Hard water, or water that is high in mineral content such as calcium and magnesium carbonates, bicarbonates and sulfates, is not uncommon in the Waterford area. While some side effects of hard water are minor annoyances, such as water spots on dishes, hard water can also shorten the lifespan of appliances such as water heaters.
Here’s how a water softener can condition and improve the water in your home.
Less Soap Scum & Wasted Soap and Detergent
You may have noticed how hard water creates a “soap scum” in your shower. This is caused by the minerals in hard water, primarily calcium and magnesium, combining with soap and creating a thicker paste. This paste often requires using additional soap or detergent to rinse away all the residue. Softened water reduces the amount of soap needed by rinses away more cleanly so there’s less residue left to clean.
Less Spotting on glassware, silverware and dishes
When you have hard water in the home it’s often necessary to adding additional rinse agents using and using the dishwasher’s extra rinse cycle to prevent spots on glassware and silverware.
Cleaner, softer skin and hair
During drier winter conditions hard water can aggravate dry, cracked skin and make hair dull and more prone to damage. Soap residue can be more difficult to rinse off.
Cleaner, more efficient water heaters and appliances
As minerals build up in the bottom of the water heater tank the burner will become less efficient. This means the water heater must work longer to heat the water, shortening its lifespan. If you have hard water it’s a good idea to flush the tank annually to remove the mineral deposits at the bottom of the tank.
Hard water can also cause coffee makers, faucets and shower heads to clog, reducing efficiency and making regular cleaning a chore.
If your home has hard water, Superior Plumbing & Heating can help. We install high-efficiency water softeners that can improve the quality and taste of your home’s water.