It’s a strange phrase. How can a liquid be hard? The “hardness” of water refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium therein. Groundwater picks up such minerals on its way into your plumbing system. The more dissolved minerals therein, the “harder” the water. But is this an issue in your household? Should you be concerned for your health or the safety of your plumbing system?
Is Hard Water Dangerous?
In general, hard water is not a health risk. Calcium and magnesium are minerals essential to the human diet, and though they may be harsh on the skin, scalp and hair for some, they are not hazardous. Therefore, you needn’t worry too much about hard water in terms of your family’s wellness.
So What’s the Issue?
That said, hard water does pose a nuisance when it comes to cleaning. Whether you’re doing the laundry, cleaning dishes or taking a shower, hard water makes an impact. When combined with most soaps, hard water produces a sticky paste and many detergents will not lather properly with the presence of high mineral content in the water supply. You may find that your skin still feels soapy after showering.
The other issue stems from the fact that hard water leaves mineral deposits on the interior surface of your pipes as well as around drains and fixtures. Over time, these deposits can build up and result in serious plumbing problems for your entire supply system. Once the aperture of your supply pipes begins to close by even a very small amount, the results can be devastating and may ultimately result in repiping. That’s something you’ll want to avoid (for as long as possible).
What to Do about Hard Water
Investing in a whole-house water softener is the best way to make sure that your hard water problems are eliminated. A water softener uses sodium or potassium ions to soften the water so that you no longer have to worry about the negative side effects. Contact a plumber at Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. to learn more about your water treatment system options in Orlando.