Learn how minerals in hard water can disrupt your home
Protect Your Property With A Water Softening System
Explore The Benefits Of Hard Water Removal In Yuma, AZ
If you were given a glass and asked to describe the water inside, there are several answers that may pop into your mind. After all, water is clear, healthy, hydrating and refreshing — but did you know that it can also be hard? And no, we aren’t talking about ice!
Hard water is a common problem, but it’s also one that can be avoided. Our Southwest Water Treatment team is here to help you understand what hard water is, how to recognize it and what can be done to correct it.
What Makes Water Hard?
Before it’s treated, groundwater moves through rock and soil. It naturally picks up minerals as it flows, which contribute to its overall quality. When your water has magnesium and calcium minerals within it, this is what’s known as hard water.
These minerals come from environmental conditions, and while you won’t be able to tell if your water is hard just by looking at it, there will be signs.
Exploring Common Symptoms: Is Hard Water Really That Bad?
If you’re concerned about the safety of your drinking water, rest assured — the minerals in hard water shouldn’t lead to any serious health consequences. However, there are other things worth worrying about. Below are some consequences that hard water can bring:
Skin irritation — Hard water can remove the natural oils on the skin, leaving it dry, itchy and uncomfortable. This is especially concerning if you have an existing skin condition like eczema.
Lackluster laundry — When hard water runs through your washing machine, it can dull the colors of your laundry and cause clothes to wear out faster.
Water Spots — As hard water dries, the minerals in it can leave behind unsightly residue. This can appear on your cups, dishes and the surfaces of faucets and fixtures.
Soap inefficiency — Softened water lathers better with soap than hard water. If you notice that you’re having to use more products than you’d like to, excess minerals could be to blame.
Dull hair — Is your hair dry, frizzy and dull in color? If so, hard water can be the cause, preventing your hair from retaining the moisture it needs.
Water Hardness Puts Your Plumbing At Risk
If you’re pleased with the way your hair looks and not bothered by mineral buildup around your fixtures, then you might not be convinced that hard water is worth worrying about. However, that could just be because we haven’t talked about its most costly impact yet — reduced plumbing lifespans.
The buildup left behind by hard water can actually gather in your pipes too. Over time, this can cause clogs or leaks to form. Appliances that use water risk a similar fate, as the mineral content makes them work harder. Both scenarios can lead to early replacements or repairs.
Comparing Tastes: Hard Water vs. Soft Water
Many say they can taste a difference between hard and soft water, though they don’t all necessarily agree whether that’s a problem. Some people find that the minerals create a metallic or bitter taste. Others enjoy the flavor hard water provides.
Most people seem to prefer soft water, as it has a less-defined taste and smoother feel. If you’ve been unhappy with your water quality lately, you may need a water softener.
How A Water Softener Can Help
A Kinetico system from Southwest Water Treatment can help you avoid the consequences of hard water. A water softener takes the calcium and magnesium ions and performs an ion exchange, replacing them with a less disruptive substance.
Our team offers a variety of reliable system options, and we’d be happy to help you find the one best-suited for your space.
Overcome Hard Water With Southwest Water Treatment
When you’re no longer pleased with your Yuma water quality and fear it may be hard, Southwest Water Treatment is here for you. We promise to deliver kind, professional and knowledgeable services to every job we complete, making us a reliable water quality partner in our community. To get started on your water softener installation, give us a call.
