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What Even Is Hard Water?
Hard water is a term for water that is high in mineral content. Typically, these minerals are calcium and magnesium, but it may also be a few others as well. Hard water can have a definite impact on your home, so we want to explain some of the potential effects it can have on you by writing this blog. Keep reading to learn more!
Signs of Hard Water
Most people can tell if they have a problem with hard water pretty easily. Hard water typically has a cloudy color to it because of the suspended minerals in it, especially when you pour it directly from the tap. These chalky particles may also accumulate in your sink or on the faucet itself, which can be another surefire sign that you have hard water. As we get into some of the effects hard water can have on your home, you may start to notice those signs as well.
Should I Be Worried About Hard Water?
From a health perspective, there is no reason to be worried about hard water. Minerals are an essential part of a balanced diet. Calcium and magnesium in hard water may actually provide a health benefit if you don’t get enough of these minerals from your normal diet. So from that perspective, hard water is totally safe.
However, you don’t just use water to drink. You need water for washing and cleaning as well. In this area, hard water can be frustrating to deal with.
The Impacts of Hard Water
Hard water can damage your clothes, skin, and hair when you wash them. Clothes will naturally lose color faster when washed with hard water. All of those small particles can rough up the clothes in the wash causing fading colors and itchiness. Hard water can dry out your skin and hair as well. If your skin feels dehydrated after washing, it may not be a problem with your soap, but a problem with hard water.
Lastly, a common side effect of hard water are deposits on your dishes, around your sink faucets, and in your bathroom. Chalky limescale deposits might be considered unsightly or make the area more difficult to clean.
How Can Homeowners Overcome Hard Water?
It’s surprisingly simple to get rid of hard water. Special water filtration systems are designed to filter out minerals from water. We call these water softeners. You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to these systems. You can place a small one at point-of-use. For example, placing one under your sink can improve the taste of your water, eliminate chalky deposits, and the water won’t dry out your hand when you’re washing dishes.
If you’re having major trouble with hard water, you can install a whole-home unit that can essentially eliminate any hard water problems throughout your home in one fell swoop. This is great if members of your household have problems associated with dry skin or if you want to tackle multiple problems at once.
Hard water is an all too common problem in the U.S. Many of the source wells that people get water from are becoming even harder over time. It all goes back to the geological history of the continent and there isn’t too much we can do to solve it on a wide-scale. For now, the best you can do is eliminate it from your home with a simple water softener system!
If you need any help with your home’s plumbing systems, call B & J Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. at (252) 512-5651, or contact us online. We provide services for all of your home’s vital systems. Our technicians are trained in cleanliness and health safety and can help you get through any plumbing emergency!