Hard water is tap water that’s filled with high amounts of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum. Though these minerals are not dangerous, hard water is unpleasant to drink, terrible for washing, and harsh on your plumbing system, causing corrosion and mineral scale buildup that can wreak havoc on your pipes and appliances.
How to Know if You Have Hard Water
Suspect you may have hard water, but not sure what the signs are? Here's some need-to-know information on how to identify hard water and what to do to mitigate the problem.
1. Odd tasting water
If your water tastes metallic or sour, it could mean that you have hard water running through your tap. While this isn't necessarily a threat to your health, wouldn't you much rather be able to drink and cook with your tap water without worrying that it will taste bad? Just think about something simple and everyday like boiling water for spaghetti. Between using expensive bottled water to fill the pot and using tap water that will make your pasta taste like metal, neither is an appealing option. A plumber can help you with a third option to solve this dilemma: a whole home water filtration system.
2. Rough showers and dry skin
If you’re taking a shower and can’t work up a lather – or it takes forever to rinse the soap or shampoo away – you may have hard water. Another unpleasant effect is that your skin, hair, and nails are really dry and uncomfortable. People often try to mitigate this issue by buying hair conditioner, moisturizers, and even prescription products for symptoms exacerbated by over-mineralized water. Instead of spending money on the cure, it's a much better strategy to invest in prevention by improving the quality of the water.
3. Soap scum and water spots
Hard water makes it difficult to get all of the soap residue off of household objects. Soap spots on dishes, tubs, and tiled floors are one of the most common signs of hard water. You may also have noticed that things like your shower doors and glassware look dull, etched, or covered with stubborn water spots. Sometimes those spots come off with harsh chemicals, but sometimes the damage is done.
4. Damage to appliances that use water
Mineral deposits that build up from hard water can destroy appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Minerals can also build up on the inside of your plumbing pipes, narrowing the diameter through which water can pass and causing all sorts of problems with water pressure and clogs. Of course, a plumber or appliance repair service can tell you if this is indeed your problem.
Call Carter Quality Plumbing today at (803) 998-2270 if you suspect that hard water is a problem in your home. We can install a whole home water filtration system that will help you have the cleanest, healthiest water possible for your home. Our water quality experts are ready to serve you in Rock Hill, Lancaster, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Indian Land, and surrounding areas of metro Charlotte.
Contact us for more information!