Hard water contains a high concentration of these minerals — more than ppm, or. If you live in a GTA city like Hamilton , Brampton, or Mississauga, you most likely have water that is classified as moderately hard. To investigate further whether you need a water softener, try testing your household water supply. You can pick up a water test kit at your local hardware store. Depending on the type you buy, these easy-to-use kits may check for chlorine, bacteria, and other measures of water quality, as well as the hardness level.
Water softeners have many advantages which you may not be aware of. They will save you two precious commodities, time and money, in the following ways. Lower Energy Bills. Less Frequent Replacement Of Appliances. Hard water scale also decreases the efficiency and the lifespan of other water-using appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher.
Another issue with mineral sediment is that it eventually can narrow the inner diameter of your household plumbing pipes, causing reduced water flow and clogs. Although piping typically can last up to years, it will likely need replacement sooner a huge, expensive job! You will also be able to stop purchasing pricey cleaners specifically designed to cut through mineral scale.
Reduced Wear On Your Clothes. Laundering in water full of limescale can make nice new clothes appear old very fast. Water Softeners Save You Time. Time is money, and anyway, who wants to spend their time scrubbing away at scummy scaly hard water deposits on shower doors, sinks, faucets, coffee machines, etc. Water softener installation will save you a lot of time that you used to spend cleaning. When water dries in your sink or tub, you should not be able to see white outlines or stains.
These are caused by minerals being left behind after the water evaporates. Vinegar is an easy way to wipe away these stains, although they will not eliminate the underlying problem. The excess minerals in hard water can prevent soaps and shampoos from properly dissolving. As a result, your hair can become dry and brittle. Pores can become blocked, leading to blackheads.
Meanwhile, your skin may feel dry, irritated, itchy, or rough. When in doubt, water test kits are an excellent way to determine multiple potential water problems. These may usually be obtained from a hardware store. You will get a rating based on the number of grains per gallon GPG which is important in deciding whether to get a water softener. A more basic test for hard water simply requires an empty water bottle and dish soap, although this will not inform you of other potential water issues, such as bacterial or chemical content, nor will it give you a GPG rating.
Merely having hard water does not always mean you need to invest in a water softening system. In some cases, the hardness of your water supply is manageable with only simple tools such as vinegar or a change in detergents.
At other times, intervention may be the cheaper option over time. There are three major types of water softeners available, each of which have their own pros and cons.
Some manufacturers offer reverse osmosis filters as a fourth type of water softener, although these do not actually treat hard water. The three types are:. Any time you are showing multiple symptoms, and the degree is moderate to severe, you will likely need to use a test kit.
Ratings over 8 GPG will require a water softener, and a rating slightly below may also benefit from one. Frequent scale buildup is also a clear sign that a softener is needed. One of the most important reasons to forego a water softener comes down to state and local regulations. The sodium content of treated water is a matter of concern to both environmental and government agencies, as the effects of sodium-infused water on wastewater treatment has not yet been determined. You may also be restricted to certain types of water softener.
Another good reason to avoid getting a water softener is related to the cost versus the effects. Water softeners use up to 25 gallons of water per day to run, which will be reflected on your water bill.
This might end up reducing your bill for very hard water, but may cost more if your water is rated below 6 GPG. What is Hard Water? Why is Hard Water Problematic? What is a Water Softener? Checking for Scale Limescale is a chalky white buildup which most commonly appears on shower walls and faucets. Faded Laundry Hard water can cause the colors to fade in fabrics, as well as making them feel more scratchy.
But, there is a relatively easy fix: a water softener. Water softening systems help increase the lifespan of your plumbing, water heater, and clothes. To put this in perspective, the national average per capita water use is about gallons per day. Water Softeners - Pros and Cons. Your skin and hair can take a hard hit when you have hard water. The minerals in the water settle on your skin and soap often fails to remove them—this can lead to itchy and dry skin.
Your hair may also feel dry, brittle, and prone to tangles, because hard water removes moisture from your hair. Mineral deposits, also known as scale, are indicative of hard water. It appears as a hard, chalky substance this is made of precipitated calcium and magnesium bicarbonates.
Scale can form on coffee pots, but more seriously—it can also build up in your pipes. Along with unsightly stains on glassware, hard water also weakens your glassware, making it prone to breaking. While a water softener is the best way to eliminate the problem altogether if you do have cloudy, brittle glassware—here are two things you can do:. While there are many water quality-related clothing stains , hard water often results in stiff, grey laundry.
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