Do You Have Hard Water In Your Home?
For many homeowners, the distinction between hard and soft water is not a familiar concept. After all, what exactly does it mean when water is “hard?” Hard water is simply water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. While this doesn’t make much difference in terms of the water’s safety, it can significantly impact the plumbing system itself - not to mention the comfort of everyone in the home.
One solution is to install a water softener to remove these minerals from the water supply, but many homeowners wonder if it’s really necessary. So this article will lay out the three most common signs that a home has hard water, how it can affect the home and its plumbing, and how to tell when it’s time to install a water softener.
Visual Cues
Thanks to its high mineral content, hard water tends to leave behind a residue when it dries out - the water evaporates, but the minerals stay put. It’s common for dishes washed in hard water to be covered in cloudy white spots or become slightly opaque over time.
Over time, small mineral deposits like these may accumulate on faucets and showerheads, forming a hard white or greenish crust around the spigot or nozzle. Unusually high amounts of soap scum buildup in sink basins or on shower walls may also indicate hard water, as the dissolved minerals bind with the soap and cause it to hang around on surfaces after the water evaporates.
That Hard Water Feeling
Hard water can also be detected by the way it leaves skin, hair, and laundry feeling. Many people with hard water in their homes find that their skin feels very clean after bathing but then becomes dry, itchy, or irritated after they’ve dried off. This is because hard water leaves behind a mineral residue on the skin, just as it does on other surfaces.
This residue can clog pores and prevent the body’s natural oils from moisturizing the skin. It may have an even more pronounced effect on hair, leaving it flat and dry and cause the scalp to become flaky. These effects aren’t limited to the body, however - the residue of dissolved minerals can leave laundry feeling rough, stiff, or scratchy.
Problems with the Pipes
Mineral scale can obstruct water supply pipes and the larger drainage pipes, resulting in low water pressure or drain clogs, respectively. It can also lead to corrosion, excessive vibration, and overpressurization of copper supply lines, all of which can cause leaks or ruptures. Appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines can wear out faster, or malfunction as scale interferes with their internal components.
With all this in mind, it’s easy to see why removing these troublesome minerals with a water softener might be a good idea, not just for comfort but also for the health of the home’s plumbing and appliances. If in doubt, homeowners can contact their preferred plumber to determine whether a water softener is right for them.
About Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC
Allore’s Plumbing Services LLC is an award-winning, veteran-owned local business with over 35 years of experience serving its community. They offer up-front, competitive pricing and 24/7 emergency service. Call Allore’s today for water softener services in Stuart, FL!
