Are you wondering if your home is affected by hard water? Now is the perfect time to find out! Lone Star Contracting offers complimentary water quality testing to accurately identify the contaminants and minerals in your water.
If you prefer to assess things yourself, there are a few telltale signs that can indicate where your water falls on the water hardness scale.
When your water is extremely hard, the signs are hard to miss. You may notice a chalky, white buildup on your faucets, showerheads and household appliances, such as your dishwasher. This buildup is a sign of scale, and over time, it can clog your pipes and even cause damage to your appliances.
When you open your dishwasher, cloudy glasses or water-spotted dishes are common indicators. Additionally, hard water can impact your laundry, causing clothing to feel stiff and look dull after several washes.
Another clue? Soap scum. It tends to build up quickly in showers, leaving your skin feeling dry, tight and itchy after bathing. Your hair might also feel rough and dry, no matter how much conditioner you use.
If your home has moderately hard water, the signs are more subtle but still important. You might notice your sinks or tubs clogging more often, a sign of minor scale buildup. Rings in the bathtub or on your fixtures might be a frequent sight.
Laundry washed in moderately hard water may feel a bit rough or dingy, even after using softeners. Your glassware might not have the crystal-clear shine you’re used to, instead looking slightly smudged. You may also find yourself using more soap or shampoo to get a decent lather, which can leave your skin feeling less than hydrated after a shower.
Soft water provides a much different experience in your home. Appliances like your dishwasher, washing machine and coffeemaker should operate efficiently, free from the interference of scale buildup. You’ll notice your dishes come out spotless, with clear, shiny glassware and plates.
Your laundry will feel softer, your soaps will lather easily and your skin and hair will feel hydrated and clean after bathing — no more irritation or dryness! With soft water, your home and body enjoy a noticeable difference.
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms above, your home may fall on the higher end of the water hardness scale. This isn’t surprising, as the hard water map of Texas shows that hard water is common in the San Angelo area. The starting point for hard water is 7 grains per gallon (gpg), and in this region, it’s not unusual to see levels higher than 16!
Absolutely. The presence of limestone and mineral-rich sedimentary rock throughout the state contributes to the high levels of calcium and magnesium that make their way into your water supply.
It’s time to protect your home from the effects of hard water! Contact Lone Star Contracting today for a free water quality testing and find out how we can help you choose the right water filtration or softening system to ensure your home stays free of hard water issues.