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What Causes Hard Water

In some areas of the country hard water is caused by a high mineral content, which are generally calcium and magnesium. This hardness is largely due to groundwater that flows over or through limestone. While hard water is not a health risk, many home and business owners do find it to be a nuisance.

How do you know if you have hard water? Here are a few signs:

Excessive scale buildup

Hard water can cause excessive scale buildup or deposits in pipes and appliances, which may reduce the life of your dishwasher, clothes washer or other appliances that regularly use water. The scale may have a whitish color, and likely does not wipe away easily.

Softened water is gentler than hard water, so is easier on appliances and pipes.

Hard Water - Soap

Soap that doesn’t lather well

When soap is combined with hard water, specifically the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water, it actually becomes soap scum instead of lather. In fact, the soap begins to soften the water, which means it can’t do its intended job, and instead sticks to shower walls, clothes, dishes and skin.

When your water is softened, it can take up to 50% less soap to get the job done!

Dingy or dirty looking clothing after washing

Not only does soap lather improperly in hard water, the combination of the soap, calcium and magnesium leaves a film on just about everything, including your clothing. You may also notice that towels begin to lose their absorbency, or that colors begin to fade on your clothing.

Soft water has a lower mineral content, which means less residue on fibers.

Rust stains

Many home owners are no strangers to rust stains in sinks, toilets and tubs. Hard water with high mineral content can stain porcelain over time.

Soft water does not leave stains, which makes cleaning your home even easier.

Let Clearwater Systems rid your home of hard water

If you think you have hard water, or are unsure just how soft your water needs to be, Clearwater Systems can help. We have a wide range of softening systems to treat hard water problems that come with being a homeowner. Contact us for your FREE Water Analysis to learn more!