How Hard Water Affects Your Home—and What You Can Do About It
Hard water occurs when water drains through deposits of limestone, which contain calcium and magnesium. The higher the level of these minerals, the harder your water. Because limestone is prevalent in Lancaster County, almost every home has some level of hardness in its water, affecting both municipal and well water.
The Impact of Hard Water on Your Plumbing and Appliances
The impacts of hard water in your home can be significant. Scale deposits from hard water can clog or corrode your plumbing. This can result in reduced water pressure and also reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine. You may notice lime scale deposits on faucets, shower heads, and even clean dishes. Hard water also strips natural oils, causing skin and hair to feel dry and itchy. Although it is safe to drink hard water, you may notice that it has a metallic taste, which can be unpleasant and also affect the taste of food when you’re cooking. You may also notice that soap does not lather as well, you need more soap or detergent to get things clean, and clothes may appear dull or rough after washing.
How to Test for Hard Water
So, how do you know if you definitely have hard water in your home? Testing your water is the best way to know for sure. Haldeman Mechanical provides free water testing to detect hardness, iron, and acid. If further testing is needed, lab results can be obtained for a fee.
Solutions for Hard Water
Once hard water has been identified, what are your options? The best way to reduce hard water is by installing a water softener. As hard water passes through the softening tank, magnetic beads remove the calcium and magnesium particles while allowing water to flow through. With these minerals removed from your water, the risk of hard water issues throughout your home is significantly reduced. Haldeman Mechanical is a registered dealer of Waterfall Systems, a leading manufacturer of water conditioning equipment with decades of experience.
What If You’re Concerned About Water Taste or Contaminants?
If you are concerned about other water issues, including better taste for drinking or the reduction of forever chemicals, you can also install a water purification system. We offer both whole-house and point-of-use systems to help remove impurities such as lead, iron, chlorine, and other chemicals.
Get Expert Help from Haldeman Mechanical
Ready to get started? Contact us today at 717-665-6910 for a free estimate!