What Does Hard Water Mean?
The term “hard water” comes from the hard, crusty scale left behind on appliances by water containing high levels of natural minerals. All drinking water contains naturally occurring minerals and additives from the water plant to improve flavor. When the levels of magnesium and calcium in the water are too high, this is called hard water.
Drinking hard water is not bad for your health, but it can be a nuisance for homeowners. An overabundance of minerals in the water can make it difficult to clean appliances and do the dishes and can negatively impact the plumbing system's performance. Mineral deposits leave behind a crusty layer on fixtures that can lead to ugly stains, metal corrosion, and soap scum buildup.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
The solution to hard water is to invest in a good water softener. Water softeners are advanced water filtration systems that remove minerals from the water using an ion exchange process. During ion exchange, negatively charged resin beads in the filter attract the positively charged mineral molecules like a magnet.
A whole-home water softener is attached to the main water supply to provide the entire house with clean, healthy water. Professional plumbers can help homeowners decide which type of water softener system would work best for their homes. It is easy to maintain water softeners because they are self-cleaning and drain the minerals out automatically.
How to Know If You Have Hard Water
- Scale buildup on plumbing fixtures
- Reduced water pressure
- Increase in utility bills
- Dry hair and skin
- Spotted glasses after washing dishes
- Faded clothing after doing laundry
Homeowners should educate themselves on the signs of hard water to be on the lookout for potential plumbing issues. Hard water can damage the plumbing system and reduce the lifespan of appliances. The main problem homeowners experience with hard water is scale buildup encrusting their plumbing fixtures.
Scale buildup causes soap scum to cling to the surface of freshly washed dishes and appliances, making it hard to get them truly clean. Over time, the scale buildup begins to corrode the metal. Mineral deposits from hard water can cause rust that permanently stains plumbing appliances.
Benefits of Whole Home Water Softeners
- Lower utility bills
- Extend the life of appliances
- Cleaner house and dishes
- Longer-lasting clothes
- Hydrated hair and skin
Installing a whole home water softener improves the plumbing system's efficiency by eliminating some of the minerals in the water. Water softener installation is affordable and saves homeowners money in the long run. If hard water is left untreated, it can take years off the lifespan of plumbing appliances and clothing.
Hard water forces the plumbing system to work overtime to meet the demands of the household. This causes a spike in utility bills and can reduce water pressure. Water softeners are the best way for homeowners to protect their appliances, clothes, skin, and hair from the negative effects of hard water.
About Force Plumbing and Heating LLC
Force Plumbing and Heating LLC is a family-owned and operated company with over a decade of experience serving Holmdel, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide competitive pricing, 24/7 emergency service, and on-time arrivals. Call them today for water filtration system services in Holmdel, NJ.
