Many American homes are supplied with water that would generally be described as “hard.” Water hardness is a measurement of the concentration of minerals – mostly calcium and magnesium – that are naturally dissolved in water. Hard water is not usually regarded as a health hazard – in fact, it can be beneficial to drink hard water, as it supplements one’s intake of essential minerals. However, hard water is not kind to clothing, dishes, plumbing installations and household appliances. If you are seeing the detrimental effects of hard water, you need to install a water softener in your home. Here are the signs you need to look out for.
Scale Buildup
Hard water will cause mineral deposits, known as limescale, to build up on your dishes, glassware, cutlery, household appliances and pots. This will be seen as hard, chalky film that is difficult to scrub off.
Higher Utility Bills
If your utility bills are increasing mysteriously, check your home’s plumbing for scale buildup. Limescale can clog pipes, forcing your heating system to work harder to pump water through.
Faded and Gray Laundry
Hard water lessens the effect of soaps and detergents, leaving a residue that can cause your clothing to fade, appear dull or grey, and become rough and scratchy in texture.
Skin and Hair Issues
The minerals in hard water dry out your skin and hair. If you start to find that your hair and skin become flaky and itchy, or need more moisturizing than usual, it could be because you are showering or bathing in hard water.
Water Heater Problems
Hard water also affects the health and function of your water heater. It leads to rapid premature aging in water heaters, especially electric ones. The reason for this is that heating accelerates the formation of scale, which then rapidly builds up on the walls of the tank and on the heating elements.
Water Test Results
The most accurate way to determine if you need a water softener is to have your water professionally tested. A thorough test of your water’s chemical composition will tell you whether you have high levels of calcium, magnesium and other metals in your supply. If you see any of the signs mentioned above, get your water tested as soon as possible.
If you do have a problem with hard water, a good water softener will take care of the problem. Aqua Soft Water Systems Inc. Authorized independent Kinetico Dealer for Palm Beach and Broward County. Our dedicated sales staff is here for all of your water needs to find the right water treatment options for your home. If you want to eliminate hard water in your home supply, contact us today.
