The use of purified water has caused quite a stir among homeowners. Since it means extra cost, people need to learn why transforming hard water to soft or purified water begets a good amount of savings in the long run – from health-related concerns to making water heaters efficient to caring for your plumbing system.
What is hard water?
Let us define hard water first and foremost. Hard water is basically untreated water. As such, it contains dissolved minerals including magnesium carbonate, calcium, and/or manganese. Many plumbing Bristol experts see a considerable amount of minerals in water supply, which calls for serious concern among homeowners. There are a couple of reasons that prove this and they are laid down below.
Health and hard water
One of the more formidable reasons hard water should be a concern is your family’s health. Bathing with hard water can cause your skin pores to clog and become inflamed. Hard water, when combined with soap, produces soap scum that does not rinse away no matter how hard you try. When soap scum clogs your pores, it can make it a breeding ground for bacteria, which in turn will cause skin irritation.
Energy efficiency and hard water
Hard water can also incredibly increase your energy use. The mineral deposits found in hard water can prevent the efficiency of water heaters. Your burners will need to work overtime to heat your water, in the process using more energy than usual. Also, hard water can build up mineral deposits in your water heater, clogging the valves and pipes and drains, which will need costly repairs or an entire replacement in no time.
Apart from water heaters, there are also various appliances with valves, which can accumulate mineral build up in no time. You will probably need to replace your washing machine, icemaker, and dishwasher frequently due to the damage that hard water can induce on them.
Plumbing care and hard water
Among the many concerns regarding the use of hard water in households, its effect on the plumbing system is the bigger issue. Plumbing Bristol notes that hard water can cause mineral build up around showerheads, in the tub and sinks, and on faucets, pipes, valves and other fixtures. The lime scale build up restricts the water onto pipes and allows for even faster clogging in the plumbing system, which causes costly damage in the long run.
What will work?
The good news is there is a way around the problem with hard water. Plumbing in Bristol has suggested the use of water softeners to keep the water free from mineral deposits. Water softeners work through an ion exchange process. You will need to have a softener mineral tank that contains soft ions of sodium and potassium attached. The soft ions will be used to trade places with the hard mineral ions.
Don’t let hard water depress you. Avail of a water treatment system to let go of your worries. It pays to keep your family’s skin health in check as well as ensure that your appliances and your plumbing system remain in top shape.
