If you grew up without hard water, you might be used to feeling squeaky clean once the soap has been rinsed away. Hard water is naturally filled with suspended minerals like calcium and magnesium. This can quickly sour the experience of washing your hands, dishes, body, laundry, or anything else by leaving a film or residue behind.
Hard water is also highly damaging to your plumbing system and home appliances. The term “hard water” refers to any water supply that contains a high amount of minerals, namely calcium and magnesium. As water travels through the Earth’s atmosphere and soil, it absorbs and retains naturally occurring minerals. Calcium and magnesium are the most common, but there may be traces of iron, zinc, barium, aluminum, copper, manganese, and other dissolved minerals. The higher the mineral content, the harder the water.
Repeated exposure to hard water will cause limescale. It builds up, eventually clogging the drains and decreasing the water quality. There are many ways that hard water causes damage to the pipes in your home. When you use hard water for culinary use and irritation, limescale can form everywhere. If streams of water hit your home when your sprinklers run outside, you may notice discolorations on your siding or brick that can look white, chalky, or even rusty. While it is true that these can be removed, it isn’t always easy or convenient. Stains are the least of your worries when dealing with hard water. Over time, hard water can cause clogged drains due to the buildup of soap scum. The buildup can cause blockages that can slow drains, interfere with garbage disposals, and stop toilets.
The more frequently pipes are clogged, the more internal pressure is experienced, leading to drips inside your home, molding, or even flooding. Since hard water interferes with the formation of soap suds, many people who live with hard water assume they need more soap or detergent. The softer the water, the more effective the soaps will be. The best solution is to invest in a water purification system. There are many different options available to you. Contact us to find out the best option for you today.