What is one disadvantage of hard water when used in home appliances?

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. When hard water is heated or subjected to evaporation, these minerals can precipitate and form scale. This scale buildup can accumulate in appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and pipes, leading to reduced efficiency and potentially causing mechanical failures over time.

The formation of scale reduces the heating efficiency in water heaters as it acts as an insulating layer that requires more energy to raise the temperature of the water. Consequently, this can lead to increased energy costs as well as the need for more frequent maintenance or even replacement of appliances that are adversely affected by the scale buildup. Understanding this disadvantage is crucial for effective maintenance of home appliances and for ensuring the longevity of plumbing systems.