What Is Hard Water?
Most people have heard of hard water, but many don’t understand its meaning and importance. Isn’t water pretty soft, being a liquid? Hard water doesn’t refer to the physical properties of water but rather the chemical properties.
Every drop of water a home uses is taken from a natural source, be it a river, reservoir, or aquifer. These natural water sources are subject to extensive cycles and can expose water to different geological features. As water interacts with the geology it comes into contact with, it can pick up sediment and minerals from the bedrock.
These minerals contribute to undesirable qualities that are connoted with the term hard water. Put simply, hard water refers to the amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium ions dissolved into the water. These sediments and minerals have huge implications to the point it may be advantageous to remove them. Here is a quick article about water softeners, how they work, and why they may be necessary for the plumbing in a home.
How Do Water Softeners Work?
Water softeners are the system of choice for reducing the mineral content of hard water, which can be saturated with calcium and magnesium. Water softeners use a special resin that attracts the calcium and magnesium ions. The resin binds the ions so that it is deemed soft as the water flows out of the resin bed.
In a typical water softening system, the resin bed is contained in a tank, through which all the water in a home will flow through. This allows people in the house to always have access to higher quality water and protect their plumbing from the consequences of having too many minerals in the water.
Signs of Hard Water in a Home
Now that hard water has been discussed, why must it be avoided? Most homes in the U.S. have water that is deemed hard. While some minerals in the water are okay, too many can be harmful to the home’s plumbing, the household, and residents. Some of the signs of hard water in homes that indicate the need for water softener installation are:
- Water tastes or smells off
- Spotted glasses and dishes in the dishwasher after washing
- Faded or rough-feeling clothes after washing
- Premature failure of the water heater or other water-using appliances
- Crusty, white buildup on plumbing fixtures
- Dull or dry hair and skin
Whole-Home Water Softeners and Their Benefits
Removing sediment and minerals from the water supply in a home with a whole-house water softener can be a great thing. Some of the advantages of installing a water softener are:
- Reduction in plumbing repairs
- Restoring water pressure by removing the scale buildup inside pipes
- Prolonged life of water using appliances and plumbing fixtures
- Longer lasting clothing
- Cleaner dishes after washing
- Healthier and more hydrated skin and hair
If the signs of hard water are present or plumbing repair costs have gotten too high, a water softener may be able to help. For more information, contact local plumbers who can explain the advantages of a water softener to combat the effects of hard water.
About Quahog Plumbing
Quahog Plumbing has more than 15 years of experience serving Somerset and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, rapid service, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener installation in Somerset, MA.
