Don't Get Stuck Between A Rock & A Hard (Water) Place
Are you tired of battling stubborn soap scum, spotty dishes, and lackluster laundry? If so, hard water could be to blame for these unending frustrations. If your home's water supply is on the harder side, it can have a profound impact on everything from how you feel after a shower to how long your appliances last. But steps can be taken to mitigate this problem - and Matt's Plumbing Services is here to help. In this blog we'll take a look at the problems hard water causes and how a water softener works to provide solutions for your home.
How Hard Water Impacts Your Water Quality
So, what exactly is hard water? Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals may seem harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and even your skin and hair. Some of the issues caused by hard water include:
Lime Scale Buildup
Hard water leaves behind a trail of unsightly lime scale on your faucets, showerheads, and plumbing fixtures. Over time, this buildup can clog pipes and reduce water flow, leading to costly repairs.
Appliance Damage
Hard water can harm your appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. The minerals in hard water can form deposits inside these appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
Dull & Dingy Laundry
Ever noticed your clothes feeling rough and looking faded after washing? Hard water can prevent laundry detergents from lathering properly, leaving your clothes looking drab.
Dry Skin & Hair
Hard water can strip your skin and hair of their natural oils, leaving them feeling dry and brittle. This can lead to irritation, itching, and even exacerbate skin conditions like eczema.
How Does A Water Softener Fix Hard Water?
But how does a water softener work its magic? Well, it's all about ion exchange. Inside a water softener, there are resin beads coated with sodium ions. As hard water flows through the softener, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water swap places with the sodium ions on the resin beads. This process effectively "softens" the water by removing the troublesome minerals, leaving you with the higher quality water your home deserves. Water softeners do their work more or less on their own, though they will need to have their salt refilled from time to time and the occasional deep clean will improve its efficiency and lifespan.
Soften Up Your Hard Water Problems Today
Now that you know how a water softener works, you know investing in a water softener isn't just a luxury. It's a necessity for maintaining the health of your skin and hair and the longevity of your plumbing system and appliances. If you're ready to bid farewell to hard water woes once and for all, the team here at Matt's Plumbing Services is ready to help. Send us a message online or give us a call at 813-269-7370 to discuss your options today!
