So you’ve just moved into your new home and you’re thinking about testing the quality of water available around the house?
Or perhaps you’re worried about unexplained deposits in the bathroom and kitchen, and would like to investigate the matters in order to tackle the problem in a timely manner?
In any case, the following tips will come in handy while evaluating the quality of water available to you. There is a wide assortment of water quality testing kits available in the market. But if you’re looking to differentiate between soft water and hard water without going into details about the level of hardness and/or softness, these tips will help you evaluate water quality easily.
Does Your Soap Lather Normally?
Soft water allows the soap to lather. Hard water, on the other hand, inhibits the lather due to the presence of excess minerals. So if you observe difficulty in lathering, it will be a good idea to invest in a water softening system to prevent bigger problems down the line.
Unexplained Deposits
If you find unexplained deposits on your bathroom tiles, in the shower, on your kitchen utensils and/or other similar surfaces, it is a sure sign that you are receiving hard water through your plumbing system. You’ll also be able to see white deposits in your pans and water heaters. The heat causes the calcium to accumulate at the bottom of the utensils. If left unattended, this may lead to major breakdowns that require intensive repairs.
Dry Skin
Does your skin feel dry after a bath? Are your hair going limp and losing their shine? If so, it may be because of the water quality. Hard water leaves a slimy layer on the skin, causing irritation, and dryness. If this becomes an everyday affair, take note and get the water tested through the laboratory.
How to Improve Water Quality?
If any (or all) of the evaluative measures verify the fact that you are receiving hard water, you’ll need to employ certain measures to improve the water quality. Here’s how you can do it.
Use electromagnetic water conditioners. This system creates a magnetic field that neutralizes the mineral ions, improving the quality of water. It does not necessarily transform hard water into soft water, but it exhibits similar properties which make it more favorable for use.
Install water softening systems. Most water softening systems make use of a resin or mesh that absorbs the ions, transforming hard water into soft water. This can be done through chemical as well as mechanical means.
Use water filtration systems. These systems help in improving the water quality significantly, especially when it comes to drinking water. Through complex chemical and mechanical means, you can make the water fit for drinking and other purposes.
Hard water can lead to several problems over time, ranging from clogs and leakages to scales and scrum deposits. It is therefore essential for you to tackle this problem in a timely manner.
Looking for some expert advice on this topic? Contact Bonfe and hand over all your plumbing concerns to us!