The scaly side to water treatment

What is hard water? 

Hard water is your normal everyday H₂O that contains more dissolved minerals than it should. When it rains, water is considered to be purer as it contains fewer mineral impurities, and when it runs through ‘soft’ sediment such as limestone it soaks up various minerals, but when rainwater runs over rocks and other hard slate slabs, it remains pure. The problem with rainwater running through soft sediments is the fact that the minerals that water absorbs makes it ‘hard’, meaning your water has to undergo treatment.

Why is hard water an issue?

Generally, hard water isn’t an issue. Many find natural health benefits are associated with mineral rich water, but there are side effects that you need to consider. You may find scum left behind when washing or your usual detergent may not be as effective, you may also notice your skin having an adverse reaction as sensitive skin is more prone to irritation and dryness. It will leave your skin dry.

Can it be worse?

Have you ever noticed little off-white deposits on the bottom of your kettle or perhaps even on your shower head? If you have, you’ll realize that this is a mineral deposit, or crust, left behind by hard water. This hard mineral is known as lime scale which aside from being unsightly can cause a few health issues. It is harmful to people who have sensitive skin as well as the mineral content of it creates a layer of soap on the skin instead of a lather, this can block your pores and can make it itchy, flaky or dry. It can also cause problems with your hair as your hair will become prone to breakage, appear straw-like and brittle as well as dry. This is because the minerals will block the hair follicles.

Why is water treatment important?

Remember, your water usage is not only limited to just dishes and laundry. You bathe with that water and you may even drink that water. Although some believe that mineral rich water is good for you, remember that too much of a good thing is bad. Lime scale can pose health risks to you and your family, especially family members who suffer from pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema.

Attempting to get rid of lime scale on your taps, inside your plumbing and even your appliances is a tedious and time consuming task. The safer and most cost-effective water treatment option, to avoid costly repairs, is to ensure that your water is filtered. With the current environmental changes in Florida, getting the right treatment system for your home has also become more vital than ever.

At Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric we have a wide range of water treatment systems suitable for your home. These systems can ensure that all the water in your home is filtered and safe for you and your loved ones to use. You may choose to only have one filter installed or even have your entire water supply filtered. The choice is yours. Call us today to learn more about the treatment solutions we have on offer and let us help you.