Hard Water on Chicago’s North Shore: Effects and Fixes Residents along Chicago’s North Shore often notice the telltale signs of hard water: cloudy glass, white scale on faucets, and soap that doesn’t rinse as cleanly. While hard water is not considered unsafe to drink, it can create real headaches for plumbing, appliances, skin, and household cleaning. What hard water is—and why it happens locally Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, most commonly calcium and magnesium. In the Chicago area, these minerals can come through natural water sources and affect the local water profile. The result is water that leaves mineral deposits when it evaporates. For homeowners, the biggest impact is visible: rings around sinks, dull shower doors, and buildup inside showerheads. Over time, scale can also accumulate in pipes and water-using appliances. How hard water affects your home First, hard w ... Read more »
Clay vs PVC Sewer Pipe: Which Lasts Longer?
Sewer pipes don’t just have to survive water and waste—they also have to endure soil movement, traffic loads, root intrusion, corrosion, and the stresses of trenching and backfill. So when people ask whether clay or PVC sewer pipe lasts longer, the most honest answer is: both can last a long time, but in different ways.
Below is how durability typically compares, what most influences pipe lifespan, and how to choose a pipe material that fits your system and conditions.
Typical lifespan ranges
Exact service life varies by region, construction standards, and maintenance history, but common industry expectations are:
- Clay sewer pipe: often cited in the range of 50–100+ years in well-supported installations that avoid cracking and chronic infiltration.
- PVC sewer pipe: commonly designed fo ... Read more »

Comments
Post a Comment