Hard water contains high quantities of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. Though safe to drink and use for household tasks, it may cause problems throughout your home that result in the need for water softeners. Below, you’ll learn more about hard water and how professional treatment systems can help.

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. This typically happens when fluids percolate through limestone, gypsum, or chalk in bedrock before being pumped into your home by a well system.

Hard water may also contain trace amounts of iron, aluminum, or manganese because of passing through older pipes made from cast iron or galvanized steel, which are common in homes built before 1965. 

These trace minerals may also stem from pipes that rust due to leaks that expose the interior to oxygen. Though not dangerous to human health, the water may have a chalky taste that some find unpleasant. 

What Issues Does It Cause?

If your home has hard water, you’ll likely notice hard mineral deposits and scaling on fixtures, sinks, and tubs. These buildups may cause low water pressure due to mineral blockages in supply lines. This causes appliances, such as washing machines and dish washers, to work harder, use more water, and drive up your utility bills.

Excessive strain on these appliances might shorten their life span by three to five years. You might also notice faded or rough clothing and chalky residue on glasses and plates. Additionally, hard water can cause dry skin and hair since it prevents soap lather from completely washing out.

What’s the Best Way to Treat It?

Water softeners are devices that remove calcium, magnesium, and trace minerals from water. Softener tanks contain salt blocks that attract dissolved hard minerals and replace them with sodium ions.

A professional plumber can install a water softener directly to your supply line to treat all incoming fluids before they move through your faucets and fixtures. 

When you’re ready to reap the benefits of a water softener, get in touch with Drain Pro Plumbing. These plumbers provide dependable filtration and softening systems to clients throughout Lakeville, MN. Call (952) 469-6999 to request a free estimate on water treatment solutions, and visit the website to learn more about how to receive discounts and rebates on plumbing repairs and installations.