What is HARD WATER

Summary

In this video, Gary the Water Guy explains what hard water is, how it forms, and why it affects households. Hard water, high in calcium and magnesium, causes scale buildup on fixtures, appliances, and even impacts skin and hair. Gary outlines the varying hardness levels, from soft to extremely hard, and emphasizes the importance of water testing due to regional differences. He highlights how water softeners can continuously remove hardness, prevent damage, and gradually reduce existing scale. Viewers learn practical advice on protecting their home, family, and appliances while understanding when and why a water softener is necessary.

Takeaways

• 💧 Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium dissolved in it.
• 📏 Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm), with 1 gpg equaling 17 ppm.
• 🏞️ Surface water from lakes, streams, and rain is usually soft, while groundwater from wells often becomes hard due to mineral absorption.
• 🏠 Hard water causes scale buildup on surfaces like shower doors, dishes, faucets, and inside appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers.
• 🚰 Over time, scale buildup can accumulate inside pipes, reducing diameter and potentially causing clogs.
• 🧴 Hard water affects skin and hair, potentially aggravating conditions like psoriasis.
• 🛠️ Installing a water softener removes calcium and magnesium, softening water continuously and gradually reducing existing scale buildup.
• ⚖️ Water hardness levels guide treatment decisions: 4 gpg or less is optional, 7 gpg may require treatment for small pipes or systems, 10 gpg is very hard, and 14 gpg+ is extremely hard.
• 🌎 Hardness can vary even within the same city or neighborhood; testing your water is the only way to know exact levels.
• 🔗 Water softeners help protect both household appliances and family health, making cleaning and maintenance easier.

Q & A

What is hard water and how is it measured?

Hard water is water that contains high amounts of dissolved calcium and magnesium. It is typically measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm), with one grain per gallon equaling 17 ppm.

Why is water soft in some areas and hard in others?

Water is naturally soft when it comes from surface sources like lakes, streams, or rain. It becomes hard when it passes through underground rocks and soil, absorbing minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Areas using well water or groundwater typically have hard water.

What are some common problems caused by hard water in homes?

Hard water causes scale buildup on surfaces like glass shower doors and dishes, clogs pipes, reduces appliance efficiency, and can irritate skin and hair. It also affects internal components of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and coffee makers.

How does hard water affect pipes over time?

Over time, calcium and magnesium deposits accumulate inside pipes, forming layers of scale. This gradually narrows the pipe diameter and can eventually lead to clogs, reducing water flow and appliance efficiency.

What is the impact of hard water on skin and hair?

Hard water leaves mineral residues on skin and hair, which can exacerbate skin conditions such as dryness, irritation, or psoriasis, and can make hair feel rough and difficult to manage.

How can a water softener help with hard water?

A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from the water, softening it for continuous use. Over time, it also helps reduce existing scale buildup inside pipes, appliances, and fixtures.

At what level of hardness is water considered too hard?

Water with 4 grains per gallon or less is optional to treat. At 7 gpg, some appliances like tankless water heaters may be at risk. Water at 10 gpg is considered very hard, and 14 gpg or above is extremely hard, requiring treatment to prevent significant issues.

Why is water testing important for assessing hardness?

Water hardness can vary even within the same city or between neighboring wells. Testing is the only way to accurately determine the hardness level for your specific water supply.

How does hard water affect appliances and household cleaning?

Hard water causes scale buildup inside appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan. It also leaves mineral deposits on surfaces, making cleaning more difficult and time-consuming.

Where can someone find more information about water softeners?

For more information, you can visit waterestore.com in the U.S. or waterestore.ca in Canada, where they provide a full line of Hume water softeners and additional resources on managing water hardness.

Can a water softener remove all existing scale immediately?

No, a water softener works continuously to prevent new scale buildup, and it gradually helps remove existing deposits over time as softened water flows through pipes and appliances.