If you have noticed a white residue on your fixtures and appliances, you may have hard water, which means it contains an excess of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Although it’s not a health risk, hard water can degrade your water-based equipment and other areas. Here are four reasons to install a water softener today.

The Negative Effects of Hard Water

1. Appliances & Plumbing

The most common problem you’ll notice when you have hard water is damage to your appliances and fixtures. The high mineral content leaves behind a gray-white scale that makes your equipment look grimy.

It can also build up and cause clogs in water lines and backups in plumbing pipes. Without a water softener to lower the mineral levels, this buildup can affect the water flow and even corrode components.

2. Dishes & Utensils

No matter what you do to get your dishes, utensils, and glasses clean, they are covered in spots and mineral residue.

Scale is tough to clean and will make your plates and cups look dirty. They may feel gritty or even slimy since the dish detergent will have a tough time lathering in hard water, leaving behind a film on your items.

3. Clothing

Just like with your dishes, your laundry will seem dingy and less than clean. They may even feel scratchy, and the color will fade more quickly. Mineral molecules can also damage the material.

Because the detergent will not bubble well in hard water, you will keep washing your clothing more than you need to get them to look and feel clean. This degrades your wardrobe much more quickly.

4. Skin & Hair

Have you noticed that your skin feels tight and itchy after a shower? That is because minerals are staying on your skin. Your hair may also seem drab and lifeless, and getting that silky shine seems impossible. The same way detergents can’t foam in hard water, soap and shampoo also suffer, leaving your hair and nails covered in residue.

If you are ready to install a water softener, call Northern Water Treatment, Inc. The plumbing company has been helping customers in the Minneapolis metro area since 1995. From water treatment to general plumbing, their professional team offers a 90-day warranty on drain cleaning and a one-year warranty on other services. They also provide 24-hour emergency care when you need help most. For an estimate, call (763) 274-1476. Visit them online for their water treatment service.