
Hard Water Explained
Water in nature teems with bacteria, spores, and other dangerous chemicals that get removed during the treatment process to make drinking water safe. However, things that aren’t removed are the minerals that the water picks up on its journey to the tap.
As water travels through the water cycle, it picks up minerals from the ground. Hard water is water with a higher mineral count. Hard water is safe to drink but can cause other issues in the home. However, there is a way to remove these minerals at home. That’s where water softeners come in.
How Do Water Softeners Remove Minerals From Water?
The minerals in water that contribute to its “hardness” are calcium and magnesium. When dissolved in water, they are called “ions,” which are charged particles attracted to oppositely charged water molecules. Separating the water from the ions is difficult because opposite charges attract, so a process called “ion exchange” is used.
Inside a whole home water softener, incoming water is flushed across a bed of special resin that attracts calcium and magnesium ions to itself. The ions get stuck in the bed of resin while the water continues through to serve the home. This creates soft water. Over time, the more hardness the resin absorbs, the less effective it is at removing ions. That’s why a salt solution is used to knock the ions off the resin and flush them out to renew the resin.
Common Indications of Hard Water
So far, it has been explained what hard water is and how water softeners work. But why is hard water a bad thing? With modern hygiene practices, soaps are common. Soaps clean everything, whether used to wash the skin and hair or on dishes and clothing. Soaps are like ions in the sense that they operate by attracting charged particles. When hardness ions are present, soap isn’t as strongly attracted to water.
As a result, soap residue can stay on the skin and hair, where it will continually dry them out. That is why dry skin and hair are signs of hard water. On clothing and dishes, soap residue won’t be completely washed away, resulting in stiff, faded clothing and clean dishes with spots left on them. Another sign of hard water is a rise in utility bills due to scale buildup in the water heater and pipes.
Whole-Home Water Softener Benefits
The benefits of installing a whole home water softener will be apparent immediately. Skin and hair will be more hydrated, dishes and clothes will get cleaner, and homeowners will save money. Eliminating hard water will also extend the life of the plumbing, including the pipes and water heater. This saves homeowners money, as well as additional benefits like reduced utility bills and a reduced amount of repairs necessary.
Inside pipes and appliances, hard water allows minerals to build up and speed up the wear and tear of plumbing. This reduces water pressure and leads to needing more plumbing repairs. When a water softener is in place, piping will last longer, and families won’t have to schedule frequent repairs from mineral buildup.
About Gillece Services
Gillece Services has over 40 years of experience serving the residents of Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate pricing, financing, fast turnarounds, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener services in Pittsburgh, PA.
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