Hard water occurs when there is high mineral content, such as calcium and magnesium, in the water. It naturally forms when water percolates through minerals like limestone. Because of its increased mineral content, hard water is known to provide health benefits. But, some homeowners prefer getting hard water treatment, as these minerals also deposit in your pipes and form limescale, causing plumbing problems.
Although there are both positive and negative effects of having hard water, there are still a lot of misconceptions surrounding them. Read on to learn the truth behind some of them.
Myth # 1: Hard Water Contains Contaminants
While hard water may contain an abundance of calcium and magnesium, they do not count as contaminants. In fact, these essential minerals nourish the body. Water contaminants include chemicals such as nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, and microorganisms like bacteria and parasites, which are not found in hard water.
Myth # 2: Hard Water Causes Health Problems
Besides the misconception that hard water has contaminants, some people also believe it is harmful to your health. The truth is it’s quite the opposite. Since hard water has calcium and magnesium, both nutrients, there are no significant damaging effects on the body if consumed.
Myth # 3: Hard Water Is Responsible for All Clogged Pipes
As it is known, this type of water contributes to limescale buildup, causing plumbing problems, like clogged pipes. And although this is true, not all pipes are at risk of hard water damage. This is because hard water minerals are known to increase over time in galvanized steel pipes, most common in houses built between the 1940s and 1970s.
These days, most homes have copper pipes, which are less susceptible to the buildup of mineral deposits. So, if your house hasn’t recently built or if you suspect you have steel pipes, you may talk to a plumber for a pipe replacement or a water softener installation.
Talk to a Plumbing Professional
Learning more about hard water will help you determine what’s best for your home’s plumbing system. To find out if you need a water softener, reach out to an experienced plumber. Contact HJ Pertzborn Plumbing & Fire Protection in Madison, WI for quality hard water treatment, water softener repair services, and other plumbing services.