The hardness of the water creates a lot of problems. Some problems are evident immediately; on the other hand, some problems do not have immediate effect; rather, they come to notice after a significant period of time.
We have summarized some of the major problems caused by the hard water:
The presence of calcium and magnesium salts makes the water hard.
Calcium and magnesium salts react with fatty acids in your soap and shampoo and form soap scum, which is insoluble in water.
This soap scum is easily visible all over the bathroom’s floor and walls.
The soap scum is difficult to clean and requires harsh chemicals to clean. These frequent cleaning requirements are cumbersome. And harsh chemicals are harmful not only to the environment but also to the fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens. These fixtures are made of metal, are expensive, and are generally not chemically resistant to these harsh chemicals.
Soap scum produced by the reaction of soap and hardness creating salts is insoluble and hence makes it more difficult to wash them off your body, leaving a film of soapy residue on your skin.
The production of soap scum also makes it harder to get a good lather.
Deposits from hard water clog up the shower head, which results in a drop in water pressure and insufficient flow.
Less than required water pressure and insufficient water flow result in an unsatisfactory showering experience.
With hard water, hair may feel dry and become frizzy, making it tangled and difficult to manage.
Because of ineffective cleaning due to hardness-causing minerals and deposits building up in hair, hair may also have a dull, lifeless appearance.
Hard water can negatively impact the laundry; it’s all due to the hardness-causing minerals like calcium and magnesium, which reduce the effectiveness of soap and detergent and produce soap scum that is insoluble and difficult to wash away.
Clothes washed in hard water often appear dingy, fade, and wear out faster. A towel washed in hard water can even feel scratchy and rough.
Hard water can leave your skin feeling dry by stripping away the natural moisture from the skin.
Calcium and magnesium minerals in hard water leave a buildup of soap residue on the skin. This, in turn, clogs pores, through which the body releases its natural oils. In the long run, these clogged pores and dry skin can turn into irritation and more skin-related complications.
While reacting with soap and detergent, hard water produces soap scum. On the other hand, heating hard water causes minerals to start precipitating and depositing on the heating area in the form of hard scale.
From the washing machine and dishwasher to the hot water heater, this scale deposit can wreak havoc on appliances in your home and make them far less efficient, and that means frequent maintenance and bigger utility bills.
A water softener can be a cost-effective and efficient solution to remove the hardness from your water and can solve hardness-related problems.
If you are planning to buy a water softener, you may find The Ultimate Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Water Softener for Your Home helpful.