Everyone has heard that expression about “hard” water. What is exactly is hard water, though? Many people mistakenly believe that water is water. However, that is not the case. Hard water is water that has a high level of mineral content in it. Hard water isn’t nearly as good as soft water, which is why many people treat their water with water softeners. Hard water doesn’t taste as good as soft water because of all the dissolved mineral deposits in it. It also isn’t as good to bathe in or clean with as soft water.
What Are Water Softeners?
Water softeners are ion exchangers that are supposed to remove the positively charged ions from the water. They remove the calcium and iron from the water and replace them with sodium and potassium exchanger ions instead. By remove these ions from the water and replacing them with other ones, water softeners make hard water softer and more desirable to drink and use in general.
Effects of Hard Water on Plumbing
Hard water is harder on plumbing systems than soft water. Therefore, one of the other reasons that some people choose to utilize water softeners Bulverde has is for economical purposes. Softening water helps make plumbing systems last longer. Hard water can end up causing scale in plumbing systems that is undesirable because the scale works as an insulator and prevents the proper transfer of heat within a boiler system. This can lead to a decrease in boiler efficiency that causes more energy to be expended, resulting in higher energy bills. Not only that, it can lead to damage to plumbing systems as well. The scale caused by hard water can not only lead to trouble with the boiler, but it can also lead to clogged pipes and drains. The buildup of minerals can end up damaging hot water heaters, dishwashers and other types of appliances that utilize water.
Signs of Hard Water
Most people don’t notice that their water is hard because of the scale, however. More often than not, they notice that their water is hard when they have a hard time getting soap to lather properly in it. Because of all of the minerals in hard water, soap and detergents won’t lather properly. Additionally, people tend to feel dirty when washing with the water and might even have residue left in their hair from hard water that makes their hair difficult to manage.
Maintenance
In addition to utilizing water softeners in their plumbing Bulverde has, people with hard water should have their homes regularly maintained to remove any calcified buildups in their plumbing systems. They might also want to consider installing water filters in their homes as well as using laundry detergents and other products that are specially formulated with people with hard water. Some cosmetic companies even have soaps and shampoos that are designed to soften the water that people bathe and shower with somewhat so that they can achieve a better clean.
Author Bio. : Antonio Sellars is an expert in plumbing Bulverde has to offer as well as water softeners Bulverde has to offer.