Many of us like to think that the water coming out of our taps is pure, fresh, and clean. Unfortunately, just because your water might look clear doesn’t mean it’s without its problems. One of the most common issues people face with their tap water is hard water. This condition affects countless households, yet it can go unnoticed until the signs start popping up all around your home.
How do you know if you have hard water? In this blog, we’ll review what hard water is, how it can impact your daily life, and the telltale signs it’s present in your home.
What Is Hard Water?
To put it simply, hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are naturally present in water and aren’t harmful to drink, they can cause a range of problems in your home.
When water contains high concentrations of calcium carbonate and other minerals, it can react with soap and detergent, reduce the lifespan of appliances, and even cause dry skin or itchy skin. But don’t panic just yet — there are ways to fix the problem if you have it.
How to Tell If You Have Hard Water in Akron, OH
So, how do you know if you have hard water? There are several clues you can look for around your home. While some are subtle, others might make you stop and say, “Wait a minute, I might have hard water!”
Here are some signs of hard water that might indicate it’s time for a change:
Soap Scum on Shower Walls and Faucets
One of the most common signs of hard water is the stubborn buildup of soap scum on shower walls, faucets, and other surfaces. If you’re constantly battling a filmy residue that won’t go away with regular cleaning, hard water could be the culprit. This happens because the minerals in the water prevent soap from lathering properly, leaving behind an annoying, sticky mess.
White Residue or Mineral Deposits
Have you ever noticed a white, chalky film on your shower head, faucets, or even on your dishes after washing? This is another classic sign of hard water. These mineral deposits are left behind when water evaporates, leaving minerals like calcium and magnesium to form a residue. Over time, this can lead to mineral buildup inside your pipes, which can affect water flow and reduce your water pressure.
Dry Skin and Lifeless Hair
If you’ve noticed dry skin and hair, especially after a shower, it might not be your soap’s fault — it could be the water. Hard water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and itchy. Similarly, your hair might feel limp, dull, and harder to manage. This is because hard water doesn’t rinse away liquid soap or shampoo as effectively, leaving residue behind.
Difficulty Lathering Soap
Speaking of soap, another noteworthy sign you might have hard water is the way your soap behaves. Hard water makes it harder to work up a good lather, whether you’re using laundry detergent, body soap, or dish soap. If it feels like you need to use twice as much product to get things clean, hard water may be the problem.
Water Spots on Dishes and Drinking Glasses
Hard water can leave spots and streaks on dishes and drinking glasses that come out of the dishwasher. These unsightly marks are caused by the mineral ions left behind when the water dries. You might also see this type of spotting on mirrors and windows after cleaning.
Scale Buildup in Appliances
Appliances that use water, like your water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine, can suffer from hard water as well. Scale buildup inside these machines can reduce their efficiency and shorten their lifespan. You may also notice that your appliances are noisier or that your water heater is working harder than it should be, leading to higher utility bills.
What Can You Do About Hard Water in Akron, OH?
If you’re experiencing these common signs of hard water, don’t worry — there are solutions available. One of the best ways to combat hard water is by installing water softeners.
Water Softening Systems
A water softening system works by using ion exchange to remove the minerals in hard water. By replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, soft water flows through your pipes, preventing scale buildup and improving the overall quality of your water supply. You’ll notice a difference in everything from your dishes to your skin and hair once the water softening process starts to kick in.
At Apollo, our experienced plumbers in Akron, OH, can help you determine whether you need a water softening system or another solution to improve your home’s water quality. We offer water softeners and water filtration systems.
Schedule Your Water Softener Installation in Akron, OH
So, how do you know if you have hard water? Ultimately, there are several telltale signs, and if you spot them, it’s a good idea to take immediate action. Water hardness isn’t dangerous, but it can be a hassle to deal with. Over time, the essential minerals in hard water can cause damage to your appliances and plumbing. For example, your water heater may have to work harder to heat water, leading to higher utility bills. Scale buildup in your pipes can also reduce their lifespan, potentially leading to expensive repairs down the line.
Are you tired of dealing with the effects of hard water in your home? If you’re seeing these signs of hard water and want to make a change, it’s time to reach out to Apollo. We specialize in water softening and filtration solutions that can improve your home’s water quality for good. Don’t hesitate to give our water filtration system installers near Akron, OH, a call; we’ve got all of your needs covered.
Don’t wait for your hard water problems to get worse. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our plumbers in Akron, OH, and start enjoying the benefits of softer water in your home!
