Water is classified as hard when it has an excess of calcium carbonate as well as an excess of magnesium. These minerals in hard water can cause a lot of problems so if you live in a hard water area, it is often advisable to use a water softener. Water softeners remove the calcium and magnesium ions from the water by replacing them with sodium ions. There are many benefits to installing a water softener, and there are some telltale signs that you need one. This article will explain what to look out for and help you to know if you have a hard water problem.

Limescale Buildup

A buildup of limescale on your kettle or coffee pot is a big clue that you have an issue with hard water. The scale is made from the magnesium and calcium in hard water and it can cause some big problems. Whilst limescale build-up may not seem like a big issue in your kettle, limescale can also build up in your plumbing which can end up clogging your pipes. If left untreated, it can permanently damage your pipes which can cost a lot of money to repair or replace. Steel pipes are especially susceptible to limescale build-up so if you are going to replace your pipes, you should replace them with copper or PVC pipes. Limescale buildup also damages the valves in your washing machine and dishwasher, which will ultimately need replacing. A cheaper and more permanent solution than replacing your pipes and appliances is to have someone like Hillwater.com come out and install a water softener that exchanges the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions so limescale doesn’t form. 

limescale build-up so if you are going to replace your pipes, you should replace them with copper or PVC pipes. Limescale buildup also damages the valves in your washing machine and dishwasher, which will ultimately need replacing. A cheaper and more permanent solution than replacing your pipes and appliances is to install a water softener that exchanges the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions so limescale doesn’t form. 

Faded Clothes and Bedding

Hard water can severely fade and damage your clothes and bedding. In the same way that the magnesium and calcium cannot be washed off your skin, the same thing happens to your laundry. The minerals build up in the fabrics which makes them rough and difficult to wash. If you are having this issue, you can search the internet to find out more about the harm hard water can cause to your laundry, pipes, and appliances. There are some laundry detergents that are formulated to soften water and help clean your clothes, but the best solution is to install a water softener. By doing this, not just the water supply to your washing machine, but the water supply to your entire home will be softened.

You Have Dry Hair and Skin 

High levels of calcium and magnesium in hard water can dry out your hair and skin. This occurs because soap and shampoo cannot dissolve in hard water so the minerals are left on your skin which dries it out. Hard water also clogs pores which can cause acne or skin rashes. If you notice you are having uncharacteristic skin and hair problems, then it is probably a sign that you need to install a water softener. 

Stained Sink or Bathtub

The minerals in hard water will stain sinks and bathtubs in the same way that they cause limescale build-up in kettles and pipes. The mineral deposits are left behind by the water and can be very difficult to clean. If you have minor stains, you can try vinegar or bleach to remove them, but if they are a more serious and persistent issue, then it is really installing softening systems to stop the build-up from occurring in the first place. 

Big Water Bills

Another telltale sign that you have a hard water problem is that your water bills are unusually big. Because of the buildup of limescale in your pipes, the plumbing has to overexert to permit water flow which increases your bill. If you notice that your water bills are going up, it is worth contacting your local water company to find out whether the water in your area is hard or whether the high bills are down to some other reason. The hardness of water is determined by how much calcium carbonate is in the water and is categorized as soft, moderately hard, hard, or very hard. If your local water company tells you that you have hard water, it is advisable to install a water softener which will reduce your monthly bill.

Hard water can cause a myriad of issues to your appliances, plumbing, and even to your hair and skin. Whilst there are some quick-fix solutions like special laundry detergents and vinegar to remove stains from sinks and bathtubs, if you live in a hard water area, it is a more permanent solution to install a water softener so that the water supply to your entire home is treated. Look out for the telltale signs explained in this article and check with your local water company to find out if you have hard water in your area.