Hard Water Questions And Concerns
While many people assume that plumbing problems always originate with the pipes of the home, it is also possible for the water to contribute to these issues. This can be particularly true for homes with hard water. In order to be prepared to protect your home against the effects of hard water, you should understand the causes of this problem, the treatment options as well as the problems it can pose.
Where Do The Minerals In Hard Water Come From?
Hard water contains a much higher mineral content than soft water. Typically, municipal water sources remove excess minerals from the water before pumping it through the distribution network. However, it's possible for homes that utilize this source of water to develop hard water due to these minerals leaching from the lining of the pipes. If your home has a water well, it's possible for the minerals to be a natural feature of the water source.
What Are The Options For Testing Your Home For Hard Water?
Luckily, the process of testing your home's water is fairly simple. One effective way of conducting a preliminary test is to partially fill a clear bottle with water and put a few drops of dish soap into the bottle. After vigorously shaking the bottle, you should inspect the water. When the water is hard, it will appear milky after shaking the bottle, but if the water is soft, there should be ample bubbles on the Surface of the water.
Based on the results of this test, you may want to contact a professional plumber to test the quality of your water. These individuals will measure the mineral contents from samples of water from each outlet. If your home uses a water well, they will also take a sample from the source.
Will Hard Water Pose Any Risks?
You may be concerned about the health hazards that are posed by hard water. Luckily, this is a relatively harmless problem. However, it can contribute to dry irritated skin. Also, some individuals may find that hard water can make their hair more difficult to manage. This arises because the hard water compromises the effectiveness of the shampoo, which can make the hair difficult to clean.
While hard water will not pose significant health hazards, it can pose serious threats to your plumbing and appliances. These hazards arise from the mineral forming deposits on the interior of the pipes and appliances, which can restrict the supply of water. Contact your plumber, someone from a place like Rooter Pro Plumbing, for more information.