Hard water is a fairly common occurrence in Connecticut homes. According to the US Geological Survey the scientific definition of hard water is water that is high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium.
A tell-tale sign you have hard water is the evidence of dreaded soap scum. Because calcium is already high in “hard water” it creates soap scum requiring you to use more soap to get an effective clean result. So, if you notice a “film” on your hands after you wash them, or your hair doesn’t feel clean, requiring a second wash – you either have really dirty hands or hair or, more likely hard water issues. Another sign of hard water is the appearance of spots on glassware when they come out of the dishwasher.
Is it harmful
Hard water is not at all harmful to humans the added calcium and magnesium are good for you!
But hard water will wreak havoc on your plumbing and appliances, such as your hot water heater and coffee maker. Why? When hard water is heated, solid deposits of calcium carbonate – a white-looking scale – will form. The scale can quickly clog openings making appliances and equipment less efficient and eventually useless. Yes, running vinegar, which is an acid, through your coffee maker on a regular basis will break down the calcium carbonate extending the life of your appliance – but sadly, that is not the solution for your hot water heater.
What happens to your hot water heater with prolonged hard water exposure
Whether you have an electric, oil or propane-powered hot water heater, hard water will more than likely lessen its efficiency over time and probably will cause its demise.
When the water is heated, the calcium carbonate scale will build up on the bottom of the tank forming a layer in between your burners and the water inside the tank, making it harder to heat the water. In electric tanks – the scale will build up on the electric coils.
Draining the water out of the tank isn’t going to solve the buildup problem – it needs to be “flushed” with forceful water coming in to push the scale out. You can have a professional plumber do this or it’s a simple DIY, albeit messy job. Hook up a garden hose to the drain valve and open it up while leaving the inlet valve ON. Turn on the water and let the flushing begin. Depending on the hardness of your water you will need to do this 3-4 times a year
What about water softening systems?
There are a myriad of water softening systems on the market. It’s wise to connect with a licensed plumber to determine which system is right for your home.
A softener will reduce calcium and limescale buildup in your pipes and the buildup inside your hot water heater. And, of course, it will help reduce that second wash of hands, hair and glasses!
It’s all about the science: Water softening systems remove calcium and magnesium ions from the hard water and replaces them with sodium ions. The sodium will not react with soaps and detergents, eliminating the soap scum and scale buildup. It’s not one and done – as this is a sodium-based system, you will need to add salt to your softening system on a regular basis.
Depending on the hardness level in your water – you may opt to flush out your water heater a few times a year as well as the monthly vinegar bath for your coffee maker – or perhaps it’s time to consider installing a water softening system. Either way, addressing hard water issues will prolong the life of your equipment, pipes, and appliances in your home.
