Winter can be a hard season and hard water doesn’t help any. Dry skin and frizzy hair are worsened by effects of hard water, which can also leave your dishes spotty and your laundry dull or dingy looking. This happens because the high mineral content of water makes it difficult for soaps and detergents to work properly, leaving behind an unsightly filmy residue.
However that’s not the hardest part of dealing with hard water! Over time the impurities in hard water can damage plumbing pipes and appliances by forming a buildup known as scale. Sometimes this buildup can be seen clinging to the outside of faucets. Scale buildup not only affects the performance of appliances such as dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines, but it also shortens their lifespan.
While “soft” water has no metal or mineral impurities, hard water is full of them and has excessive amounts of calcium, iron, and magnesium. Could your home be among the 85% of American homes that have hard water, according to hard water statistics published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS)?
If it is, then you can rely on us to help you explore your water treatment options! At Rooter-Man, we have over 60 years of combined plumbing knowledge, so you can rest assured we’ll help you find the a solution that works best for you. Our plumbing services include advanced water filtration systems and water softeners for hard water that not only improve your home’s water quality but use as little energy and water as possible.
Water softeners are a popular water treatment for hard water, especially here in the Lone Star State. They work by using salt to remove excess minerals from hard water through a process known as regeneration. In areas prone to having especially hard water, they’re a worthwhile investment. They also help to prevent damaging scale buildup in your plumbing.
Point of use water filters are affordable but limited solutions to water softeners. They can easily be fitted over your kitchen and bathroom faucets. You can even install one on your showerhead! While these are effective in removing mineral impurities, they do not prevent buildup in plumbing pipes. Water pitcher filters are also simple, affordable, and effective way of having high quality water for drinking on hand.
You might also be surprised to know that distilled white vinegar can be used to brighten and soften your laundry by adding one cup of it to the rinse cycle! Try using it as a rinse aid for shiny, streak free dishes or running a brew cycle of it through your coffee maker to remove buildup. Tired of flat lifeless hair? Try a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse to restore body and shine! The only downside to vinegar may be the slight smell that lingers after.
Most people want a more comprehensive solution to their hard water problem. Don’t make dealing with hard water harder than it needs to be! Give us a call today to explore your water treatment options!
