So, My Water Is Hard? What Does That Mean? What Should I Do?

Many homeowners have heard the phrase “hard water” before, but they aren’t always sure what it means on a practical level. It can be a bit concerning to find out that there is something in your water that shouldn’t be. If you have hard water, here is what you need to know about what that means and how you should move forward.

What Is Hard Water?

Many homes around the United States have some level of water hardness. The term hardness refers to how many extra minerals, like calcium and magnesium, are present. Both municipal water and well water can be hard, so it’s important to have your water tested to know exactly what is present inside of it.

When you receive water testing results, our Water Specialist look at the hardness levels by the following ranges:

• Soft water: 0-1 gpg
• Moderately hard water: 2-6 gpg
• Hard water: 6-9 gpg
• Very hard water: 9+ gpg

*Gpg= Grains per gallon

What Is Wrong With Hard Water?

First, it’s important to know that hard water does not present an immediate threat to your health and well-being. Unlike other chemicals and compounds that can be found in water, hard water primarily does damage to your plumbing and other parts of your home and not your personal health. So, why is it so important to use a water softener? There are many issues with hard water, including:

• An increased risk of clogs in your pipes, as magnesium and calcium can accumulate on the inside of the pipes and reduce water flow
• A slightly off taste to the water compared to soft water, which may bother some people who like the taste of soft water more
• Increased wear and tear on appliances that use water like the washing machine, water heater, and dishwasher
• White residue on dishes, sinks, ceramic surfaces, and glassware even after they have been washed or cleaned
• Soap will not lather or rinse as effectively, which means you will use more product to get results
• Ceramic and porcelain surfaces will develop unattractive stains
• Soap scum will sit on surfaces like the shower walls and your skin
• Your shower experience will be poor and might leave your skin and hair damaged
• Clothing that is faded, stained, damaged, or subject to more wear and tear than it would otherwise be

How Can You Solve Hard Water Problems?

First, you should have testing performed to confirm the amount of hardness in your water. Some of the symptoms of hard water can coexist alongside more damaging water contaminants, and some of them are similar to other issues that might not be fixed by installing a water softener. At Atlantic Blue Water Services, we can provide you with thorough water testing to measure exactly what your water contains and help you determine the right solution for it. Hard water is often not the only substance present in water, so our tests will give you the knowledge that you need to make an informed decision about how to protect your home and your family.

The most effective way to eliminate hard water problems is with a water softener. Water softeners are designed specifically to lower mineral levels through a process known as ion exchange. This marginally increases the amount of sodium present in the water, but the potential risks of that are far lower to your home than the risks of hard water. There are many different types of water softeners depending on your needs. If you would like to only have soft water coming out of a single faucet, you can install a water softener that treats the water running through it. However, because hard water leads to problems with plumbing throughout the house, most people elect for a whole house water conditioner. These will treat the water as it comes into your home to eliminate excessive minerals.

Atlantic Blue Water Services is not tied to a single manufacturer, so we can help you maintain whatever water softener is right for your budget and your family. We specialize in repairing and maintaining a comprehensive range of water softening solutions and working with homeowners just like you. The investment that you make in your water softener will pay off as your dishes look better, your soaps lather better, your clothing lasts longer, and you avoid serious plumbing issues that can cause a great deal to fix.