Richmond's municipal water supply is moderately hard, averaging 120-150 mg/L of dissolved minerals. This hardness level causes scale buildup inside water heaters, reducing efficiency and shortening tank life. The scale accumulation is particularly aggressive on electric heating elements, which operate at higher surface temperatures than gas burners. Properties in western Henrico County often have private wells with even higher mineral content, accelerating wear on fixtures, appliances, and pipe interiors. Professional plumbers familiar with local water conditions recommend specific maintenance intervals and treatment solutions based on your supply source.
Choosing plumbing repair services with Richmond-specific knowledge ensures repairs account for local conditions. We recommend anode rod replacements every three years instead of the standard five-year interval because local water chemistry depletes them faster. We install sediment traps on water heater cold water inlets and specify pressure-reducing valves calibrated for Richmond's typical 75-85 PSI street pressure. These adjustments extend equipment life and prevent failures common in this area. Local plumbing companies understand these patterns because we service the same water supply conditions daily across hundreds of properties.