If you have moved to a new location and notice that the water is not the same as what you have become used to, it is best to test it and see whether you are dealing it hard water. It can be difficult to deal with hard water as it has a tendency of damaging appliances and pipelines. But there are solutions that you can find to these problems.
Water that has a high concentration of minerals is called hardwater. This is generally found in areas where the groundwater flows through limestone and therefore carries a high amount of magnesium and calcium deposits. However, some regions will have hard water that has aluminium and manganese as well. These minerals are not necessarily bad for you but there can be bacteria in the hard water that can be detrimental to your health. If the water source to your house is a well, you need to get the water tested to make sure there are no harmful contaminants and that it is safe to drink. By understanding the composition of the water you have, you will be able to decide which treatment system is best for your home. One of the first things you will notice when there is an issue with the water is a strange taste or odour to it. This will indicate the presence of hard water or contamination by bacteria. If the water has a slightly metallic taste, there can be a high concentration of iron. If there is a taste of dirt, it indicates sedimentation.
Hard water can create a lot of stains as well. When there is hard water that has trace amounts of iron, you will see reddish stains on the toilet bowl, sink etc. They are very similar to rust stains. You need to check the plumbing of your house to see whether there is any rusting visible. Even if you get rid of the stains, it will keep happening unless you find a solution. A popular solution to this is installing water softeners that will remove irons, magnesium, calcium etc. from the water and save you a lot of money in the long run as well. Showering can be difficult with hard water as it is difficult to form a lather with soap and water. The shower head can get clogged up by the deposits in the water which will reduce the water pressure. You will find it hard to get clean and hard water will make it difficult for you to manage your hair. Your pipes can also get clogged and you will find yourself facing many plumbing issues.
When there is hard water, you will notice the appearance of hard water spots that is the remaining calcium seen when water evaporated. Soap scum can also accumulate as it doesn’t combine well with hard water. If your dishes turn up with spots no matter how well you clean them, it can be an issue with the water. If you have a shower curtain, you can see a film of soap scum on it and this can create a favourable environment for bacteria to grow. There is a lot more maintenance required when you are dealing with hard water and you will find yourself using more cleaning products as well. It is harder to clean your clothes as well. This can add up costs over time.
