Hard water is water with high mineral content. In some cases, added minerals can be a good thing. However, if mineral levels are too high, it can cause problems for homes. With a high-quality water filter and water softening systems, it may be possible to reduce excess mineral levels. Conditioning for hard water should be closely considered if you're dealing with excess mineral levels. According to Circle of Blue, 13% of Americans get water from wells. This means it's important to think about water conditioning.
Accumulating minerals can affect various appliances. Your washing machine, refrigerator, water heater, and various other appliances can all be affected by hard water. For example, minerals may build up on a water heater heating coil, thus reducing efficiency. As a result, you may not enjoy as much hot of water as before, or you may have to wait longer for your water to warm up.
Hard water can cause many other problems as well. For example, hard water could build up inside a washing machine, perhaps clogging its drainage system. Your washing machine may not be able to drain properly, which could slow washing, lead to flooding, or cause various other issues. Hard water can also leave clothes grimy after a wash. Many appliances are built to work with soft water and thus have no ways to mitigate mineral build-ups. Fortunately, conditioning for hard water may protect the efficiency and also extend the lifespan of your appliances.
When hard water evaporates, the minerals are left behind. Over time, this soap scum or limescale, as it's commonly known, will start to build up. This can lead to unsightly stains that are hard to clean. By using conditioning for hard water, you may be able to reduce mineral build-ups. Beyond surface-level stains, build-ups of calcium and other minerals inside pipes may affect your plumbing. You might find that your sinks don't drain as fast as they used to. Toilets might become jammed more easily as well. Water pressure could also be affected.
Home is where the family lives. If your household has hard water, you may find that your skin and hair are dry and perhaps even brittle. Some people even suffer irritation, such as itchy skin. This could affect your overall quality of life and lead to constant discomfort. Fortunately, with conditioning for hard water and other solutions, you can soften your water and reduce irritation.
Overall, there are many ways that hard water can affect your home. If you're looking for solutions, get in contact with Kaufman Well Drilling today. We are more than happy to provide more information.