WHAT MAKES WATER “HARD”

Water that contains a high level of dissolved minerals, generally calcium, magnesium, and iron, is considered hard water. These are dissolved minerals that seep into the area’s water supply from the soil, and this is why the hardness of water tends to vary from one area to the next.

THE EFFECTS OF HARD WATER

When hard water evaporates it leaves behind a mineral residue on the surfaces that it touches. This can make for a dirty or unpolished look. It can create annoyance in the bathroom and kitchen since the minerals react with soup and create soap scum. Hard water can make your dishes look spotty and leave your laundry stiff and faded in appearance, and also contains an unpleasant taste if used for drinking or cooking.

When hard water is present in your water system, it can clog up and create problems with piping or any water-using appliances. Scale and lime deposits will damage water heating appliances over time, such as dishwashers and coffee makers. More costly yet is the damage that can occur inside of your water heater, which can lose its efficiency or fail without regular maintenance.

HOW WATER SOFTENERS WORK

The major component of ion-exchange water softeners is the resin tank which is full of polystyrene beads containing negatively charged sodium ions. These ions replace the calcium, magnesium, and iron ions, which are positively charged, as water flows through the resin tank. The water that is left contains sodium ions but no hard minerals.

WATER SOFTENERS IN TEMECULA

When is comes to installing a water softening system, there are many factors to consider such as the type of plumbing system that supports your home, the location of the water softener in relation to the home, and the type of water softener that’s being installed. There may even be a permit in your area required for water softener installation!

Due to all of these factors, it is encouraged to hire a professional with ample experience in water softener installation, such as our plumbers who service Temecula as well as the rest of the Inland Empire. The 24-hour plumbing experts at I.E. Plumbing Services, Inc. can guide you through your water softening options and install the system that’s right for you.