Where Fullerton's water comes from
Fullerton is served by the city's own water utility, which supplies a blend of local groundwater and water imported from outside the area. The result is hard water, meaning it carries dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. You see it as white crust on faucets, spots on glasses and scale in kettles.
Inside the plumbing, those minerals can deposit on pipe walls, in valves, in faucet cartridges and at the bottom of water heater tanks. Over many years, scale narrows small openings and makes moving parts stiff. It is one of several factors, along with pipe age and material, that determine when a house needs plumbing work.
Where hard water shows its effects
| Part of the system | What happens | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet aerators and showerheads | Holes clog, flow weakens | Regular cleaning or soaking |
| Fixture cartridges and valves | Stiff handles, drips | Replacement when worn |
| Water heater tank | Sediment builds at the bottom | Periodic flushing per the manufacturer |
| Galvanized pipe | Scale adds to internal rust buildup | Replacement |
| Copper and PEX | Deposits at fittings over time | Good installation; water treatment if chosen |
Treat the water or replace the pipe?
Water treatment
- Reduces new scale in fixtures and the heater.
- Does not reverse corrosion already in old pipe.
- Needs its own maintenance.
- Can be added after a repipe.
Repipe
- Replaces narrowed or leaking pipe.
- Does not change the water itself.
- Fixes pressure and leak problems caused by failing pipe.
- Best when the pipe is already worn out.
Habits that reduce hard water wear
- Clean aerators and showerheads every few months.
- Flush the water heater on the schedule in its manual.
- Replace fixture shutoff valves that are stiff or weeping.
- Watch for white crust at pipe joints, which can hide slow leaks.
Ask when planning a repipe
- Does hard water change your recommendation between copper and PEX?
- Should a softener or filter be planned in, and where would it connect?
- Is the water heater due for flushing or replacement while you are here?
- Will new fixture valves be easy to service later?
Common questions
Does hard water cause pinhole leaks?
It can be one contributing factor, along with pipe age, flow, pressure and installation. It is rarely the only cause.
Should I install a water softener before a repipe?
Many owners plan treatment at the same time so connections are made once. It does not replace failing pipe.
Is hard water unsafe to drink?
Hardness is about minerals that cause scale. For questions about water quality, contact the city's water utility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.