The best plumbers in Nipomo are back with more plumbing news you can use. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 85% of homes across the nation experience a hard water problem. What is hard water exactly? Besides annoying, hard water is tap water with an abnormally high mineral count.
In some cases, the issue stems from regional characteristics like limestone and as groundwater bubbles up through the layers it actually takes traces of minerals with in on its way to the municipal water supply. Often those minerals include iron, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals cause water to taste funny and are even hazardous to wash clothing in. Not to mention, hard water will wreck havoc on your home plumbing system.
Homes that get their water from a well are more likely to have hard water problems, however hard water can happen almost anywhere, even in non-rural areas. So, how do you know if you have hard water in your home? Here are the most revealing signs:
1. Icky Taste & Smell
Hard water can smell like sulfur (think rotten eggs). It may also taste sour or metallic. If you notice your water smells or tastes icky, call the best plumbers in Nipomo right away!
2. Dry or Irritated Skin
Sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to hard water. Showering in hard water leaves soap behind that’s challenging to rinse off so it sits on your skin – yuck! Most commonly, the mineral deposits in hard water will zap the moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. For eczema sufferers, hard water will make symptoms even worse.
3. Laundry Issues
Do your clothes feel stiff or scratchy? You’re most likely dealing with a hard water problem. When washed in hard water, soap residue will build up on clothes and it will take more detergent and warmer water to get clothes clean. Hard water can also cause whites to yellow and dull due to iron. Beyond feeling uncomfortable in your own clothes, hard water will also dull bright colors. Keep those brights bright – call your Nipomo plumbers today!
4. Spotty Dishes
Whether you wash your dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, hard water will make it challenging to rinse off dish soap and dishwasher detergent alike. Hard water will leave ugly chalky streaks and spots, which are simply the residue of soap left behind. Hard water can also leave white hard water spots, which are caused by calcium deposits.
5. Soap Scum
Are you noticing soap scum on your shower tile? Hard water could be the culprit! Hard water causes soap to accumulate fast. Don’t spend extra time cleaning the bathroom – call the best plumbers in Nipomo instead!
6. Damaged Appliances
Those minerals deposits will eventually build up on just about everything they touch, causing damage that can ruin an appliance. The pieces of equipment at risk of hard water damage include hot water heaters, refrigerator ice makers, dishwashers and washing machines.
Damaged appliances (hot water heaters, refrigerator ice makers, dishwashers, washing machines)
This might be the most expensive hard water problem of all. Those scale deposits can wreak havoc on many appliances in your home, from the dishwasher to the hot water heater.
A build up of sediment in your water heater can make it far less efficient. The same goes for other appliances. Poor efficiency means bigger utility bills.
The ice maker in your fridge can stop working as scale deposits clog up valves. The American Water Works Association says hard water can cause a washing machine to wear out 30% faster than normal.
7. High Water Bill
Have you noticed your water bill is higher than average? Hard water could very well be to blame. Minerals found in hard water cause your home’s water heater to work overtime. Don’t pay more for hot water, resolve your hard water problem today with the help of Griffin Plumbing.
Griffin Plumbing is home to the best plumbers in Nipomo. They’ll help you determine how to solve your hard water issue whether you require a water softener or whole home water treatment.
Don’t wait to address your hard water woes! Contact our Nipomo plumbers today to schedule an appointment at (805) 751-7206 .
