Yes, over time. Utah’s Wasatch Front water hardness ranges from 200 to 400+ ppm of calcium carbonate — among the highest in the western U.S. Hard water causes scale (calcium and magnesium deposits) to build inside pipes, water heaters, and fixtures. In tankless water heaters, this is particularly damaging — scale accumulation on heat exchangers reduces efficiency and eventually causes failure without annual flushing. In tank water heaters, scale reduces the effective tank volume and insulates the heating element. A properly sized water softener prevents scale accumulation and significantly extends the life of all water-using appliances. RainFire Builders includes a water softener rough-in on all new construction projects in Utah.