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Causes of Hard Water and How to Fix It

Causes of Hard Water and How to Fix It

Causes of Hard Water and How to Fix It Feb 12, 2024

Water is a precious resource vital for sustaining life, yet the water flowing from our taps often contains more than just H2O. Hard water, a common issue in many households, is characterized by high concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. While not harmful to health, hard water can have detrimental effects on plumbing systems, appliances, and even personal comfort. In this article brought to you by Rooter Man Plumbing, we explore the causes of hard water, its effects, and effective solutions to address this pervasive problem.

If you prefer to consult with a trained plumber on the issue of hard water, then call Rooter Man Plumbing to schedule a face-to-face meeting or on-site visit for as soon as possible. The plumbers at Rooter Man have the expertise, experience, and equipment to address all sorts of water contamination in homes and businesses.

What Causes Hard Water?

Hard water typically originates from underground sources where the water supply comes into contact with rocks and soil rich in minerals such as calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate. As water percolates through these geological formations, it dissolves and absorbs those mineral ions. The degree of hardness varies depending on geographical location and local geological conditions. Areas with limestone or dolomite bedrock are particularly prone to hard water as these rocks contain high concentrations of calcium and magnesium minerals.

The Effects of Hard Water

The presence of hard water can have several adverse effects on both residential and commercial properties. One noticeable effect is the formation of limescale, or a chalky white deposit that accumulates on plumbing fixtures, faucets, and appliances. Limescale buildup not only detracts from the aesthetic appeal of these fixtures but can also impede water flow, reduce appliance efficiency, and shorten the lifespan of the plumbing system.

Additionally, hard water can diminish the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, leading to decreased lathering, increased detergent consumption, and unsatisfactory cleaning results. Furthermore, hard water may cause skin irritation, dryness, and hair dullness for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies.

Treating Hard Water

To mitigate the adverse effects of hard water, homeowners and businesses can implement various treatment methods. A water softener installation is the most effective solution as they are specialized filtration systems designed to remove mineral ions from water.

These systems typically employ ion exchange technology, where resin beads attract and trap calcium and magnesium ions in exchange for sodium ions. As a result, you have softened water flowing through the plumbing system and providing numerous benefits including improved water quality, appliance longevity, and personal comfort.

Benefits of a Water Softener Installation

Investing in a water softener installation offers numerous advantages for homeowners and businesses alike. Firstly, softened water helps protect plumbing fixtures, pipes, and appliances from limescale buildup, prolongs their lifespan, and reduces maintenance costs.

By preventing mineral deposits, water softeners also promote optimal water flow and efficiency throughout the plumbing system, leading to improved performance and reduced energy consumption.

Additionally, softened water enhances the effectiveness of soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents, resulting in cleaner dishes, softer laundry, and smoother skin and hair. By extension, the removal of hardness minerals eliminates the need for harsh chemical cleaners, contributing to a more eco-friendly and sustainable household environment.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are tired of chalky residue on your glassware, silverware, and plumbing fixtures, then call Rooter Man Plumbing to consult with a trained plumber about a water softener installation. We are also happy to arrange an on-site visit as soon as possible.

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Gina Kneeland Tacoma, WA

Quick response from initial call and Jared arrived early the next morning to fix our broken spigot, during a time where the cold weather has been reaking havock on home owners and commercial properties frozen pipes.

Robby G. Tacoma, WA

No-nonsense, very communicative, transparent in work scope. I used them for a very small project, but they seem very knowledgable about older style plumbing. I will be using them from now on.

Noah Schenirer Tacoma, WA

Ron from Rotter-man and his team did an outstanding job on replacing our graywater piping in our crawl space. I though there pricing was fair and he gave a clear explanation on what it would take. I now have a plumber I can count on.

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