Guide To Hard Water In California
When you look at the water coming out of your home’s taps, you probably assume it’s just plain old water. However, it could be hard water. If so, that’s a problem not only for your plumbing system, but also potentially the health of yourself and your family.
Unfortunately, based on data from the U.S. Geological Survey, California water can be somewhat prone to being hard. If you’re wondering how hard water differs from soft water, how it can harm your plumbing, and what you can do about it, here is our Boss Plumbing Guide to Hard Water in California.
What is Hard Water?
When your home has hard water, this means the water has high amounts of calcium and magnesium, both of which are known as hardness minerals. Conversely, water deemed to be soft has lesser amounts of these minerals, resulting in it ranking lower on a water hardness scale.
As to where hard water can be found, it can run the gamut here in California. Whether it’s an area with plenty of mountain streams or a city with an outdated water infrastructure system, hardness minerals can find their way into your water.
Will Hard Water Harm Me?
When you drink hard water, you may notice a stronger than usual flavor than that found in soft water. However, the good news is that it won’t be dangerous to drink it in terms of making you ill. In fact, drinking water with high levels of essential minerals can be good for you.
Yet when those levels get too high, hard water can cause damage to your skin and hair. Stripping essential oils from your skin, it can lead to dry skin and worsening of existing skin conditions. As for your hair, hard water will make it stiff and limp, and can even lead to it starting to fall out.
Can Hard Water Hurt My Plumbing?
Yes, hard water can be very hard on your home’s plumbing system. For starters, the minerals that build up on showerheads, in sinks, and elsewhere will leave dark stains and residue that are very difficult to remove.
More importantly, the sediment buildup that takes place will also damage your home’s pipes and various appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, and other appliances that use water.
Eventually, this leads to these appliances having shortened lifespans, meaning you’ll be paying out thousands of dollars for new ones. Also, the mineral clogs can lead to pipes and valves breaking down, resulting in leaks that can damage your home.
Can You Get Rid of It?
Yes, our team here at Boss Plumbing has the experience and knowledge needed to help rid your home of hard water. If you suspect hard water at your home, our technicians can begin by testing your water. If it is hard, we can then offer various solutions, the best of which is the installation of water-softening equipment.
Salt-free water softeners and electronic water conditioners are usually used to solve the problem. However, salt-free water softeners don’t turn your water into salt water. Instead, they simply exchange sodium ions for hardness ions, ultimately softening your water. To get these systems installed by professionals who are determined to get your water as soft as possible, contact us here at Boss Plumbing.
Though hard water can be a frustrating problem to have in your home, getting the best plumbing pros in L.A. on the job as quickly as possible will soon have your water soft. To find out more about hard water and how to get rid of it, contact our team at Boss Plumbing.
