Pennsylvania Homeowners in Hard Water Counties Spend $847 More Annually on Plumbing, New Study Finds
Pennsylvania homeowners living in counties with very hard water spend an average of $847 more per year on plumbing repairs and replacements compared to those in soft water areas, according to a comprehensive water quality analysis by McCandless Plumbing & Excavation. The complete study is available at https://mccandlessplumbingexcavation.com/pennsylvania-water-quality-plumbing-study/.
The study also found that two-thirds of Pennsylvania counties exceed the 120 mg/L threshold for hard water classification, with 23 counties falling into the “very hard” category above 180 mg/L.
MINI METHODS
The McCandless Plumbing & Excavation study analyzed water quality data from all 67 Pennsylvania counties using U.S. Geological Survey and PA Department of Environmental Protection records. The analysis correlated this data with over 500 service calls across Pennsylvania, examining patterns in equipment lifespan, repair frequency, and emergency call rates. The study investigated multiple water quality factors including hardness, pH levels, chlorine content, iron levels, and lead contamination.
TOP RESULTS
Water Heater Lifespan Reduction: Water heaters in very hard water areas (>180 mg/L) last just 6.2 years on average, compared to 11.8 years in soft water zones—a 47% reduction in lifespan that costs homeowners an additional $1,500-2,000 per decade.
Pinhole Leak Frequency: Counties with water pH below 6.5 experience copper pipe pinhole leaks at a rate 312% higher than counties maintaining neutral pH levels between 7.0-8.0, with Western Pennsylvania particularly affected.
Fixture Replacement Rates: Faucets and fixtures in very hard water areas require replacement every 4.3 years on average, compared to 9.1 years in soft water zones—a 112% difference that doubles replacement costs over time.
Emergency Call Concentration: Plumbing companies serving very hard water counties receive 73% more emergency calls related to burst pipes and fixture failures compared to soft water counties, averaging 8.3 calls per 100 households annually versus 4.8.
Treatment System Adoption Gap: Only 18% of homeowners in Pennsylvania counties with documented hard water problems have installed water treatment systems, leaving 82% vulnerable to accelerated plumbing deterioration and higher repair costs.
Property Value Impact: Homes in areas with documented water quality problems sell for an average of 3.2% less than comparable properties in good water quality zones, representing approximately $6,400 in lost value for the median Pennsylvania home.
Regional pH Divide: Western Pennsylvania counties average pH 6.4 (acidic/corrosive range) while Eastern Pennsylvania counties average pH 7.2 (neutral range), explaining the geographic concentration of copper pipe corrosion west of the Allegheny Front.
COMPLETE RESULTS LINK
Complete Study Results: https://mccandlessplumbingexcavation.com/pennsylvania-water-quality-plumbing-study/
COMPANY INFO
McCandless Plumbing & Excavation is a full-service plumbing and excavation contractor serving Pennsylvania homeowners and businesses. With decades of experience addressing water quality issues across the state, McCandless specializes in water treatment solutions, plumbing system maintenance, and infrastructure repair. The company conducted this comprehensive study to help Pennsylvania homeowners understand the hidden costs of poor water quality and make informed decisions about water treatment investments.
Media Contact
Company Name: McCandless Plumbing & Excavation
Contact Person: Alex McCandless
Email: Send Email
Phone: +1-716-403-2478
City: Jamestown
State: New York
Country: United States
Website: https://mccandlessplumbingexcavation.com/
