The Problem With Hard Water

You probably have heard of hard and soft water, but you may not know how water hardness affects your home or business. Hard water contains high concentrations of dissolved minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. Tap water normally contains some of these minerals, but they become problematic if the concentration become too high.  Water hardness tends to vary by geographic region and with some areas having higher mineral concentrations than others. If water testing reveals that you have hard water in your building, you need a water softener to fix that issue.

Mineral Deposits From Hard Water

Dissolved minerals crystallize when water evaporates and when water is heated. This causes buildup of calcium carbonate, or limescale, that can damage plumbing and appliances. In mild cases, harmless mineral deposits may show up on faucets or on dishes in the dishwasher.  If mineral deposits continue to build over time, you may end up with blocked or corroded pipes. Water heaters work harder when they are affected by limescale, leading to poor performance and greater energy usage. Years of buildup damages washing machines and dishwashers, too. Pipes and delicate components may clog or break, forcing you to repair or replace the appliance. While it is possible to remove limescale buildup from some surfaces, it is much better to address the hard water before excessive limescale forms.

An Ounce of Prevention

Don’t wait for mineral deposits to eat through your valuable appliances and plumbing before seeking help. Installing a water softener in your home or business can prevent expensive problems in the future. Water softeners remove calcium and mineral deposits, leaving you with softened water and reduced limescale buildup. You might even notice that it is easier to wash your hands and shampoo your hair. With all the water softeners on the market, you should be able to find one that meets your needs Investing in a water softener may give you a happier, lower maintenance home.