What Are the Negative Effects of Hard Water?
While hard water is considered safe to consume, it can still be bothersome to use when it comes to daily tasks and household duties. What makes water “hard” is an abundance of metallic minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When there are high enough levels of these minerals, it can affect the way that your water interacts with soap, your plumbing, and even your skin. Read on to learn about the most common negative effects of hard water.
1. Lime Scale Buildup on Fixtures & Appliances
One of the hallmarks of hard water is the buildup of crusty residue on your faucets, shower walls, dishwasher, or coffeemaker. Ranging from white to yellow, or even slightly greenish, this lime scale buildup is not harmful to your health but can give food and drink a foul taste.
2. Dry, Rough Laundry
There’s nothing like soft, sweet-smelling laundry fresh out of the dryer. But if you have hard water, this is probably not your reality. If you find that your clothes are stiff and rough-feeling after being laundered, or if the colors seem to be fading, the culprit may be hard water.
3. Spotty Dishes
You spent all night washing dishes—from the giant skillet all the way down to the tiny shrimp forks—and when you walk into the kitchen in the morning, they’re sitting in the dishrack, speckled with white spots. Was it the boogeyman? No—it was hard water.
4. Dry Skin & Hair
If your hair and/or skin feel dry after you take a shower, what you’re actually feeling is the residue from the excess magnesium and calcium. Because of these minerals, the water is unable to properly penetrate your pores and nourish your skin, and much like the dishes, you’re left speckled.
Get Started Today
If you’re ready to bid farewell to the negative effects of hard water, the home improvement pros at American Home Design can help you make it happen. Since 1977, we’ve provided Nashville-area residents with top-of-the-line water treatment products such as softeners and filtration systems, along with expert installation and friendly customer care. To learn more about our products and services, contact us today to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.
