If you’ve noticed that your hands are constantly dry after washing your hands, and your sinks are covered with stains, you may have hard water. If this is the case, it might be time to invest in a water softener! With a water softening system, you’ll be able to make your plumbing last longer, as well as keep your skin soft, have longer lasting clothing, and even save yourself money.
A water softener would take out the extra magnesium and calcium ions by using an exchange with sodium or potassium ions. After this happens, the water softener then regenerates, then flushes your system of any extra ions until it has fully recharged them with the new sodium ions.
You’ve noticed a scale buildup on a lot of your appliances
If you have scale (limescale), you more than likely have hard water. Mineral deposits and other things can form on tea kettles as well as coffee pots. Scale can also build within your pipes. This ends up clogging your plumbing to the point where your home becomes less effective at passing water through pipes.
Scale is a hard and chalky substance, which is made of calcium and magnesium bicarbonate. This is what forms the white and chalky buildups. By investing in a water softener, you can reduce the scale buildup.
Your skin is dry
Did you know that hard water can cause itchy dry skin, as well as dry your hair out? This is because there is an excess of calcium and magnesium salts in the water. Your soap and shampoo only do so much.
The hard water doesn’t nourish your skin and hair, and instead, dries it out. Minerals in hard water settle on the skin, and soap actually doesn’t dissolve as well in hard water compared to soft water. This ends up making it harder to clean your skin and leaves a residue on the skin, leaving it dry and itchy. In soft water, soap lathers nicely and is able to clean skin without leaving the residue.
Clothes appear faded
Have you noticed that your clothes look gray and faded? This is a sign of hard water. Your clothes and sheets might even feel scratchy and be harder to wash due to all of the extra mineral substance which is contaminating your hard water.
You see stains in your sinks and bathtubs
Hard water leaves stains and spots in your sink, shower, and bathtub. The stains form when tap water evaporates and leaves behind the calcium and magnesium.
Your plumbing constantly needs repairs
Steel piping is actually worst when it comes to hard water. They are damaged very easily from buildup of limescale. This will cause your water to not flow as well. Copper and PVC can do a better job when it comes to hard water. A reason to be concerned about this is because the limescale will create a more restricted area for your water to get through, which will make buildup happen even faster. If the limescale starts to build up around the valves in your dishwasher or washing machine, the valves won’t be able to close all the way, which can lead to water leakage. This can lead to your appliances having a shorter lifespan.
Your water bill is constantly high
Your usage of water will actually go up as your pipes work harder. If your bill has gone up in price, you might need a water softener. You can find out if your home has hard water with a complimentary water quality test from Orbit Water Solutions!
Glassware is brittle and damages easily
Having water stains on your glassware is very annoying. These stains can also make your glassware break easier! There are different ways to try to get rid of these stains like soaking your glasses in the sink with water and vinegar for a while. To stop the problem altogether, however, it is best to invest in a water softening system.
Want to learn more about the difference between soft water and hard water? Check out our other blog article about soft water! You can also learn more about the benefits of staying hydrated with healthy water here.
