Hard water affects about 85% of U.S. households. What exactly is hard water? It’s water that absorbs minerals like calcium and magnesium from underground rock layers.
Fortunately, unlike most of the United States, Everett, WA, usually has low to moderate water hardness. However, this does not mean residents will not face related issues. In this guide, I’ll cover key signs of hard water, its effects, and solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
- It can cause mineral buildup, soap scum, and appliance damage.
- Testing methods include a DIY soap test, visual inspection, and professional analysis.
- Solutions range from vinegar rinses to water softeners.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water forms when groundwater dissolves minerals from soil and rock. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), water hardness is classified as:
- Soft: 0 to 60 mg/L
- Moderately hard: 61 to 120 mg/L
- Hard: 121 to 180 mg/L
- Very hard: Over 180 mg/L
Anything over 120 parts per million (7 grains per gallon) is considered hard. It’s not harmful to health but can cause serious household issues if untreated.
Signs That You Have Hard Water
Here are some telltale signs that hard water may be flowing through your pipes:
Mineral Buildup
If you see white, crusty deposits on your faucets, showerheads, or other fixtures, you’re dealing with mineral buildup. These deposits, composed of calcium and magnesium, are tough to remove without acidic cleaners like vinegar. Even after cleaning, the buildup will return if the water’s hardness isn’t addressed.
Soap Scum and Stains
Soap doesn’t dissolve well in hard water, resulting in a sticky, filmy residue called soap scum. This scum often appears in bathtubs, sinks, and on shower curtains. The presence of high iron content may also lead to rust-colored stains, which are particularly hard to clean.
Strange Taste and Smell
Hard water can affect the taste and smell of your tap water. You may notice a metallic, salty, or bitter taste when drinking it. In some cases, bacteria in the water can react with magnesium to produce a musty or rotten egg odor.
Lackluster Suds
Soap and detergent struggle to create suds in hard water, making it harder to clean effectively. This can leave soap residue on your skin and hair, causing discomfort and requiring extra rinsing. The lack of lather can also make washing clothes and dishes more difficult.
Stiff, Rough Clothing
Washing clothes in hard water can result in fabric feeling stiff and rough to the touch. Mineral deposits build up on clothing fibers, causing them to weaken and fade over time. Repeated exposure to hard water may also lead to permanent stains or holes in your garments.
Dry, Itchy Skin
Hard water can leave a residue of calcium and magnesium on your skin, which clogs pores and causes dryness. This can lead to itching, irritation, and even acne. Individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema may experience more severe symptoms due to hard water exposure.
Bad Hair
Your hair may feel dry, brittle, and lifeless if you wash it with hard water. Minerals coat the hair strands, preventing moisture and nutrients from being absorbed. Over time, this buildup can make your hair more prone to breakage and difficult to style.
Appliance Issues
Mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate inside appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers. This reduces their efficiency and shortens their lifespan. You may also notice cloudy or rust-colored spots on your dishes and utensils after washing.
Regular Plumbing Issues
Hard water can cause scale buildup inside your pipes, leading to reduced water pressure and flow. Over time, this buildup can result in clogs and corrosion that require expensive repairs. Common signs include slow-draining sinks, clogged showerheads, and fluctuating water pressure.
Increased Water Bills
Scale buildup in water heaters forces them to work harder, using more energy to heat water. This inefficiency increases your utility bills over time. If you’re noticing higher energy costs without an obvious cause, hard water may be to blame.
Is Hard Water Dangerous?
Hard water isn’t directly harmful to your health, but it can contribute to bacteria buildup in your plumbing. Corroded pipes may also lead to leaks, mold, and mildew, which can be health risks.
Hard & Soft Water Areas in the U.S.
Certain regions are known for hard or soft water:
- Hard Water Areas: Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tampa
- Soft Water Areas: Pacific Northwest, Gulf States, New England
How to Test for Water Hardness
Here are some ways to determine if your water is hard:
- DIY Soap Test: Shake a bottle of water with dish soap. If it doesn’t form many suds, your water may be hard.
- Visual Inspection: Check for scale deposits on faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures.
- Local Water Report: Contact your water provider for a detailed analysis of your water’s mineral content.
- Professional Testing: Hire a company to test your water or submit a sample to a lab.
- Water Test Kit: Test strips can quickly measure mineral concentrations in your water.
- Colorimeter Measurement: This advanced method uses light absorption to analyze mineral levels.
Hard Water Solutions
Here are a few ways to tackle hard water problems:
- Boil Water: Boiling can remove minerals, but this only works for drinking water.
- Vinegar Rinses: Use vinegar to descale appliances and remove calcium deposits.
- Calcium/Lime Remover: Apply commercial descaling products to stubborn mineral buildup.
- Install Water Filters: Faucet and whole-home filters can improve water taste and reduce mineral content.
- Soothing Products: Use hair and skin products designed for hard water to prevent dryness.
- Water Softeners: A water softener system can remove minerals through ion exchange. For those sensitive to sodium, potassium chloride systems are available. Reverse osmosis (RO) can further purify softened water.
Dealing with Hard Water in Everett, WA?
If you’re dealing with hard water in Everett, WA, or surrounding areas, contact Apollo Plumbing. We provide water softener installation, maintenance, and services for well pumps, water tanks, water treatment and water heaters. Our clean, screened, trained, and timely team is ready to help.
FAQs
What causes hard water?
Groundwater absorbs minerals like calcium and magnesium from rock and soil.
Is hard water harmful?
Hard water isn’t a direct health hazard, but it can contribute to bacteria buildup and plumbing issues.
How can I prevent hard water damage?
Install a water softener, regularly descale fixtures, and use specialized products to protect your home.
Final Thoughts
Hard water can create a range of issues, from dry skin to damaged appliances. Recognizing the signs and taking action early can prevent costly repairs. Contact Apollo Plumbing for professional solutions to protect your home from the effects of hard water.
