Hard water is a common issue for many households. From clogged pipes to mineral deposits on your faucets, hard water can cause a variety of problems throughout your plumbing system. Investing in a water softener can help keep your pipes in great shape while saving you money.
If you want to solve your hard water for good, get water softener installation services from the professionals at RJ Plumbing! Our team has years of experience serving the greater Portland OR area, so we have the expertise needed to set up the perfect system for your home. Contact us today to learn more or get your free estimate.
Though many people don’t realize it, hard water can have a big impact on your plumbing system and daily routine. The excess minerals can cause a whole host of problems. If you notice any of these signs, your home may have hard water:
Ever noticed crusty deposits on your showerhead or faucet, or maybe orangish stains around your drains? These problems are often the direct result of the high mineral content in hard water.
As the water runs through your pipes, the minerals can collect and build up inside of your plumbing system. If you keep dealing with clogged pipes throughout your home, you may have a hard water problem.
If your home has very hard water, you may notice a slightly orangish tinge or metallic taste to your water. Though hard water is not considered a health hazard according to the World Health Organization, it can be unpleasant to drink.
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Particularly if you have sensitive skin, water with a high mineral content can cause dryness. It can also prevent soap from washing off your skin, which can cause irritation or itchiness over time.
Hard water makes it difficult for soap to sud, which can prevent your washing machine from thoroughly cleaning your clothes. Over time, the layer of soap scum can make your laundry look faded, dull, or stained.
Hard water is water that contains a high amount of minerals, such as calcium or magnesium. The minerals can build up inside of your pipes and appliances, reducing the efficiency of your plumbing system and causing early appliance failure. How does water softener work?
Water softeners filter out minerals using an ion exchange resin. Essentially, this system works like a ‘magnet’ to attract the minerals. Since calcium and magnesium have positively charged ions, the water softener uses negatively charged resin beads to ‘pull’ the minerals out of the water flow. As the water softener cleans itself, it uses small amounts of positively charged sodium to detach the minerals from the resin beans to drain outward.
Though water softeners are not a requirement, they can still benefit your home in a lot of ways. According to the Department of Energy, a water softener can provide advantages such as:
- More efficient water heater
- Reduced need for cleaning products
- Improved skin and hair health
- Cleaner laundry and dishes
- Increased lifespan for plumbing appliances
If you notice any signs of hard water and you want to enjoy these benefits, you should consider investing in a water softener.
Soft water and hard water are both generally safe to drink. However, it’s helpful to be aware of what’s in your water:
- Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which can have health benefits to individuals with deficiencies. However, extremely hard water can be unpleasant to consume, and low water quality can still be an issue.
- Softened water contains higher levels of sodium, though the amount is typically negligible. That said, if you have a health condition that requires you to consume very limited amounts of sodium, you should ask a professional to test your water and ensure it does not contain high amounts.
If you’re experiencing the effects of hard water and are looking for a solution, call the experts at RJ Plumbing! Our water softener installation services may be just what you need. We can assess your water quality and recommend the best water softener solution for your specific needs. If you already have a water softener and just need help with the installation, our team can help with that too. Just give us a call today to get your free estimate!