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When high concentrations of minerals like calcium and magnesium are present in water, this can cause plumbing issues. Deposits can form inside pipes, appliances, and fixtures, decreasing their lifespan. You may see a sudden spike in your energy costs if your water heater is experiencing issues because of hard water deposits.
You may even have hard water stains on your sinks, fixtures, laundry, and dishes. There are several plumbing solutions On Time Experts can offer to address high-mineral-content water in your Dallas, TX home.
Water Quality Testing
Many homes experience some degree of hard mineral deposits on fixtures and other surfaces. However, it can be difficult to determine just how hard your water is. Most local water companies release a water quality report periodically. This data may include information on the presence of hard minerals in your water.
You can also have a water quality test performed on the water in your home. A professional can help you determine if things like minerals, chlorine, nitrates and lead are present in your water. This test can also determine the pH of your water. Low pH can lead to corrosion of your pipes and fixtures. A high pH can lead to scaling and mineral deposits.
Water Softeners
A water softener can be installed in your home. This device can remove minerals from your water supply using an ion exchange process. A water softener tank is filled with sodium or potassium ion resin beads. The hard minerals in the water will collect on these beads.
Since these resin beads will eventually become quite coated with minerals, a water softener will run a regeneration cycle. The system will flush a brine solution through the tank, which removes the magnesium and calcium ions. New sodium or potassium ions will remain in their place. This regeneration cycle usually runs during the nighttime when you aren’t using much water. It takes a couple of hours and can lower water pressure during this time.
Reverse Osmosis
A reverse osmosis system uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove hard minerals and other contaminants. Pre-filters will remove large particulates from your water as well as chlorine and more. Water is then forced through a reverse osmosis membrane that has very small pores. Water passes through the pores, where hard minerals are trapped. The water that has been purified will be held in a storage tank until you need it.
Many reverse osmosis systems use a post-filtration setup to remove leftover contaminants. Everything that is removed will flush through a wastewater drain.
The Use of Water Filtration Systems
Many people install a whole-house water filtration system to remove hard minerals. It’s important to note that these systems don’t typically remove minerals. You can combine this technology with a water softener or distillation unit for ideal water quality.
Considering Plumbing Maintenance
Routine maintenance can help protect your plumbing and appliances from hard water issues. Flushing water heaters on a regular basis will prevent hard mineral deposits from forming on the inside of the tank and interior components.
Have a professional routinely inspect your plumbing system for signs of hard water issues. Maintenance and repairs can take place early before major issues occur. This can include the use of descaling agents to remove the buildup.
If you live in an older home, consider upgrading your pipes. Modern materials like PEX or CPVC can reduce mineral deposits and promote better water flow.
Cleaning Fixtures
The fixtures in your home can experience mineral deposits over time. They appear as a white residue on showerheads, faucets, and fixtures. You can easily clean these deposits away using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Place the mixture in a bag and fasten it over your fixtures using a rubber band. Allow the fixture to soak for at least an hour before you remove the bag and wipe the area clean.
Scale Inhibitor Devices
A plumbing scale inhibitor can prevent plumbing issues caused by hard water. Unlike other methods that remove the minerals, a scale inhibitor will change how these minerals behave. This can reduce their ability to form deposits in your plumbing system, on fixtures and on dishes and clothing.
Chemical scale inhibitors release polyphosphates to coat mineral particles so they can’t stick to surfaces. There are also physical scale inhibitors, which use electronic pulses or magnetic fields to change the structure of minerals. This prevents the minerals from crystallizing and sticking to surfaces in your plumbing system.
A scale inhibitor is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t require the installation of equipment like a softener. These devices are usually installed at important points in your plumbing system, such as at the location of the main water supply or point-of-use locations like showers or faucets.
Lowering Your Water Heater Temperature
The higher your water temperature is, the more likely it is to experience hard water issues like limescale. Lower water temperatures reduce the solubility of minerals. As water is heated, it experiences a decrease in the amount of minerals that can be held in the water. This chemical reaction occurs much more slowly with cooler water.
Spots on Dishes and Clothing
If you have hard water, you may see water spots on your dishes when they come out of the dishwasher. These spots can be hard to remove. Vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are common methods for removing mineral deposits.
Using a rinse aid with your dishwasher soap can help prevent hard water stains. You can also use a small amount of vinegar in the top rack of your dishwasher to prevent buildup.
Softening agents and special detergents designed for hard water can prevent stains on your clothing. You can also use vinegar in your rinse cycle to prevent stains.
Deciding on an Option
There are several things to consider when choosing a method for addressing hard mineral content in your water. Your budget may determine what you’re able to purchase. A water softener or reverse osmosis system is more expensive than a scale inhibitor. However, they tend to be more effective and worth the investment.
Also, consider the impact a device has on the environment. A reverse osmosis system results in a lot of wasted water. A water softener comes with a substantial initial investment, and there is some degree of upkeep that’s necessary. You’ll need to fill your tank with salt approximately every four to eight weeks.
When you consider the long-term savings of investing in a method of removing hard minerals from your water, this can help direct your decision. Water softeners and reverse osmosis systems do an excellent job of protecting your plumbing system, reducing repair costs and saving energy.
On Time Experts is the local plumbing services team that can help you address high-mineral content water in your Dallas home. Whole-home water filtration systems can improve the quality of your water. We can also perform plumbing maintenance and repairs to address issues caused by hard water.
Reach out to the team at On Time Experts in Dallas today to schedule an appointment.
