Blog

How To Deal With Hard Water In Your Home

Hard water is the most common plumbing concern found throughout the country. According to the USGS, any water with more than 61 milligrams of calcium and magnesium per liter is considered to be hard water. Shockingly, that means 85% of all people in the country deal with hard water in their homes. And to combat the impact of hard water, 30% of these households are using a water softener to limit the mineral damage.



Is Hard Water Unhealthy Or Unsafe?

You will be happy to learn that hard water is not only not hazardous to your health, but it is considered to be good for you. The minerals in the water, calcium, magnesium, and others, are necessary for good health. Many people actually take a supplement to increase their consumption of them. Current studies are also being conducted to determine if hard water can reduce the potential of developing some cardiovascular diseases. But at this time, there is no substantial proof.

What Are The Issues Associated With Hard Water?

If hard water is so good for humans, you might be wondering why so many people are interested in water softeners and treatment systems. The answer is simple. As good as hard water might be for the human body, it is far more destructive to plumbing systems, appliances, dishes, and even clothing.

The minor concern with hard water is the white residue left behind on glasses, silverware, dishes, clothing, and other surfaces, like shower doors. When soap products mix with the calcium in hard water, soap scum accumulates on all surfaces that it touches. And it can be very challenging to remove from sinks, showers, and tubs.

But the real hazard of hard water is the damage that it does to your home’s water lines, plumbing fixtures, and even the appliances that use water. The calcium deposits build up inside the water pipes to restrict the flow. Showerheads and faucet nozzles can become completely blocked when caked with dried calcium particles. Over time, the scale build-up promotes rust and corrosion on metal pipes and fixtures. The scale also gathers on the heating element inside your dishwasher and water heater to degrade their ability to heat water efficiently and quickly.

A Long Term Solution To Hard Water

The only long-term solution for hard water is a mechanical device called a water softener. Some consumers try a chemical solution. But this process only masks some of the side effects of hard water, such as the issues related to soap scum. It does not change or alter the mineral content of the water.

The Wonder Of Water Softeners

A water softener can be installed on your home’s plumbing system to add sodium ions to the water. The sodium ions displace the minerals in the hard water to eliminate the corrosion and scale build-up issues. There is also a filter included in the system to remove the sodium ions to keep the water from tasting salty.

For homeowners with health concerns regarding sodium consumption, potassium can be used in place of sodium pellets. This reduces the potential for health complications such as edema and high blood pressure from the increased sodium content of the softened water.

To learn more about hard water testing, the hazards of hard water, and the installation of a water softener, call (512) 233-6308. The experts at Parobek Water will be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a time to visit your home for an evaluation of your water. We also offer free, no-obligation price quotes for all water softener installations.