The basics
Brampton and Mississauga draw their water from Lake Ontario, treated by the Region of Peel. The lake water is moderately hard, meaning it carries calcium and magnesium picked up from rock and soil. Hardness is not a health issue. It is a housekeeping and equipment issue. The Region publishes water quality reports where you can see current hardness figures.
- White crust on faucets, showerheads and glass doors
- Scale inside kettles and coffee makers
- Sediment in tank water heaters, causing rumbling
- Reduced flow from tankless heaters over time
In parts of Caledon on well water, hardness can be much higher, and iron is common too.
Step by step
- Check the numbers. Look up the Region's water quality report for your area, or test with a simple kit.
- Clean the visible scale. Soak aerators and showerheads in white vinegar overnight.
- Flush your tank heater. Our flushing guide covers the steps.
- Service tankless units. Book descaling every year or two.
- Decide on a softener. If scale is costing you time and equipment life, a softener may pay off.
Time to bring in the shop
Call us if scale is affecting water heater performance, if flow from fixtures has dropped noticeably, or if you want a softener sized and installed. We can also help when an older heater makes loud popping sounds, since that is often a sediment problem that a flush may not fully fix.
Softener or not?
Many households live comfortably with Peel's water and simply clean fixtures often. Homes with tankless heaters, glass showers or a strong dislike of spots tend to find softeners worth it.
Asked at the shop counter
Is Peel water hard?
It is moderately hard. The Region of Peel publishes water quality data online.
Is hard water unsafe to drink?
No. Hardness affects fixtures and appliances, not safety.
Do I need a softener?
Not by default. Weigh how much the crust annoys you against the gear it threatens.
Questions about this job? Call (365) 413-9125 and talk to a plumber.