Hard water is something that affects nearly 85% of the homes in the United States. But what exactly is hard water? Regular H2O often has trace amounts of minerals in it like iron, magnesium, calcium or aluminum. These minerals can come from the water moving through limestone, soil, lakes, and rivers or even older plumbing pipes. Hard water is H2O that contains a high mineral count. These extra minerals are not necessarily bad for you, but they can have some unpleasant effects on the water you use in your home. In addition, these water sediments can carry harmful bacteria along with them. So how do you know if you have hard water?
6 Signs you have Hard Water
Stains – Excessive iron in your water can lead to reddish-brown stains in your toilet, shower, and sinks. These stains can be very difficult to clean away.
Taste – Water that tastes metallic, like dirt or smells like rotten eggs can indicate a hard water issue.
Soap Scum – White spots on your glasses and dishes could be caused by hard water. Calcium deposits are left behind after the water dries in the dishwasher. This scummy coating can build up anywhere you use water in your home.
Shower Issues – The minerals in hard water react with the soap you use in the shower, making it less effective. It can be difficult to lather up and to rinse away all the soap, leaving residue on your skin. Mineral build up can also clog the shower head reducing water pressure.
Clothes – Laundry detergent won’t perform as well when hard water is present. Clothes can become dingy and stiff. Iron stains can also discolor your clothing and yellow your whites.
Skin Irritation – Leftover soap on the skin can cause dry skin. Dry skin often leads to itchy skin and general discomfort. Those with sensitive skin can be greatly affected and even develop eczema.
Hard Water and Plumbing
All these signs of hard water in your home are frustrating. On top of all these inconveniences, hard water can have a terrible effect on your pipes. Hard water builds up scales of mineral deposits on the inside of water pipes in your home. Just like the arteries in our bodies, continued build up can be disastrous, leading to many plumbing issues. This constricting of water can lead to excessive pressure on your water pipes and backup issues.
The good news is that the addition of a water softener to your home plumbing system can alleviate those issues. A water softener will remove the extra minerals in the water, including calcium, magnesium, iron and more. Improved taste, odor, and effectiveness of sap are only some of the many benefits of adding a water softener. No longer worrying about the buildup of mineral scales on your pipes will give you peace of mind. The plumbing experts at Lower Plumbing, Heating & Air Inc. in Topeka, KS can install a water softener in your home. You’ll be amazed at the increase in quality of living you will experience. Should you have pipes that are clogged or backup problems caused by hard water, Lower can repair those as well. Call (785) 357-5123 or contact Lower online to get your water softener installed quickly. You’re going to love it.