What is Hard Water?

If your water supply contains high concentrations of certain minerals, you might have hard water. Although it isn’t unsafe to consume, hard water doesn’t usually taste good and can wreak havoc on your plumbing system over time. If you notice that your water pressure is low or that you have a film on your skin after a bath, you might be dealing with hard water.

Whether you use Austin city water or get your water from a well on your property, it’s crucial to deal with your hard water problem before it causes unnecessary damage. The easiest way to resolve a hard water issue is to install a water softener.

What Constitutes Hard Water?

Hard water contains higher than usual levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. In its purest form, water contains hydrogen and oxygen. Still, when it hits the ground and turns into runoff, it collects minerals like calcium and magnesium before becoming part of the water supply. Some cities and municipalities use water softeners to filter the water supply. Still, if you get your water from a well, your water will contain these minerals. You will need to purchase a water softener to ensure that the minerals don’t cause damage to your pipes, drains, and faucets.

Why Is Hard Water Bad for Your Plumbing System?

In your plumbing system, hard water leaves mineral deposits, namely calcium and magnesium. These deposits are known as limescale. As it builds up over time, limescale can make it harder for water to move through the pipes in your home, lowering your overall water pressure. Over time, these mineral deposits can actually harden in your system. Once they have hardened, there’s virtually no way to remove them, which means you might have to replace some pipes in your home, if not your entire plumbing system.

In addition to damaging your water pipes, hard water can cause:

Mineral deposits on faucets
Residue on washed dishes
Clogged drains and showerheads
Dry skin
Discolored clothing and other laundry

What Can I Do About My Hard Water Problem?

If you are dealing with hard water in your home, there are solutions available! One of the most effective solutions is to install a water softener to break up the hard minerals in your water supply.

While there is an array of water softener products on the market, they all work to neutralize the damaging impact of hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. They accomplish this by using sodium molecules, which bind with the harmful minerals and pass through a filter into your home.

Most water softeners need to be installed by a professional plumber. Contact Austin Plumbing Outfitters today to discuss your water issues and learn how our team can help if you are dealing with a hard water problem. We have the necessary resources and training to properly install a water softening system in your home and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.

Contact us via our website or call us at 512-269-1382 to get a quote from one of our professional Austin-based plumbers today.