What is hard water?
Most of our water supply comes from ground water. As the water moves underground through soil and rocks, it dissolves minerals that will become part of the water. Hard or soft water is determined by the amount of minerals found in the water.
Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals that will cause hard water. The higher the concentration of each of these minerals, the higher the level of hardness in your home’s water.
The most obvious signs of hard water can be that white crusty residue on sink drains or shower heads, your hair and skin may be dry, or you may see spots on your dishes after they dry.
What are some of the problems that hard water causes?
1. It can cause crusty scale to form on the insides of pipes, water heaters, and sink and tub drains/faucets.
2. It combines with soap to make that sticky, filmy soap scum and it makes it hard to get soap to lather.
What are some options for treating hard water?
1. A traditional water softener removes calcium and magnesium. Inside the softener tank, there are plastic resin “beads” that are coated with sodium ions that swap places with the calcium and magnesium. The calcium and magnesium stick to the resin and the sodium ions are released. When the resin becomes full and there is little sodium left, the water softener creates a salty brine solution that loosens the unwanted ions from the resin. The salty rinse water, calcium and magnesium get flushed down the drain and the process is ready to begin again. This is why salt is necessary for the softener.
2. A water conditioner will condition your water and make it softer but will not remove the magnesium or calcium from the water.
How do I know if I have hard water?
Contact KD Landis Inc. to have your water tested.
Let us help you decide what the right option is for you to treat your water!
