How to Eliminate Hard Water

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How Important is Soft Water in Your Life?

Nearly 85% of the U.S. has hard water. You notice this most when washing dishes, doing laundry, or showering.  You see watermarks on your faucets, even though you just cleaned them.  There’s excessive lime and chalk buildup in your sinks and showers. And even your skin and hair feel dry and itchy after you’ve washed.

clear glass of water from faucetWhat is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that has collected a large amount of calcium, magnesium and other minerals in it. Hard water is not harmful to your health, but it is harmful to your home.  Living in a home with hard water can be a costly problem.  When dissolved minerals combine with heat, it leaves scale and buildup that damages pipes, appliances and fixtures.

Testing by the Water Quality Research Foundation has shown that by conditioning your water your home appliances like water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines operate more efficiently and last longer. Soft water also prevents shower heads, faucets and drains from becoming encrusted and clogged with scale. It will also give you cleaner hair and softer skin.

7 Negative Effects of Hard Water

  • hard water effect on shower headScale Buildup on Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances
  • Dry Skin and Hair
  • Faded Clothes
  • Stained Sinks and Bathtubs
  • Frequent Plumbing Repairs
  • A Rise in Water Bills
  • Unsightly Dishware

Water Softener to the Rescue

A water softener can be a lifesaver for homeowners plagued by the effects of hard water. Water softeners remove mineral ions, but they do not remove contaminants such as bacteria or heavy metals like lead, mercury, or even iron.

A water softener works to treat hard water by removing the minerals responsible through a process called ion-exchange. Mineral ions that cause hardness and damage to your home are trapped by resin within the system and exchanged for sodium and potassium ions.

Brenneco Plumbing Can Help

Brenneco Plumbing will visit your home and do a free water test to determine what minerals are in your water.  We’ll then make a recommendation on how to improve the quality of your water. Contact us at Contact Brenneco; or call us at 765-448-6190.

For those who want to know more go to Water Treatment for Dummies.  It’s the smart thing to do.