Hard Water: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

About 89.3% of U.S. homes have hard water according to a United States Geological survey. No doubt water is a precious resource– we conduct our household duties with it, use it in cooking and washing clothes, drink and even water plants. However do all types of water hold the same importance for homeowners? Does hard water offer the same advantages to homeowners as soft water? Let us find out:

Some clear advantages of hard water to people are…

• Hard water actually tastes better
• Drinking hard waters reduces heart illnesses
• Hard water provides useful calcium ions that promote healthy bone and teeth growth
• Lime scale formation in pipes covers inside (of pipe) with insoluble carbonates that prevent pipe corrosion and dissolving of poisonous metal salts in water

Even though mentioned above are all the good things there are also plenty of downsides. In fact, it’s a source of many problems as well especially when it comes to washing clothes.

Hard Water Reacts Negatively With Soaps and Detergents

This is due to the hard minerals present in the water. Note how curd is formed in milk when lemon juice is added. Similarly, a type of curd or scum forms when certain elements present in the water combine with soap and certain detergents. This scum is insoluble and makes washing clothes and dishes incredibly difficult for homeowners.

Contents That Can Be Found In Hard Water Are…

Although present in small quantities, elements such as copper, iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium posses properties of hardness and make clothes washing into a difficult chore.

On the other hand, clothes washed in soft water i.e. without the above elements don’t develop scum or curd when combined with soap.

All cleaning can become tiresome for the homemaker as well as for professional Laundromats and dry-cleaning services. In addition to making fabric brittle and dull, hard water:

• Wastes soap and expensive synthetic detergents
• Leaves ugly soap scum rings in the bathtub
• Streaks and spots dishes and glassware
• Makes bathing more difficult

Now The Ugly – Hard Water Builds Scale Deposits In Appliances and Damages Them

Calcium and magnesium are mineral deposits responsible for damaging appliances. What happens is – these minerals bind themselves to pipe interiors, fixtures and other surfaces throughout the house. The scale or mineral deposits are very difficult to remove and it is this substance that eventually leads to clogs and pipe blockages. You will have to call your local plumbing company for repairing this issue.

Mineral deposits aren’t health hazards even if they cause damage and problems to plumbing and water systems in the home. But they can make basins, tubs and tiles seem unsightly, dirty and dingy. There are so many reasons why homeowners must consider a well or water system repair. Your 1 Plumber awaits your call!