Hard water has more than normal amounts of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. At safe levels, these minerals are harmless, but when they cross a certain level they can cause a lot of problems. Read on below to know about the disadvantages of using hard water.
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Most Common Disadvantages of Hard Water:
Hard Water Causes Soapy Scum
- The minerals present in hard water react with the soap and reduce its efficacy. The soap isn’t able to dissolve properly to form lather. Instead, it makes the soap sticky, which is known as soapy scum.
Soapy scum sticks everywhere and is difficult to remove. Splashes of water mixed with soapy scum can deposit as white stains on the faucets. In a dishwasher, soapy scum deposits are left behind on utensils, especially glassware. Soapy scum affects the beauty of utensils and causes them to appear dirty even after washing.
Hard Water Clogs & Erodes Plumbing
- Hard water has abnormal amounts of calcium and magnesium. After prolonged use, these begin to deposit on the inside of the plumbing pipes. These deposits, if not cleaned up, will cause blocking and thus affect water pressure. Hard water is the number one cause of blocked pipes and showerheads.
The salts present in hard water cause a friction effect inside the pipes. This effect results in erosion of the protective coating. If enough coating has eroded, the pipes become vulnerable to damage, corrosion, and rust.
Hard Water Makes Skin Dry & Itchy
Hard water causes soap to form soapy scum, which when left behind on the skin can cause a variety of problems. Soapy scum absorbs the moisture present naturally in the skin, and as a result, the skin becomes too dry. Dry skin results in cracks, breakage, and itching.
Hard water has also been found to directly cause premature hair loss. The soapy scum that gets left behind in hair, damages the hair follicles. Despite washing several times, hair will feel dry, frizzy, and rough. Continued use of hard water will result in hair fall. Hard water can be safely treated by installing a water softening service, and thus you can take a shower with peace of mind.
Hard Water Makes Laundry Faded & Stiff
- In addition to soap, hard water also affects the efficacy of detergents. When clothes are washed in hard water, soapy scum is formed. This soapy scum is left behind on the laundry as residue. As a result, laundry feels unclean.
Another consequence of the soapy scum residue is that it makes the laundry stiff. The colors are affected and start to fade out. The best way to see if the laundry is being washed in hard water is to check towels. If the towels have become stiff and lost their color, then they are most definitely being washed in hard water.
Hard Water Reduces Lifespan Of Appliances
- The salt deposits left behind by hard water can seriously degrade your appliances. The deposits can not only reduce their lifespan but also minimize their efficiency.
If hard water is used in a kettle, or in a water heater, the salt deposits will form at the base of the tank. These deposits will make your appliance work harder to heat the same amount of water. If there are heating coils or elements present, the salt deposits will form on them. Thus, their efficiency will be reduced. If they are not cleaned regularly, the deposits will become permanent and very difficult to remove.
If you are located in Houston Texas, you can call Proline Plumbing for all your hard water troubles. We are a team of plumbing professionals with years of experience. Call us at 832-772-5501 and our specialists will help you get rid of hard water by installing a water softening service.
