric technology adjusts to your water usage patterns
  • 40 Lpm flow rate suitable for larger Perth homes
  • 25mm connection for easy integration with existing plumbing
  • Significantly reduces scaling and spotting throughout your home
  • Self-monitoring system requires minimal maintenance
Advanced-water-softening-system

Better Option: Mid-Range Water Softening System

For medium-sized households, this system offers excellent hardness protection with a more compact footprint. It provides advanced valve technology but is designed for homes with moderate water usage.

Key features:

  • 30 Lpm flow rate ideal for average Perth households
  • 25mm connection works with standard plumbing configurations
  • Reduces scale build-up in pipes and appliances
  • Extends the lifespan of water heaters and washing machines
  • Improves soap lathering and reduces detergent usage
Mid-range-water-softening-system

Good Option: Scale Reduction System

This system offers an effective alternative to traditional water softening. While it doesn't remove minerals completely, it conditions the water to prevent scale formation, offering a balance between mineral content and scale protection.

Key features:

  • Triple stage filtration that conditions water to reduce scale
  • Also removes chlorine, sediment, and improves taste and odour
  • No salt or chemicals required
  • Simple installation and low maintenance
  • Preserves beneficial minerals in drinking water
Scale-reduction-system

Concerned about hardness in your water? Call us at (08) 9315 5545 or book a free consultation to discuss filtration solutions!

How We Can Help

As Perth's water quality specialists, we specialise in addressing Perth's unique water quality challenges, including hard water issues:

  • Expert water testing – We provide comprehensive testing to determine your exact water hardness level and recommend appropriate solutions
  • Customised solutions – Our experienced team can design a water treatment approach specific to your home's needs and your family's water usage patterns
  • Professional installation – Our licensed plumbers ensure your water softening system is installed correctly for maximum effectiveness
  • Ongoing support – We provide maintenance, salt delivery services, and technical support to keep your system operating at peak efficiency

Our team has extensive experience with water softening technology with proven effectiveness against Perth's particularly challenging water conditions.

Protecting Your Home from Hard Water

Hard water is one of the most common water quality issues facing Perth homeowners, affecting everything from the efficiency of your appliances to the comfort of your showers. While the minerals in hard water aren't harmful to health, the cumulative impact on your home's plumbing system and appliances can be substantial. By investing in an appropriate water softening solution, you can protect your home, extend the life of your appliances, reduce cleaning time, and enjoy more comfortable water for bathing and cleaning.

Questions about hard water solutions? Call us at (08) 9315 5545 or book an appointment online for personalised advice.

GOT A QUESTION?

FAQs About Hardness in Perth's Water

Look for white scale deposits on taps and showerheads, soap that doesn't lather well, spots on glassware after washing, and a film on shower screens. You can also use simple water hardness test kits available at hardware stores.

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Had an emergency block in Kitchen sink a day before Christmas and couldn’t leave the apartment to fly for work. They were the only service I found that came in within a couple of hours and accommodated my request with quality workmanship and friendly service and it was a great relief for me. Recommend these guys. Thank you.

Ali hamedi

Ali Hamedi

Declan was absolute magic. Fixed my shower drain and gave me some useful plumbing tips for next time.

Leon saunders

Leon Saunders

“Declan came and unblocked the drains in my duplex.
He is a hero!!!”

Marja rentier

Marja Rentier

Declan saved the day again! Arrived promptly. Professional, charming and super efficient. One unblocked toilet and we are now fully operational again. I have No Probs on speed dial now 🙂

Elisabeth rajan

Elisabeth Rajan

I’ve now had No Probs Plumbing in to clear a kitchen drain, replace a hot water service, replace every ageing tap in the house and replace both toilet cisterns. Every single member of the No Probs team that I’ve met so far… perhaps 6 of the plumbing team alone… has been professional, friendly, and genuinely concerned for the outcome of the work to be perfect. I cannot recommend them more highly.

Paul antoine

Paul Antoine

Called in No Probs plumbing for a blocked drain after complicated solutions offered by another plumber. Dillon discussed the issue, offered a simpler solution and organised his crew to execute the plan. Problem solved!

Roshan rao

Roshan Rao

Just used Dillon’s company again today after a year. Excellent service by young Callum. Always found No Probls to be helpful, prompt and efficient. Fixed our blockage and were in and out in 40 minutes. Keep up the good work guys.

Suzanne long

Suzanne Long

We had issues with a blocked drain over the xmas break so was worried we might not get a quick response but we were wrong. They called us pretty much straight back and within roughly 1hr they were at our house. The young man Jack was a really nice polite and professional person. He was happy for a chat and to explain some of the equipment he used. Unfortunately the blockage was on the mains sewer so couldn’t fix it but he rang the Water Corp and asked me to follow up with him if Water Corp didn’t attend within a couple of hours… Will definitely use them again!

Kevin evans

Kevin Evans

I recently had the unfortunate experience of dealing with a blocked drain in my home. From the moment I contacted No Probs Plumbing & Gas, the team was professional, courteous, and incredibly responsive.

The scheduling process was seamless, and they were able to send one of their Plumbers Jack to my home within a few hours. When Jack arrived, he was not only punctual but also very knowledgeable. He took the time to assess the situation thoroughly and explained the potential causes of the blockage in a way that was easy to understand.

I was particularly impressed with his attention to detail and commitment to leaving my space clean and tidy after the job was completed.
Thank you Jack!!!

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Shanelle Bull

Zac from NoProbs Plumbing was amazing and really worked hard to get the job done which was pretty horrible trying to clear an old grease trap blockage. Efficient, tidy and great communication throughout. Recommend Zac and the company to anyone. Price was reasonable for the work done. Happy customer.

