You may have heard a few things about hard water, but do you really know what it is? More importantly, do you know if it’s running through your home’s pipes? If you live in Hinsdale, Illinois, it very well could be.
Curious as to how you can tell? If so, you’re in the right place. We’re going to discuss the specifics below.
Signs of Hard Water
There are a few signs that indicate the presence of hard water. The most prominent of these signs include the following.
Limescale Buildup
One of the main signs to look out for is limescale buildup. Limescale is a white, powdery substance that is most evident on metal sinks and faucets. It’s essentially a pile of calcium and magnesium particles — particles that once existed in hard water, but which remained on the surface after the water evaporated.
Though limescale buildup isn’t functionally detrimental, many people consider it to be aesthetically detrimental. Plus, it’s a sure sign that your water is hard, which could be hurting your home in other ways.
Brittle Hair
Does your hair have a dry and brittle feeling to it? If so, hard water could very well be the culprit. When the calcium and magnesium in hard water cling to the hair, they cause it to become rigid. Over time, this can result in split ends, broken hair, and more.
The solution? Removing the calcium and magnesium from your water entirely. A water softener will do the job.
Dry Skin
In addition to making the hair dry, calcium and magnesium make the skin dry as well. This is due to the particles clogging up the skin pores and preventing the secretion of necessary body oils.
As such, if you’re suffering from acne, eczema, or some similar skin condition, your water could be adding to the problem.
Clogged Water Pipes
Another sign that you might have hard water is that your water pipes are becoming clogged. Over time, as water pipes are subject to more and more calcium and magnesium, their internal walls start to incur mineral buildup. This buildup restricts the pipe, making it progressively more difficult for water to travel through it.
In some cases, the buildup can become so severe that water flow ceases entirely. Installing a water softener can help you avoid this problem altogether.
Prematurely Deteriorating Water Appliances
Is your dishwasher, coffee maker, or refrigerator wearing down long before it’s supposed to? If so, hard water could be the culprit.
When calcium and magnesium run through the internal components of these appliances, they cause wear and tear. Left unchecked, this wear and tear can result in a premature death for the appliance.
Is Hinsdale Known for Hard Water?
Water hardness varies geographically. Whereas some regions are known for exceedingly hard water, other regions are known for exceedingly soft water. Note, though, that most regions fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum.
The northeastern portion of Illinois is in the middle of the spectrum, but it leans far closer toward hard water than it does toward soft water. As such, the majority of the residents in Hinsdale have a relatively hard form of water running through their pipes.
For this reason, many Hinsdale residents choose to install water softeners. By installing water softeners, they remove all calcium and magnesium from their water supplies, thus improving the functional and aesthetic characteristics of their respective homes.
Looking to Install a Water Softener in Hinsdale?
Are you noticing signs of hard water in your home? Looking to install a water softener in Hinsdale? If so, DuPage Water Conditioning is the company to call.
Our team has installed a number of water softeners throughout the Hinsdale area. Regardless of the size of your water supply, we are here to help.
Contact us today to begin the process!