Water is the lifeblood of our homes, from cooking and cleaning to bathing and drinking. But what happens when your water supply becomes less than ideal? When it comes to home water, one of the most common issues homeowners face is hard water. So, what causes hard water, and what effects of hard water should you be aware of?
Understanding what causes water hardness and its potential effects can help homeowners make informed decisions about how to manage and treat their water supply. If you’re ready to get started, let’s go over everything you need to know in more detail below.
Understanding Hard Water
Before we delve into what causes water hardness, let’s answer this question: what is hard water? Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, specifically calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally present in the ground and enter the water supply through soil and rock.
Water is not a health risk per se. However, the calcium and magnesium in hard water can cause a range of inconvenient and potentially costly problems around your home.
What Causes Water Hardness?
Sure, hard water is a common issue in many households. However, that doesn’t make it any less annoying to deal with. So, what causes hard water?
The primary cause of hard water is the presence of calcium and magnesium in your water supply. These minerals get dissolved in the water as it passes through deposits of limestone and chalk, which are largely made up of calcium carbonate.
Typically, water hardness is more prevalent in groundwater sources, which are in direct contact with the earth’s crust, which is rich in minerals. If your home water comes from a well or other groundwater sources, it’s more likely to be hard.
Effects of Hard Water
Hard water can lead to several issues in your home. One of the most noticeable effects of hard water is the formation of soap scum. The calcium and magnesium in hard water react with the fatty acids in soap to form a sticky residue known as soap scum.
Another issue is mineral deposits in your water pipes and water heater. Over time, these deposits can build up, reducing water flow and pressure and potentially damaging your appliances. This could result in a need for a clogged drain plumber to clear your water pipes.
Moreover, hard water can also lead to scale build-up in your water heater. This can reduce the efficiency of the heater and increase energy costs.
The Solution: Water Softening Systems
The most effective solution to hard water is to soften the water through a process known as ion exchange. Water softening systems work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium or potassium ions, which do not cause hardness.
Water softening systems not only prevent the problems associated with hard water but can also reverse the effects of existing scale build-up. They can help to restore water pressure and flow, extend the life of your appliances, and make cleaning easier.
Contact Us for Your Water Softening Needs!
So, what causes hard water? As you can see, the severity of water hardness can vary depending on the concentration of certain minerals.
Are you dealing with hard water in your home? Bumble Bee Plumbing offers expert water filtration in Phoenix and the surrounding area to help you combat this common issue. Our team can help you choose and install the right water-softening system for your needs, ensuring you have soft, clean water whenever you need it.
Don’t let hard water wreak havoc on your home. Schedule a consultation with Bumble Bee Plumbing and take the first step towards softer, cleaner water. And remember, if hard water has already caused issues such as clogged drains or reduced water flow, our skilled plumbers are here to help with that, too!
Now that you know what causes water hardness, take action today and say goodbye to the problems caused by hard water. Contact us to schedule your water filtration or water softening service in Phoenix, AZ, or the surrounding area!
