In many areas around the country, they have something called hard water. This may sound like they just get harder water pressure. Sadly this is not the case at all. Hard water is actually water that contains high levels of magnesium and calcium. When there are more minerals in the water then the hardness degree of the water elevates. Having hard water is actually a slight downfall because it can cause many problems with faucets, shower heads, washing machine, and even your dish washer. Let our plumbers here at San Antonio Plumbing explain to you what hard water can do and how you can help prevent it in your home.
First, let us explain to you how you know if you have hard water or not. Most of these indicators are visual such as when you shower or wash your clothes. You may start to notice that your clothes are scratchy when you wear them. You may also notice that your whites start to look a little gray and colored clothing starts to dull. Besides this you may also notice it on your dishes and glasses. After washing and drying your glasses you may notice small water spots on them. Also, after you shower or take a bath you skin may feel sticky or you may be very itchy.
Another thing you may start to notice is the look of your bathroom fixtures and faucets. Due to the high level of sediments in the water, the faucet head will start to have a white film on them. These are from the deposits of minerals. This film may start to cause more dirt and soap scum because it is attracted to it which makes it look dirtier. This is also bad because now these other bacterias are getting mixed with the water you are bathing with or even drinking.
One way that you can get softer water in your home is by having a mechanical water softener installed in the plumbing. For this, you will need to hire a professional plumber. They will install the mechanical unit for you. This mechanical unit will have the hard water pass through it so that minerals and other sediments can be removed from it.
If you are unable to notice any of these things in your home but still believe you may have hard water, there are a few ways you can find this out. One way is to contact the water company in your area. They should be able to provide you with information concerning the hardness of the water in the area you live in. Also, laboratories can test a well near your home. If you are looking for a more simple way or maybe something interesting to do with the family, there are home kits for testing. You can purchase these kits from many different companies. We recommend you search online for the best and easiest one for you.
