Do You Have Hard Water? Know the Signs

You may have heard someone complain about the effects of hard water before. Maybe they were upset about the streaks hard water leaves behind on the shower door. Maybe they believed that the quality of the water actually affected the taste of their food. The fact is that hard water takes on many characteristics, but the worst symptom is the one you can’t see.

Hard Water Damages Your Plumbing

Hard water usually carries no adverse health effects, since what makes up hard water (calcium and magnesium) are minerals that your body is already used to. It’s easy for a plumbing system to take on these minerals, but they can harm pipes and appliances in ways that can cost you quite a bit. Mineral deposits get left behind in pipes, building up until the flow of water is restricted more and more as the months and years go on. Eventually, you might notice severely reduced water pressure, until you get but a trickle from faucets and showerheads. This could result in a complete piping system replacement. The same deposits can ruin your washing machine and other appliances as well.

The Signs of Hard Water

You cannot get rid of your hard water if you don’t recognize the signs in the first place!

Reduced Water Pressure: Any reduction in your water pressure could mean the problem is urgent, or it might mean that you have a leak in your pipes.
Scaling: Look for white or yellowish spots on drains and around faucets.
Dull Hair: This is a common complaint about the minerals in hard water—and some say it even leaves their hair feeling sticky.
Soap that Won’t Dissolve: If you can’t get soap to lather or if soap scum gets left behind in the tub, you probably have hard water.
Residue in Dishwasher and Clothes Washer: A soapy residue in the clothes washer and dish spots after a load of dishes could both mean an excess of minerals in the water supply.

Call Air Mechanical, Inc. to schedule water softener installation in Blaine, MN today!