Whether you just moved into a new home or you’ve lived in your house for years, hard water may be impacting your life without you even realizing it. There are plenty of downsides to having hard water or water with high mineral content. However, few people realize hard water is to blame when the signs start showing up. Here are seven signs that you have hard water and need a water softener.
1. Water Heater Issues
Hard water can cause sediment build-up inside your water heater. This build-up may restrict water flow in the heater, cause an odd popping noise, and reduce the heater’s efficiency. Eventually, sediment in the tank can accumulate so much that the water heater can break, requiring you to replace the entire unit.
2. Dishwasher & Washing Machine Problems
Hard water can also harm appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine. Scale caused by hard water can cause pinhole leaks in copper plumbing and damage water-consuming appliances over time. If you don’t address the hard water issue, the performance of your washing machine and dishwasher will suffer, and you may need to replace them sooner than anticipated.
3. Soap Scum Build Up
The minerals in hard water interfere with the soap’s ability to make a lather. Instead of frothing up and doing its job, much of the soap will be left behind. This can cause soap scum build-up in your shower, tub and sinks. So if you find that your soap isn’t lathering up well or that there is soap scum building up, you have a clear indication that your water is hard.
4. Poorly Cleaned Clothing
Laundry soap is also affected by hard water and will struggle to lather properly. Plus, your clothing will be exposed to the minerals during the wash, which can make them feel harsh and rough. You can use fabric softener to correct these issues, but it won’t be as good as simply washing with soft water.
Are you tired of dealing with the issues related to hard water at your home? ClimateCare is your one-stop-shop for all your hard water-related problems. Contact our experts today!
5. Poorly Cleaned Dishes
Your dishes may similarly suffer when they are washed in hard water. They may develop sediment build-up that looks like a chalk-like substance. This build-up is hard to remove, but you can soak dishes in vinegar to clean them up. Of course, few people want to add an extra step to their dishwashing regimen. If your coffee maker or kettle has a residue that you can’t wash off, you have hard water. The long-term solution is to soften your water.
6. Water Pressure Problems
Although hidden from view, sediment will also build up on the inside of your home’s pipes. Eventually, this build-up can restrict water flow and create pressure problems throughout the house. You may need to get your pipes replaced.
7. Dry Hair and Skin
Just like fabric, our hair and skin do not take kindly to exposure to high amounts of minerals. You may notice both drying out.
Not sure if you need a water softener for your home? Contact our experts at ClimateCare to help you decide.
