Hard water can result in a surprising number of problems throughout every room of your home, ranging from the showers in the bathroom to the appearance of your dishware in the kitchen. The good news is that they’re not situations you need to continue to deal with. Having a water softener filtration system installed in your home can have many positive effects. Let’s examine some of the signs you need to look out for that hard water is causing a problem at your home.
1. Persistent Hard Water Stains on Fixtures
A chalky white residue, also known as limescale and hard water stains, can be a sign of hard water. You may notice it on various areas, such as on your kitchen faucet not long after washing the dishes, on your showerhead after it dries, or on your bathroom faucet the morning after washing your face. Cleaning it is only a temporary solution, and it’s a hassle that you’ll constantly have to deal with until you get a water softener.
2. Dry Skin and Hair After Showering
Your hair and skin should feel moisturized after you wash your face and hair, not as if you can’t scratch it hard enough to get rid of the itch. Although using hot water and certain products can play a role, it could also be an indicator of hard water.
You could apply all the moisturizing products you can find to your skin and hair, but, unfortunately, the problems will likely continue until you get to the root of the issue: the hard water. A water softener can not only decrease the dry and itchy feeling but also save you money on extra products you’re buying to try and get your skin and hair to feel and look better.
3. Frequent Soap Scum Buildup
Soap scum is the result of the hard water interacting with your soap, leaving behind a cloudy film that can cover everything from shower doors to the kitchen tile backsplash. If you’re constantly scrubbing and there still always seems to be soap scum present, hard water may be part of the issue.
4. Reduced Water Pressure in Your Home
You may be wondering what hard water has to do with the water pressure in your home. The minerals in the water – particularly the calcium and magnesium – build up in your pipes.
As the buildup continues to grow, it can lead to more frequent clogs that can cause a decrease in water pressure. A plumber can clear out the clog and install a water softener system, decreasing the chances that the clogs will be as frequent as they have been.
5. Spots on Dishes and Glassware
Your dishware should feel and look clean after you wash it and not have spots all over that aren’t only unsightly but may also come across as though they weren’t cleaned properly.
The spots may be particularly evident on clear dishes and glasses and on ones that are dark in color, such as black. This can be an especially frustrating problem if you’re someone who loves entertaining, as you’ll likely find yourself closely examining every utensil, dish, and glass before everyone arrives.
6. Appliances Needing Frequent Repairs
The minerals from hard water can build up in your appliances and cause them to work harder than they need to. As they continue to overexert themselves, it can mean having to call for frequent repairs to get them back in working order. Each repair cost could be several hundred dollars, and if you’re paying that for each appliance that hard water runs through, that could add up to huge amounts of money.
7. Clothes Fading or Becoming Rough After Washing
Hard water can leave behind a mineral residue, so rather than your clothes looking vibrant and feeling soft, it could make them look rough and faded. This can be a particularly big problem if you regularly wear certain pieces, as they’ll be at the mercy of constant washing and a consistent buildup of mineral deposits from the hard water.
Chances are you’ll find that a water softener system is a much more budget-friendly option than repeatedly replacing your favorite and necessary pieces of clothing.
8. Higher Energy Bills Without Explanation
As previously mentioned, appliances that are dealing with a mineral buildup from hard water have to work harder than usual just to do their regular duties. When this happens, they exert more energy which can lead to energy bills that seem to be skyrocketing for no apparent reason. If you’re not running certain appliances more often, such as a washing machine, yet the utility bills are making it look like you are, it could be a result of hard water.
You may not notice all the signs right away if you’re new to the residence, but the longer you’re dealing with hard water in your home, the stronger the indicators will become.
Schedule an appointment now to learn more about your options for having a whole-house water filtration system installed by a professional at your home. Explain to the plumber the signs you’ve been experiencing so they can determine appropriate next steps to fix existing damage and prevent future problems.
