Washing Dishes With Hard Or Soft Water

If your water comes from an underground well on your property, it is a good bet that you have hard water. However, if you have municipal water - one that comes from a town or city's water treatment facility - the water has been ph balanced and chlorinated and therefore not too hard or too soft, although it is possible. A visual inspection of your dishes and dishwashing appliance could show you evidence of water hardness. If your dishes dry with spots, or your dishwasher is developing a rusty or yellowish stain, you have hard water.

Many rural homes use a well as the primary source of H2O. Although the homeowner doesn't have to pay for water use, he or she will still have to take necessary steps to ensure the fluid is safe for consumption. Removing bacteria and pathogens is necessary, however, doing this does not effectively remove the various minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium that can cause damage to pipes and appliances. Using a softener will remove these minerals to make the water safer for use within the appliances of the home.

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER

A water softener system uses a salt solution (or a brine) to treat the fluid. Minerals are attracted to the charged salt ions and are held in a tank while the mineral-free water is free to pass throughout the home's plumbing. Homeowners that do not employ the use of a water softening system and are subject to hard water will notice rusty stains in sinks, toilets, washing machines and other water using appliances. Also, the minerals and elements will be allowed to build up within pipes causing flow problems and leaking within the plumbing. You may notice a sulfur smell coming from your faucets and an odd taste to the water. A water softening system virtually eliminates these problems.

With a water softener, you'll notice that a soapy lather is more easily attained. Dishes can be rinsed easily and spotting on glasses and silverware will be eliminated. You'll also notice that your clothes will feel softer and cleaner, and brushing your teeth will produce a frothy foam. Your appliances will be safe from corrosion and staining - meaning they will last longer, and your pipes will not be damaged by scale build up.

Having a well as your primary source of H2O can be a good thing, if you know how to properly care for the water that comes out of it. The type of land where the well is built determines the mineral content of well water. Chalky soil, for example, can result in higher calcium levels. Removing contaminates and bacteria is necessary, but don't forget to treat the water with a water softening system for its excess of calcium, iron, magnesium and other minerals.

Washing Dishes With Hard Or Soft Water

INSTALLING A WATER SOFTENER