Hard Water: What’s the Big Deal?
Hard water is water with a large number of minerals dissolved in it. Usually, these minerals come from limestone and are calcium and magnesium ions in the water. While neither of these elements is harmful to humans or animals, hard water can cause some major issues with plumbing. These ions can precipitate and create salts that will line pipes and fill up water tanks, inhibiting water flow, among other things.
The Ion Exchange: The Science Behind the Water Softener
Calcium and magnesium ions in hard water have a weak positive charge. Within the tank of a water softener, there are resin beads with a negative ion charge. If a person remembers their basic chemistry, positive ions (cations) and negative ions (anions) are attracted to each other like magnets. This is the basis for static electricity and chemical reactions. The process used to remove the minerals from the water is called ion exchange, and this is how it works:
- The positive ions of the minerals are attracted to the negatively charged resin beads in the tank.
- The minerals precipitate and cling to the resin beads.
- The “softened” water goes into the home water supply pipes nearly mineral-free.
- The water softener tank begins the renewal process by adding salt with a stronger positive charge to the tank.
- The resin beads reject the “hard water” minerals for the stronger charge of the salt.
- The minerals are flushed through the drainage system.
- The process starts all over again.
How to Identify Hard Water
So how does a person know if their home has hard water? Listed below are the major signs that a home has hard water.
- Soap Scum: This combination of soap and calcium is very hard to remove from showers, tubs, and sinks.
- Laundry Issues: Clean laundry still smells musty and is scratchy and stiff to the touch.
- Spotty Dishes: Whitish residue is often present on dishes, glasses, and utensils after cleaning.
- Low Water Pressure: The scale buildup in the pipes hinders water flow, causing lower pressure.
- Inconsistent Hot Water: Scale buildup in water heaters can cause them not to heat as well.
- Dry Skin and Limp Hair: The shower and those who use it are not exempt from hard water. The water can cause the skin to be dry and itchy, make it hard to get a good lather with soap and shampoo, and make them more difficult to wash off.
Whole-Home Water Softener Benefits
With all the issues caused by hard water, homeowners should consider purchasing a whole home water softener. Water softeners remove the minerals from water, leaving clean, soft water behind. This can save homeowners time and money by extending the life of their appliances and fixtures and making cleaning easier. With a whole home water softener, all the problems with soap scum and residue will be eliminated.
And that’s not all! Soft water can also improve and hydrate hair and skin and leave clothes looking brighter and feeling softer. With a whole home water softener, all the problems with soap scum and residue will be eliminated. Since most homes have hard water, it’s worth a chat with a local plumber about possible solutions.
About Sheely Plumbing Inc.
Sheely Plumbing Inc. is a family-owned and operated company with over ten years of experience serving Alto, MI, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, 24-hour emergency service, and same or next-day service. Call them today for water softener services in Alto, MI.
