Are you noticing that your sinks and bathtubs are covered in stains? Is your skin dry and itchy? These are just two signs that you have hard water and you may need a water softener. Not only will water softening systems increase the lifespan of your plumbing and clothes, but it will also reduce your budget too! Here are five common issues to look for if you require a water softener.
Dry and Itchy Skin
Because hard water has so much calcium and magnesium salts, it’s easy for your skin and hair to dry out. While shampoos and soaps are formulated to cleanse normal amounts of harshness in your water, there’s only so much they can do. Residues left on the skin can also cause inflammation and blackheads too!
Visible Stains on Bathtubs, Sinks, and Faucets
Plaster-like residue in your sinks and bathtubs is another sign you should be looking for. When hard water evaporates, it leaves behind calcium and magnesium that will leave stains. Luckily you’ll be able to remove these spots with vinegar. Routinely washing your dishwasher with bleach is recommended too. Switching to a potassium chloride water softener is your best bet to reduce these types of build-ups in your home.
Your Plumbing Becomes Clogged and Needs Repairs
Steel pipes are easily damaged with hard water. Because of the constant buildup of limescale, routine maintenance is needed. While Copper and PVC pipes do better with hard water, limescale build-up will still happen over time.
Your Appliances, Glasses, Dishes, and Cutlery Are Affected
Like your pipes, the valves of your appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines – will also be clogged with build up which can cause costly leak issues around your home. Mineral deposits will also stain your dishes as well, making it difficult and time-consuming to keep everything clean. Repeated washing with hard water can also affect your home’s windows too.
Your Clothes and Linen Are Faded, Gray and Rough
Minerals found in hard water will leave your clothing worse for wear, leaving them dull, faded and scratchy. While liquid water softening detergent is helpful, replacing your linens and clothes more often is inevitable and costly.
If you believe you need a water softener and live in the Omaha area, consider ASAP Appliance & Plumbing Services. For more information, visit our website or call us at 402-706-9931 after-hours appointments are available.