There are two main types of water, hard water, and soft water. Of course, they won’t feel any different if you run your hands under them, it’s not like hard water is literally hard!
The term hard water simply means that the water has a high mineral content. This is because the water has traveled through rock formations, specifically limestone, chalk, or gypsum. As the water passes through it picks up some of the minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium. That’s what makes it hard water.
You don’t have a choice in which water arrives at your home, it’s controlled by the geology around your area and the path the water takes.
However, you can easily identify if you do have hard water, common signs include:
- White scaling on faucets and appliances
- Soap scum on your sinks and baths
- Laundry whites not as white as they should be
- Inability of water to create a lather when washing
The good news is that you can get water filters to remove these minerals, effectively turning your hard water soft. It’s a good idea to get your local plumber Sydney to install the water filter for you.
If you do have hard water you’re likely to encounter these problems:
Shorten Lifespan for Appliances
Minerals deposits build up inside any appliance, such as dishwashers and washing machines. This limits the water flow and places additional strain on the appliance, effectively shortening its life.
Once it cannot function properly you’ll have to replace it and it is not generally repairable.
Blocked Pipes
Just as the minerals can build up in machines, they can also build up inside your water pipes. The result will be pipes that clog. This will happen over a period of time, as the clog builds your water pressure will start to drop. However, this process may be so gradual you don’t actually notice it until the clog happens.
A clog won’t just deprive you of water, it can create a pressure build-up that places strain on other parts of your plumbing system. Potentially, this could lead to leaks.
Less-satisfying Showers
If you jump in the shower but your usually soap doesn’t give you any lather then you probably have hard water. That’s going to make it harder to feel like you’re clean when you leave the shower. You’ll also find that the showerhead clogs over time, thanks to the mineral build-up, leaving you with low water pressure and no lather. That’s not a great showering experience.
Enjoyment
It should also be noted that hard water can taste or even smell different to soft water. If you’ve tasted soft water before you may find that the taste of hard water is too metallic, and you won’t enjoy it.
Clean Clothes
Because the mineral content of the water is high and the lathering ability of soap is reduced, you’ll notice that your clothes are as clean after a wash cycle as you would expect them to be. This can happen in an old or new appliance and is simply a sign that you have hard water.
Remember, the right filter is easy to fit and will give you soft water, it’s worth considering investing in one.
