Hard water affects many homeowners, but as common as the problem is, you might not even know what it is. Understanding the basics of hard water and how it can impact your home is the first step of fixing it. Here’s what you need to know about this issue and how a water softener can help you achieve a perfect balance.

Hard Water Basics & Solutions

What Is Hard Water?

During the natural journey of water, minerals such as calcium and magnesium can accumulate. If these minerals aren’t treated, they dissolve into the water—whether the source is a well or your municipality—and make it “hard.” There are different degrees of hard water depending on much mineral content the liquid contains. So, although your water source might be hard, fewer mineral buildups in the next town over might make their water naturally softer.

Thankfully, hard water is not a health hazard. It can, however, cause frustrating and unsightly issues in your home. Over time, the minerals in the water may accumulate on various surfaces such as faucets, sinks, and bathtubs and leave behind tough buildup.

While these deposits aren’t dangerous, they can limit the water flow of your fixtures and force appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers to work harder. This extra effort can raise your utility expenses. Hard water can also be damaging to some types of fabrics, making each laundry load a stressful gamble, and leave your skin feeling itchy after bathing.

How Can You Reduce Hard Water?

The solution to hard water is removing the calcium and magnesium, and there’s no better way to do that than with a water softener. These devices achieve the desired mineral balance through a process called ion exchange. The main tank of the appliance is filled with polystyrene beads that carry a negative charge.

As hard water is flushed through the softener’s tank, calcium and magnesium stick to the beads thanks to their positive charge. Once the beads are saturated with minerals, a sodium-rich brine is flushed through them from another tank. When a certain number of sodium ions are introduced, they knock the calcium and magnesium ions away from the beads. The excess minerals are then drained from the water softener’s tank, allowing the process to begin.

If hard water is plaguing your home, All American Plumbing in Concord, NC and surrounding areas, is ready with the soft solution. With more than three decades of exceptional service, we have the experience to equip your home with a high-quality water softener that will transform your home’s water supply. We’re also on call to take care of any other plumbing needs you may have, including plumbing repairs, whole house filters installations, and water heater maintenance. Visit our website for more information on the services available or call (704) 788-8690 to speak with one of our experts today.