Did you know that water can be classified into two different types: hard and soft? The difference between the two is the presence of minerals in the water. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, while soft water has low levels or even no minerals at all. While hard water is not necessarily bad for you, it can cause some problems for you and your plumbing system. In this blog post, Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air will discuss the effects of hard water on both you and your plumbing system. We will also provide tips on how to minimize these effects. Keep reading to learn more!
Skin Irritation
One of the most common effects of hard water is skin irritation. This is because the high levels of calcium and magnesium can bind to soap, making it difficult to rinse off. As a result, you may notice that your skin feels dry and tight after bathing or showering, regardless of how much moisturizer you use. In extreme cases, hard water can make skin irritations, such as eczema, worse. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to use a softener to reduce the hardness of your water.
Dry, Brittle Hair
Another common effect of hard water is dry hair. There’s nothing worse than getting out of the shower after you just conditioned your hair to the feeling of dry, brittle hair. This is because the minerals in hard water can build up on your scalp and hair shafts, making them appear dull and lifeless. If you notice your hair is dry after using conditioner or a hair mask, it’s most likely due to the water you are showering in.
Wear and Tear on Your Appliances
In addition to causing skin and hair problems, hard water can also cause wear and tear on your appliances. This is because the minerals can build up in the pipes and fixtures, causing them to become clogged. As a result, your appliances may not work as efficiently as they should, and you might have to schedule plumbing repairs more often. In some cases, hard water can even damage your water heater because the minerals can form a buildup of limescale on the bottom of your tank, decreasing the efficiency of your water heater. Investing in water conditioning services is a great way to reduce plumbing repairs and increase the lifespan of your appliances. Plus, your appliances will thank you!
Scale and Residue on Your Fixtures and Dishes
Finally, hard water can also leave behind scale and residue on your fixtures and dishes. Have you ever seen deposits left behind on your fixtures after cleaning them? This happens because the minerals in hard water bond to each other, forming a hard deposit on your fixtures. Over time, this deposit can build up and cause your fixtures to become discolored or even damaged. The same goes for your dishes. If you’ve ever noticed residue on your dishes after running them in the dishwasher or washing them by hand, it is most likely due to hard water. To avoid this problem, you should check out the water conditioning services Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air offers to remove the minerals from your water.
While hard water is still safe to drink, clean, and cook with, it can still be a nuisance to your household. If you are concerned about the effects of hard water, we recommend that you take steps to minimize its impact by contacting Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air at (805) 600-2330 or filling out our online contact form to learn about our water conditioning services. We’ll be able to find the perfect solution that fits your needs!