Why It’s Important to Treat Hard Water
Hard water – which is water rich in minerals – is tough on pipes and heating elements. This leads to reduced productivity in industrial settings and extra repairs in residential and commercial plumbing services. Additionally, water that is not properly treated can be harmful to your clothes, skin, dishes, and fixtures. Hard water leaves a white residue that can be seen on your faucet and causes multiple issues when you utilize this water in your home or business.
Hard water is defined by a heavy presence of minerals, which leads to clogged pipes. When pipes become clogged, your appliances run less efficiently, leading to damaged appliances, as well as higher energy bills. There are some studies that show appliances using hard water last only half as long as those that use a water softener or conditioner. Hard water can also cause unsightly stains in sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
Health Impacts of Hard Water
Having hard water is more than an inconvenience – it is a proven health hazard. The regular exposure to hard water has many ill effects on the health of those who drink it due to the density of the minerals it contains. The increased levels of magnesium and calcium can have deleterious effects on the body, including the heart and blood vessels. Both high blood pressure and heart disease can be caused by drinking hard water according to several international studies.
There is also an increased risk of reproductive failure in adults as well as an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colon, gastric, ovarian, and esophageal cancer. Several studies link neural diseases and diabetes to the consumption of hard water. There is also strong evidence of a direct correlation between growth retardation in children and the consumption of hard water. Additionally, hard water can agitate eczema symptoms, cause dry skin, and irritate skin due to its inability to break down shampoos, soaps, and other products properly.
Improve the Quality of Your Water
When you move into a home or purchase a business, and you notice there is a problem with hard water, it is a good idea to remedy the situation as soon as possible. Pearson specializes in the installation and repair of water softeners and conditioners that provide many benefits, including cleaner dishes, cleaner clothes, improved health, and savings on your water bill.
The Difference Between Water Softening and Water Conditioning
Homeowners usually seek water softening or conditioning treatment due to plumbing issues. However, you may also do so because your hard water is causing skin irritation or tastes odd. If you are thinking about installing a water treatment system in your home or business, we’d like to explain the difference between water softening systems and water conditioning systems.
Water Softeners
Water softeners remove calcium, silica, and magnesium, replacing these with salt. This is achieved through a process called ion exchange. This does not affect biological elements like algae and bacteria. If you choose a water softening system, you will need to keep it stocked with salt. You will purchase salt packaged in bags, specifically made for use with water softeners and add it to the unit. This recharges the beads used to soften the water, ensuring the ion exchange process continues to reduce the mineral content.
Water softening systems flush out the minerals they remove using water, causing these systems to use more water than conditioners. Furthermore, the water they flush out can be dangerous to humans, pets, and some plants. You will need to monitor the system to make sure this water drains safely, and the storage tank doesn’t leak.
Water Conditioners
Water conditioning systems do not remove the minerals, they neutralize them, so they do not build up on surfaces or cause other typical hard water problems. This allows the water to maintain the nutritional advantages minerals provide.
If you are experiencing problems with a biofilm forming – causing damage and contamination, you will want to install a water conditioner rather than a water softener. Unlike softeners, water conditioning systems address the algae and bacteria that create this biofilm.
Other advantages of a water conditioning system are that you don’t have to add salt to the system to keep it working and you don’t have to worry about contaminated water being discharged. You should still monitor the system to make sure it continues to condition the water, but it will not require frequent maintenance.
Unlike water softeners, which work in one way – by adding salt, water conditioners utilize various methods to condition the water. You can select a system that uses chemical treatment or go with one that operates using an electrical induction method. This allows you to customize your system based on the most frequently encountered problems with your water. There are systems that mainly focus on high magnesium and calcium levels, if that is the primary issue, and others designed to combat bio contaminants.
Plumbing, A/C, and Heating Repair in Roscoe, Rockford, and the Surrounding Areas
If you are considering the installation of a water softener or water conditioner, or your current unit is in need of repair, we can help. We provide expert plumbing and heating repair in Roscoe for both residential and commercial clients. We also offer salt delivery, water cooler rental, and bottled water delivery for your convenience. For plumbing, cooling, and heating repair in Roscoe, reach out to the professionals at Pearson!
