August 01, 2020 4 min read
Does your home have limescale deposits around your pipes, faucets, sinks, and shower fixtures? Are you using you more soap and detergent than usual lately, and there are thick soapy residues on your skin after you shower? Chances are, you have hard water.
Hard water, which is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, can be softened in several different ways, usually by boiling or treating it with a water softener. Healthwise, hard water is harmless. You can drink it and can even use it around the house for activities like watering your garden, general lawn care, etc. Though studies have not found any health risks posed by hard water, it can be an inconvenience for household use. This is due to the minerals present which leaves behind deposits that can clog drains, stain glass and tile, and leave residue on hair and skin. Hard water can interfere with your cleaning tasks – from laundering and dishwashing to showering and personal grooming. It can also cause damage to your central heating systems and water-using appliances, which often require costly repairs. Luckily, getting rid of hard water problems is a straightforward task that doesn't require much time, effort, or skill.
In most cases, a water softener is a powerful solution for any hard water problems.
For those looking for a quick fix, there are numerous DIY solutions you can try such as:
Heres how it works:
Note: boiling water only removes some types of hardness ("temporary hardness"), so it will not work for all homes. Not many people realize that running hot water through the hot water heater contributes to hard water stains and mineral buildup. This is due to the mineral precipitation process that takes place in the hottest part of the plumbing system. Over time, the hot water heater will accumulate scale. Reducing the temperature of the heater will help delay the accumulation.
Distilled white vinegar can remove white spots on fabric, drains, or porcelain from mineral buildup.
This temporary solution can get tedious if limescale builds up quickly. If your water is only slightly hard it might be a cost-effective approach. Since the majority of hard water is calcium, it is highly reactive with acids like vinegar. This will kill mold, bacteria, germs, and help clean dish-ware through regular wash cycles. A simple rinsing with 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts filtered water will do the trick.
Some models attach to a kitchen faucet, while others come in pitchers for you to store drinking water. The softened water often has a better taste, but the effect depends on the exact minerals in your water.
For a long-term, comprehensive protection for pipes and all appliances, the best thing to do is invest in a quality water softener.
Choose a type of softener
Ion exchange softeners are by far the most effective home softener. Ion exchange softeners come in two types:
Basically, a salt-based water softener works to remove high concentrations of calcium and magnesium from water through a process called “ion exchange.” This process “softens” hard water by substituting the hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) with sodium chloride (salt).
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
Most quality water softeners can be an investment, but they sure offer some significant benefits:
With soft water, you no longer have to worry about rising energy costs because your appliances are operating inefficiently or expensive repair costs. You will also benefit from longer-lasting clothing, your detergents will work more effectively and your skin will feel smoother and softer after you take a shower or a bath.
Our high-tech salt-based and salt-free water softening systems are designed to solve all the problems associated with hard water. Plus, they are easy to install, environmentally-friendly, and virtually maintenance-free.
Hard water is still a major problem for 85% of households in the country. While it is not a threat to one’s health, it can wreak havoc in your home. Thankfully, a premium water softener can work to solve all the problems related to hard water in your home. Contact Aquatell today to learn more