What Concerns Should I Have About Hard Water?

When it comes to owning and maintaining a home, there are limitless topics to explore and learn about. One hot topic that many homeowners in Florida hear about is hard water—but if you’re like many, you might not fully understand the term. If you find yourself wondering about hard water, Florida Energy Water & Air can help. Read on to learn more about some of the issues that hard water can cause homeowners.

What Is Hard Water?

To understand why hard water is a troublesome issue, you first have to understand what it is. In general, hard water is any water with a high mineral content. The specific types and quantities of each mineral will vary, but common offenders include magnesium, calcium, and iron. Thankfully for most US homeowners, hard tap water is completely potable and safe to drink.

Common Signs of Hard Water Damage

Since hard water is safe to drink, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. Unfortunately, although hard water is fit for consumption, the extra mineral content can cause loads of issues throughout the home. Some of the most common issues include:

Appliance Damage

The main damage caused by hard water is limescale deposits that build up over time in pipes and appliances. As these deposits increase, you might notice that your home appliances—like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters—are frequently damaged or broken. Unfortunately, there is a rarely a cost-effective remedy for these problems, and many homeowners end up replacing worn appliances.

Soap Scum

One symptom of hard water that many homeowners notice is the appearance of soap scum. Whether it’s a ring around the bathtub or bathroom sink, soap scum is usually a clear sign that your water’s mineral content is too high. Additionally, you might notice that soap doesn’t produce lather or suds in hard water.

Lackluster Showers

Along with the aforementioned soap issues, you might notice another sign of hard water in the shower—poor pressure. If your shower head seems to struggle to produce enough water pressure for comfortable bathing, it could be a sign that your pipes or showerhead is clogged from mineral deposits.

Uncomfortable Skin & Hair

Another sign of hard water that you might notice after bathing is skin irritation and hair that feels flat and brittle. Or, you might feel as if you can’t properly rinse off soap or shampoo. These problems are similar to soap scum deposits and often result from soap remaining on the skin and hair, even after rinsing.

Stains

Have you noticed brown or red stains on your sinks, dishes, or cutlery? Many people mistakenly attribute these stains to rust, but they’re usually the result of hard water. Outside of the kitchen, you might notice similar stains on dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines.

Crunchy Clothes

Do you ever notice that your clothes still feel soiled or brittle after washing? Does it seem as if your clothes are wearing out faster than normal? These perplexing problems might share a common symptom—hard water. The same problems that hard water creates in the shower—like making soap less effective—can wreak havoc in a washing machine.

Unpleasant Tastes and Smells

Is your tap water simply unpleasant to drink and cook with? Have you noticed bad smells—like rotten eggs—when you turn on a tap? These might be signs of a high mineral content in your water.

Work With Water Treatment Experts

The problems that hard water causes can seem overwhelming, but there is good news for homeowners: in-home water softeners are effective and affordable. If you think your Florida home has hard water, turn to the local experts: Florida Energy Water & Air. Contact us today to learn more about our water treatment products and services.