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Jaci Hills-Wright

Super responsive, cleared blockage/s & smell from drains within 1st hour of service. Informative & explained preventive measures we could take. Very happy with service.

Tamara harman

Tamara Harman

No probs plumbing & electrical’ were great! Same day service was a lifesaver!! The guys were very friendly & professional and were quick to identify and resolve our drain blockage problem. Thumbs-up…I can definitely recommend using ‘No probs plumbing & electrical

Mia hillyer

Mia Hillyer

Had a blocked sewerage drain. No Probs came out the same day I spoke with them and not only cleared the blockage but sent a camera down to determine what the actual cause was. Turned out to be some small roots entering the pipework. Thanks for the prompt response and future recommendations guys!

James rodoreda (rodsy)

James Rodoreda (Rodsy)

I would like to thank Declan and Jacob for taking the time and effort to get to the root of the problem with my blocked drains and for being willing to assist me at such short notice on a Friday afternoon.

I really appreciate your kindness and professionalism.

Kind regards
Enid Garrod

Enid garrod

Enid Garrod

We had a blocked drain and from the first call till when the job was finished was easy,no fuss,on time and professional. Great communication and made no mess. Highly recommend to all.

Walter ramage

Walter Ramage

We had Jacob come out to fix an issue with our blocked shower. His knowledge and expertise quickly removed the issue causing the blockage and rendered our shower operational once again. Thanks again Jacob and No Probs.

Tanya boyanich

Tanya Boyanich

I used No Probs when my kids had kindly created a blockage in our toilet. Zac was so friendly and confidently sorted out the problem with as little fuss as possible. I felt like our toilet was in good hands. He also kindly answered my other questions for keeping it in good shape as we walked out the door.

Amy springer

Amy Springer

Had No Probs Plumbing out to replace my toilet, Connor was such a good bloke and did an awesome job too. Would highly recommend to anyone who needs plumbing work done!

Reuben simcock

Reuben Simcock

The person that did the scheduling was very efficient and explained all the costs up front.
The plumbers turned up on time and even sent a text when they were 20 minutes away.
The work was done well and each step was explained to me. The guys were polite and cleaned up after themselves.

Grant stephens

Grant Stephens

Cam was on time, very knowledgeable, explained everything and gave me multiple options. When finished he made sure everything was cleaned up as well! It is good to see customer service does still exist. I would not hesitate to recommend them and will use them for any future work that needs to be done. Thanks Cam for a job well done. 😀

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Tamarra Kemsley

I recently required the services of No Probs Plumbing for my house of plumbing horrors, Declan was excellent to deal with and managed to locate the issue and repair it quickly considering the work that was required. Also setting up a tap to help isolate the outside from the inside in an effort to find leak number two.
Not the first time I have used the company and deffo wont be the last – excellent service, efficient and great customer service from every single person I dealt with.

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Declan came today and fixed a shower head and 2 taps. He was friendly, professional and worked quickly. Did a great job.

I first had Dylan do work for me in the earlier days if his business. Great team of guys he had and good to see his business growing. Definitely refer no probs to anybody.

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The guys arrived early and got right to it. they sorted what was causing the problem and anything else and informed us as to what needed doing and all costs. They let us know the options and we agreed on it. Both got stuck straight in and before we knew it, the job was done and everything cleaned up. no mess left behind. very happy with the workmanship, time doing the job and both very friendly and professional. Hoping to never need them again but if we do, we will get them again no questions asked. JOB WELL DONE!. NO PROBS

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Cannot recommend No Probs Plumbing highly enough. They were so fast, professional, kind, and knowledgeable. I appreciated how fast they arrived, the time they took to try and repair the old system and patience with me to make a decision on the new system. The workmanship was exceptional and were excellent value for money. Thank you

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No Probs and their complete home filtration system are brilliant. They really know their product and are realistic with what your family or home needs. Their work is extremely neat and tidy aka they take pride in their work. Since installation we have experienced softer, clearer skin and water that tastes as it should – clean!! Best decision we made was to have the filtration system installed.

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Quick response when contacted online. This was my second time using them and I am very satisfied with their work. I had issues with my sewage drainage. Conor was punctual and professional. He explained the issue with my sewage pipes, quoted the total costs upfront. My experiences have been positive with No Probs Plumbing and will definitely using them for future jobs if required.

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Been using No Probs for about 3 years and for 4 large jobs. Excellent team, well priced but more importantly they are reliable, trustworthy and honest. A rare commodity nowadays. Keep up the good work team.

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Outstanding service, very professional and responsive. We had Connor come out the same day as our hot water system burst. He stayed late and got the job done thoroughly. Would recommend this service to anyone.

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Holly Miles

Declan did a very good job installing my new hot water system and fixing up the leak issues. Very professional and giving me some good advice. Thank you, Declan.

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Called for assistance and received great and quick response.
Assessor on site 2 hours after reporting problem with toilet suite.
New suite installed less than 24 hours later with minimal disruption to floor tiles.

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Hi, I recently had one of your electricians come out to install a new set of filters for my under the sink reverse osmosis water unit as well as repair a bad leak coming from my solar hot water system up on the roof.
The young man was very friendly and completed the work quicker than I has expected. I wish that I could remember his name as he was first rate. I have now used your company on several occasions and every time the men who have attended to do the work have all been of a high caliber and have done quality work and I couldn’t recommend your company highly enough.
Kind regards
Richard Byron

Richard byron

Richard Byron

I’ve used this company many times and they have always performed their duties to the highest standards. They’re polite, efficient , reliable and charge accordingly which is cheaper than many others. Will definitely continue to use them and highly recommend their services too.

Wilfred victor

Wilfred Victor

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