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Everything You Need to Know About Water Hardness

Water hardness can ruin a bubble bath in less than 30 seconds, but your plumbing fixtures will suffer even more. The problem is caused by a high concentration of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. Calcium carbonate is notorious for the scale it deposits onto plumbing fixtures. This can ultimately restrict your flow rates and water pressure. Minerals can also introduce rust and stains to your appliances, so ignoring the problem is an expensive mistake.

What Makes Water Hard?

Water is considered hard when its pH level rises to 8.5, so it has a bitter taste that's less than ideal at tea time. Carbonate, bicarbonate, and hydroxide compounds pass into the water supply, contributing to alkalinity. Low pH levels can be caused by acid rain, soil microbes, and natural bedrock.

What Kind of Damage Does Hard Water Cause?

The calcium carbonate, sulfate, and magnesium in your water will cause limescale deposits. This ultimately creates a thick layer inside your pipes and appliances, reducing your flow rates while simultaneously destroying your heating elements.

You can expect your utility bills to skyrocket on the back of inefficient HVAC systems and water heaters. Water softeners thus have a direct impact on your pocket.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

Read more on How Does a Water Softener Work. Water softeners will improve everything from your appliances to your hair and skin. Your clothes will last longer, and your tiles will sparkle. Their return on investment is tough to beat, particularly in terms of the lifespan of your fixtures.