What is Hard Water?
You may have heard water referred to as “hard” or “soft,” but do you know what these classifications mean? When water is referred to as hard, that means it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Hard water is most common in homes that use a well, since groundwater is naturally full of minerals due to it draining through deposits of limestone. Hard water can also be found in city water systems though, and according to the U.S. Geological Survey, 85% of homes have some level of hardness. While hard water does not have health risks, it can negatively impact your home.
What are the Negative Effects?
Depending on how hard your home’s water is, it can have detrimental effects on home maintenance. Hard water can create build up inside pipes, which can constrict the flow of water in the plumbing system. Hot water heaters are also 25% less effective with hard water, which drives up utility costs. Major appliances like refrigerators, ice makers, washing machines, and dishwashers can also malfunction due to untreated water. In addition to these large maintenance issues, hard water can also leave water stains on surfaces due to mineral residue buildup, have a bad odor and taste, and cause skin irritation and dryness.
What Should You Do?
If you are concerned about the water hardness where you live, you can find information from your local government or purchase a home test kit. Many plumbers also offer free water testing for homeowners to know exactly what is in the water. Fortunately for South Carolina residents, the water hardness is very low at an average of 22 mg/L. Myrtle Beach residents will also be glad to know that their water hardness is 54 mg/L, which is still considered soft. If you live in an area where the water has a high hardness, or desire softer water for your home, there are some things you can do. According to plumbing experts, a water softener will significantly reduce hardness by removing minerals from the home’s water supply. Water softeners are hooked up to plumbing lines, where negatively charged magnetic beads separate the positively charged calcium and magnesium particles from the water. While water softeners can cost a hefty amount ranging from $800 to $1,000, they are a great investment and typically last about 15 years. Homes with extremely high hardness levels may require a filtration system, which typically cost more than water softeners, but will provide softer water.
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