There are many reasons people install water softeners in their homes. These include softening hard water, which contains high levels of minerals that are mostly calcium and magnesium. While hard water may seem harmless, it may cause various problems in the household, especially in your plumbing system.
Water softeners help remove excess minerals in your water, making them an ideal filtration system if you have hard water. To determine whether you have hard water and need water services, here are some signs to look out for:
1. You Notice a Buildup of Limescale
Limescale is caused by the buildup of mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium. So, if you have hard water, you’ll likely encounter this at home. Limescale is a hard, chalky substance that can form in your faucets, showers, and other plumbing fixtures. These can also accumulate in your pots, pans, and various dinnerware.
Besides that, limescale may also build up in your appliances, such as dishwashers and water heaters. When this happens, it may cause your appliances to malfunction or break down completely. So, before it gets worse, it might be best to call a professional for a water softener installation. Before deciding on any water filter, always shortlist products from reputed brands like filtersmart.
2. You Have Dry Skin and Hair
Using hard water in bathing may cause hair and skin problems. Since this type of water can’t dissolve soap easily, its calcium and magnesium deposits may settle on your skin. The residue strips away your skin’s natural oils, resulting in dryness and itchiness. Plus, it causes your hair to become dry and flaky.
Mineral residues from hard water also block your pores, causing skin issues like blackheads, acne, and eczema. If you notice any of these signs, consider installing a water softener in your home.
3. You Have Gray or Faded Clothes
If you notice your clothes and linens becoming faded, it might be a sign of hard water. The excess minerals in hard water prevent laundry detergents from dissolving completely, leaving residues on clothes that leave gray stains and cause them to fade. Besides that, clothes become rough and scratchy when washed in hard water.
When this happens, it may lead to premature wear of your clothes, which can be quite frustrating. Although using a liquid water softener will be helpful, installing a water softener is the most beneficial solution in the long run.
4. You Have Frequent Plumbing Problems
Hard water causes significant damage to your home plumbing system. Excessive minerals pass through your pipes, eventually causing limescale buildup. When this happens, plumbing issues such as low water pressure, slow drains, and clogged pipes may occur.
Aside from causing inconvenience in the household, persistent plumbing issues may also result in expensive repairs or replacements. So, it’s best to take preventive action as soon as possible. Installing a water softener eliminates excess minerals in your water and helps prevent the mentioned issues from occurring.
5. There Is a Huge Spike in Your Water Bill
As mentioned, limescale buildup causes various problems for your plumbing. When these issues occur, your plumbing system would have to pull in twice the amount of water to achieve the same results, thus resulting in increased bills. So, if your water bills are suddenly rising, check if you have hard water.
A water test helps determine whether your water needs to be treated to keep them at a softer level. If the results show a higher level of hardness, it would be best to get a water softener.
6. There Are Stains in Your Sink and Bathtub
Stains on your sink and bathtub are a sign you have hard water at home. These are caused by the calcium and magnesium in the water that are left behind once hard water evaporates. Removing these unpleasant stains may be done by wiping them down with a little bit of vinegar. But, if this doesn’t work, consider installing a water softener instead to help avoid this problem.
Conclusion
Installing a water softener at home will help prevent any potential issues caused by hard water. With the help of the signs mentioned above, you’ll be able to determine when you’ll need a water softener. But, if you’re unsure whether it’s the right decision, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. To learn more about water services, reach out to a trusted company near you.
