Hard water is a common problem that most people don’t really think too much about. However hard water can cause a variety of problems from plumbing clogs to dry skin. Hard water is the result of too many minerals in the water, usually calcium or magnesium. Some of the undesirable effects of hard water are mineral buildup in dishes, soap not working as well, irritated skin, and buildup on plumbing fixtures. Hard water is a common plumbing problem. Here are some signs you may have hard water and what you can do.
DETECTING HARD WATER: SOME SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE HARD WATER
- Scale Buildup – One of the first things you may notice if you have hard water is a white scale buildup around the tub, shower, sink, toilet, or faucet. This is a residue from the minerals that are in your water. While you can always clean the scale buildup out of your bathtub, you have to consider that if it’s happening on your plumbing fixtures it’s probably happening to your plumbing pipes.
- Low Water Pressure – Low water pressure is another sign you may have hard water. While other things like a clog or broken pipe can also cause low water pressure, hard water is another common culprit of hard water. Remember if you are seeing scale buildup on your plumbing fixtures then it is also building up in your plumbing pipes, which can reduce the flow of water and affect your water pressure.
- Laundry Problems – Dingy clothes or clothes that aren’t getting clean is another sign that you may have hard water. The minerals that cause hard water may also affect the effectiveness of your laundry detergent, and also allow for the soup scum that forms to cling to the fabric in your clothing causing a sour odor and leaving it feeling stiff and rough. It can also result in dingy whites and dull colors.
- Water Spots on Dishes and Glassware – Just like with your plumbing fixtures, scale buildup can also occur on your dishes and glassware. Hard water spots on your dishes can be on the surface or even permanently cause damage known as etching.
- Bathing – Another sign you may have hard water is how your skin and hair feels after bathing. Hard water can often cause irritation to your skin and also leave soap residue behind leaving your skin feeling dry. Hard water may leave your hair looking dull and feeling stiff.
If you suspect you have hard water you may want to have your water tested. You can perform a simple test yourself with a test strip or with a water hardness titration kit. Further testing should be conducted before making any major decisions.
Installing a water filtration systems. By installing a whole house water filtration system, like a Pelican Water System, you can alleviate all of the issues with hard water and then some. Pelican Water Systems not only provides you with clean water for drinking and cooking with, but also for bathing and running appliances. Aside from the minerals associated with hard water Pelican Water Systems also filter out: Chlorine and/or Chloramine, Floride, Iron and Manganese, Silica, Bacteria, Lead, Nitrates, Sulfates, and Arsenic. Contact Courtesy Plumbing to learn more.
