Hard water is an issue in many households that, while common, can be bothersome. Fortunately, your plumber can typically fix it using simple and effective methods. Here’s what you should know about this problem and how it’s treated.

A Guide to Hard Water

What causes hard water?

Water "hardness" is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium it contains. The higher the concentration of these minerals, the harder the water.

Rainfall, which is free of any minerals, is considered "soft water." As it passes through the natural rock, sand, and soil, it mixes with a variety of minerals that contribute to the hardness of your water supply. 

Is hard water harmful?

The levels of calcium and magnesium in drinking water are harmless to your health. Most water uses, such as drinking, cooking, and watering your lawn, aren't affected by higher concentrations of minerals. However, hard water can leave calcium deposits on your faucets and buildup in your sinks, resulting in potential clogs. 

How can you tell if your water is hard?

Hard water can cause a variety of inconvenient side effects, including spots on your glasses and silverware and mineral stains on your clothing and linens after washing. In some cases, you may feel a slight film on your hands after washing them, which happens when soap reacts with the calcium in the water, leading to soap scum. Soap scum may also cause buildup in your pipes, resulting in low water pressure due to restricted flow. 

How is hard water treated?

To treat hard water, your plumber will typically install a water softener that uses ion exchange to replace excess calcium and magnesium with sodium, softening your water supply.

During the ion exchange process, hard water travels through a water softening tank where the positively charged calcium and magnesium are trapped and negatively charged sodium ions are dispersed. From here, softened water flows into your home. 

If your home has hard water, contact the experienced plumbers at Bradford & Sons Electrical Plumbing & Heating in Canandaigua, NY. Since 1975, this family-owned company has provided plumbing repairs, maintenance, and installations, including water softeners. Call (585) 657-7309 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.