article

Understanding Hard Water (and How to Solve It)

By Fran J. Donegan via Realty Times

bluehammer

Do you have hard water? If you notice spots and films on glasses that come straight from the dishwasher, or you can't seem to work up a good lather when washing your hands, it's a good bet that you do.

You are not alone.The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 85 percent of the country's population has some degree of hard water coming into their homes.

While the outward signs of hard water are annoying, the effects on your plumbing can be serious. Hard water can produce scale that clogs pipes, reducing water pressure. It can also cause mineral deposits to form in major appliances like water heaters, affecting the efficiency of the heater and shortening the life of the appliance.

How Do You Find Out for Sure?

Hard water has high levels of dissolved minerals in it, especially calcium and magnesium. You can determine the hardness of your water by checking the Consumer Confidence Report supplied by your water company. An even better idea is to test the water that comes into your house, because the amount of hardness is one of the factors in determining the size of the water softener to buy. Do-it-yourself tests are inexpensive and easy to use. Some water softener manufacturers and salt companies will supply test strips for free.

The water treatment industry measures hardness in grains per gallon (GPG). The table below lists common classifications.

bluehammer Source: Water Quality Association

What’s a Water Softener?

Water softeners are often point-of-entry appliances, meaning they treat all the water used in the home, but point-of-use systems are also available. Most water softener systems consist of a resin tank and a salt brine tank. The resin removes the hard water minerals from the water, while the brine tank regenerates the resin.

The size softener you need depends on the hardness of the water and the amount of water your household uses. A qualified water softener installer can calculate the size of the system.

Once installed, the water softening process is automatic. You simply need to keep it supplied with salt. On some softeners, you set the regeneration schedule. Newer, more advanced models feature demand-initiated regeneration, which regenerates the resin as needed. These systems typically use less water and are more energy efficient. Other features include:

  • Products that include water softening and water filtration in one unit
  • Easy access for replenishing salt supply
  • Low salt indicators

What is a Water Conditioner?

Where water softeners remove hard water minerals, water conditioners alter them so that they cannot attach themselves to pipes, faucets and appliances. There are a few ways to do this, including the use of electronics. Water conditioners do not require salt and are easy to install. Consider a water conditioner if your hard water doesn't bother you but you want to protect your pipes, or if traditional softeners are not allowed in your municipality's water and sewer system.

Hard water can lead to serious problems for your home's plumbing. Fortunately, the right water softener or conditioner can virtually eliminate those issues before they lead to frustrating repairs.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Home Insurance 101: The Fundamentals of Home Quality

Buying a home represents one of the biggest purchases that an individual can make in his or her lifetime. As such, the decision should not be taken lightly, and you'll want to review many factors as you search for your dream residence.

Remodeling Your Outdoor Patio On A Budget

Creating and sticking to a home improvement project's budget is about as easy and comfortable as pulling teeth. But when it comes to a task as exciting as an outdoor space remodel, it's necessary to think and talk about the budget before taking any further steps.

Nine House Cleaning Tasks That Give You A Great Workout

House cleaning is a drag. That comes as a surprise to no one. But, there is a great side benefit to having a tidy home. Well, there are many, but we're not talking about the psychological advantages of living in a clean home or even the fact that a clean house just plain looks good. We're talking about working up a sweat. Go ahead and skip the gym. Grab the broom or the vacuum cleaner instead. Turns out the simple acts of sweeping, vacuuming, and so many more housecleaning tasks can give you a great workout.

6 Ways To Create A More Serene Stress-Free Home

Your home is supposed to be your haven, the place where you can relax and wash away the stresses of the day. But, if your house is messy, cluttered, or designed in a way that opposes certain Feng Shui principles, it could actually be adding to your stress. Apply a few tips to make your home the serene spot it should be.

Early Planning For Retirement And Inheritance

Question: We are nearing retirement, and are becoming concerned about our future, and the future of our children.

8 Laundry Rooms That'll Make You Want To Fluff And Fold

Let's face it. Laundry is no fun. In fact, it's often counted among our most hated chores. But since running around in stinky, soiled clothes is not an option for most of us, it's gotta get done.

New Tech All Homes Will Have By 2020

New technologies are constantly emerging, rendering others obsolete every day. Many of these technologies eventually enter into our homes after being used in businesses or other capacities throughout the world first. Once they show themselves to be useful, people incorporate them into their everyday lives. Here are some technologies that every home will have by 2020.

Do's And Don'ts For Painting Your Bathroom Cabinets

If your bathroom cabinets are old, ugly, tired, or all of the above, you've probably thought about painting them more than a few times. And if you're like us, you may have done a bit of research but failed to take it further for fear that they won't end up looking decent. But the truth is that if you follow the directions of those who've been there before (and, especially, if you heed their warnings regarding shortcuts and mistakes), you can transform your bathroom pretty easily. This list of do's and don'ts will help guide you.

Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Your home is your place to rest, play, and spend time with your family. It should be a place of comfort, and this comfort need not come at a high cost. Many homes, however, waste a lot of energy in ways that can be prevented. Here are five ways to make your home more energy-efficient.

How To Score A Deal On Home Appliances

Who doesn't dream of a kitchen full of shiny, new appliances. Raise your hand if you want a new refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, microwave - and, hey, let's throw in a washer and dryer, too - but don't want to pay top dollar for them. The expense is definitely a bummer when it comes to buying new, but you don't have to go broke to get what you want. Use a few tips and tricks to get a great deal.

See More Articles