Hard Water: How to Ditch the Itch

If you know that your home has hard water, you are likely not surprised to see stains on your dishes or notice how difficult it is to lather when using soap or laundry detergent. You may also see visible signs of buildup on your bathroom faucets. But, you may not also realize that the condition of your home’s water can negatively affect the health of your skin, nails, and hair, not to mention that if the buildup goes on for too long, your pipes can become completely clogged and require replacement. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to soften your water and pour your hard water worries down the drain.

Hard vs. Soft Water

Hard water is so named because it contains hard materials, excess metals, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, while soft water only contains sodium. If you are unsure of the hardness of your home’s water, there are several observable indicators, including:  

• Limescale on faucets 
• Low water pressure 
• Tub and sink soap scum buildup 
• Dingy laundry after being washed
• Residue dishes following a wash cycle

An estimated 85% of our nation’s water is considered hard, and Florida is one of the worst offenders. 

Hard Water Effects 

In addition to the effects of hard water on your home’s plumbing system, it also contributes to poor skin, nail, and hair health. 

Skin Dehydration

While some minerals are beneficial, when they are present in your home’s water, they make it difficult for the body to moisturize itself properly, resulting in dehydrated skin that is more vulnerable to bacteria and pollutants. This dryness also causes the sebaceous glands to work harder to produce oil, creating an optimal environment for undesirable conditions such as acne. 

Clogged Pores

Further, when they interact with soap and laundry detergents, hard water is known to clog pores. That is because your body releases oils through your skin, so when your skin has a barrier left behind by hard water, that oil becomes trapped under the surface of your skin, leading to eczema and dry, itchy skin. 

Signs of Aging

If hard water use is prolonged, the free radicals formed by hard water minerals such as iron, nickel, copper, and zinc can damage your skin’s healthy cells. These free radicals also cause collagen loss and the appearance of premature aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

Weakened Hair and Nails

Hard water also leads to noticeable changes in your hair, such as scalp dryness and dandruff and a dull, frizzy appearance. Meanwhile, nails become thin and brittle, more prone to breakage.  

Further, because soaps and shampoos do not lather well in hard water, people tend to increase the amount of product used. When that happens, it consequently increases these adverse effects of hard water on your body.  

Soft Water Benefits

There are several methods to soften your water, including reverse osmosis or using a water softener system. Soft water washes cleanly away and offers many benefits, including to your plumbing, appliances, cleanliness, and health. 

Plumbing

Soft water puts less of a strain on your plumbing system. Whereas hard water and its corrosive minerals can eat away the inside of your home’s pipes, soft water is much gentler and moves through more efficiently. This benefit increases the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances that use water, such as the dishwasher and washing machine. It also decreases the need for frequent maintenance. 

Cleanliness

Dishes, clothes, and body parts washed with soap in soft water are cleaner than they would be with hard water. There is less soap scum to worry about, and you do not have to spend more money to keep trying to find products that will effectively clean. 

Skin and Hair Health

Soft water brings life and vitality back to your skin and hair. Soap lathers more easily and washes away more completely. Skin is adequately moisturized and able to retain its natural oils that contribute to its overall clarity and health. 

Similarly, hair washed in soft water helps you avoid shampoo and product buildup on your strands and scalp. Your hair retains its color better, appears shinier, and is more manageable.  

Perry’s Is Your Healthy Water Partner 

The good news is you do not have to live with hard water. Our experts at Perry’s Pump Repair can assess your water to determine which water softening method will work best for you and your family. Then, we provide maintenance and support to keep your water soft and beneficial for years to come. Reach out to us today to learn more and get your water back to the way it should be.