Do your shower glass doors spot easily or develop a milky white film? Does your dishwasher inside door and bottom contain a white crusty buildup? Do you find it difficult to get your glassware clean? Do your showerheads gunk up and spray in every direction except the direction they are designed to spray?
If you answered yes to one or all of these questions, you have “hard water.” The good news is you don’t have to live with hard water. The bad news is there are so many choices out there to treat hard water, how do you decide what is best for you? The answer is not absolutely clear; however, here is some basic information that may help point you toward the best solution for you and your family.
When it comes to hard water, there are three basic methods of treatment. The first method and the most common is the traditional salt-based softener system. The traditional soft water system uses a process called “ion exchange” to remove hard water minerals such as calcium and magnesium and replace with sodium or potassium minerals that are safe for your plumbing. Ion exchange is the most effective way to treat soft water and a system can be designed to eliminate hard water in even the most extreme cases.
The second method of treatment is through a process of changing the electrical charge of minerals in the water that allows those minerals to attach to each other rather than collecting on your faucets, dishwashers, showerheads, glasses, etc. This process does not remove any minerals from your water; however, it can have a positive effect on the appearance and operation of your plumbing system over time. This method is most effective on low to moderate water hardness.
The final method of treatment is through filtering devices. These devices use filter cartridges that trap some of the minerals that have a negative impact on your plumbing system. They are most effective in removing chlorine, sediment and odor in your water, improving the taste and appearance of your drinking water. These filtering systems are moderately effective in reducing your water hardness in areas with low hard water test results.
This information is provided as an introduction and condensed review of the systems available to treat hard water conditions. It is always best to have your water tested for hardness and speak to a professional about water treatment options that are best for you and your family. QCBN
Jeremy Rushton is the owner of Yavapai Plumbing & Heating, LLC.
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