If you live in California there’s a high probability that you’ve heard of hard water. There’s also a good chance you’ve experienced at least some of the problems hard water leaves behind. That’s because a good portion of the state, along with a significant part of the entire country, is known for having mild, moderate, or even severe water hardness.
In simple terms, hard water can be explained as water that has a high mineral content. These minerals, typically calcium and magnesium, are generally safe to consume. When they’re present in large quantities, however, they can leave behind some nasty side effects that are unpleasant to deal with and make your life more difficult. Here, we’ll go through some of the most common hard water problems so you know what to look for. Then, we’ll provide some effective solutions so you can say goodbye to your hard water woes for good.
6 Common Hard Water Problems
1. Your water has a strange odor or taste.
Everyone knows that drinking plenty of water is essential for hydration and good health. But if your water doesn’t taste good or has a funky smell, you’re probably not going to want to drink very much of it! Thanks to its high mineral content, hard water often has a metallic taste. Other contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide gas, can contribute to your water’s smell.
2. Soap scum and scale deposits easily build up on showers and fixtures.
When hard water evaporates, it leaves calcium deposits behind. The minerals in hard water also make soap less effective, leaving scum behind and requiring more cleaning product to get the desired level of cleanliness. Soap scum and scale buildup are easily visible and often embarrassing when you have household guests. While certain cleaners and a lot of effort can remove these spots and stains, this is one of those hard water problems that will keep returning unless hard water is banished from your home.
3. Mineral buildup from hard water leads to plumbing problems.
The mineral buildup that’s so obvious on sinks, tubs, and showers can also happen in places that AREN’T so visible. As hard water minerals accumulate over time, you may experience clogged pipes or lower water pressure.
4. Your water-using appliances wear out more quickly and aren’t as efficient.
Mineral buildup from hard water isn’t just a nuisance. It can also cost you a significant amount of money. We’re talking about having to prematurely replace water-using appliances like water heaters because of the added wear and tear on their internal workings. Or, you may need to schedule more repairs because parts break down and malfunction. In addition, appliances that use hard water don’t work as efficiently so you may notice higher energy bills.
5. Hard water problems can even affect your hair and skin.
While hard water isn’t generally a problem to drink, it can have negative effects on hair and skin health. Hard water strips hair of natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle. Mineral and soap deposits can also impact skin, making it dry and itchy and exacerbating existing skin issues such as eczema.
6. Linens don’t stay white and clean laundry looks dingy.
Hard water can also leave behind mineral and soap deposits on your linens and other laundry items. That means your white clothes won’t stay crisp and white and clothes that were just cleaned look dingy instead of fresh.
What’s the Best Solution to Hard Water Problems?
Well, to start with, you could move to an area that DOESN’T have hard water. That’s certainly not very realistic for most people, however, especially since the U.S. Geological Survey estimates 85% of U.S. households have hard water!
The simplest solution to your hard water problems is getting rid of hard water for good. How do you make that happen? Install a water softener! Water softeners remove hard water minerals through a process called ion exchange, leaving behind softened water that’s much easier on your household, your hair and skin, and your laundry.
When you make the switch to soft water, you’ll finally be able to get that sparkling clean when you do your weekly cleaning chores. You’ll also use less soaps, detergents, and other cleaning agents because they simply work better with soft water. The money savings continue with lower energy bills, thanks to appliances running efficiently, and fewer plumbing and appliance repairs to pay for.
Say Goodbye to Hard Water Problems with a Water Softener From Rayne of Santa Cruz
When you’re ready to make the switch to soft water, it’s time to talk to the water treatment experts here at Rayne of Santa Cruz. We’ve been serving Santa Cruz County for over 60 years and we know water softeners inside and out!
Our expert team will help you evaluate your household water quality. By learning what’s in, or not in, your water, we can then recommend appropriate water treatment products. If you’re concerned about taste and overall health, a drinking water system may be warranted. But if you simply want to rid your home of hard water problems, one of our eco-friendly and efficient water softeners could be the best solution.
Contact us today to learn more or to find your ultimate soft water system!
