Our water supplies are safe to drink, but they can contain minerals that can have some adverse effects on your and your home. Find out how to tell if you have hard water in the latest blog post from Goodman Plumbing and how we can provide professional water treatment in Philadelphia.
What is hard water?
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content. These minerals, typically calcium and magnesium, can cause a variety of problems if they build up in your home’s plumbing system.
What are the effects of hard water?
The most common problem caused by hard water is the buildup of scale in your pipes. This scale can restrict water flow and cause your pipes to become clogged. Hard water can also cause your water heater to work less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills. In addition, hard water can leave your skin and hair feeling dry and irritated. This can be especially irksome if you deal with skin conditions like eczema or chemically-treated hair that is prone to dryness. If you struggle with any of these problems, it’s likely that you have hard water.
How can I tell if I have hard water?
There are a few ways to tell if you have hard water. One way is to look for mineral deposits on your fixtures, such as your shower head or faucets. Minerals in hard water will build up over time, causing a white or brownish discoloration. You may also notice that your dishes have spots after they’ve been washed in hard water. Water glasses may also have mineral build-up or streaks after being washed in the dishwasher due to the high mineral content of the water.
Hard Water Testing
If you suspect you have hard water, there are testing kits available at most hardware stores. These tests are simple to use and will give you an accurate reading of the hardness of your water. If you’re still not sure, our team at Goodman Plumbing can evaluate your water and recommend the best course of action. We offer professional water treatment in Philadelphia and can install a water softener to help mitigate the effects of hard water.
Hard Water Solutions
What can you do if you have hard water? The most common solution is to install a water softener. Water softeners work by exchanging the minerals in hard water for sodium. This process is known as ion exchange. The sodium-rich water produced by a water softener is then routed through a pipe to your home’s plumbing system. As the water flows through your pipes, the sodium exchanges places with the calcium and magnesium, preventing mineral buildup. Water softeners are a low-maintenance solution to hard water and only need to be regenerated every few weeks.
Contact Goodman Plumbing Today
If you’re looking for a professional to install a water softener or simply want your water tested, Goodman Plumbing is here to help. We offer water treatment in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
