Hard water refers to water that contains high concentrations of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. As rainwater passes through soil and bedrock, it picks up these dissolved mineral salts which then remain in the water.
Water hardness levels are classified based on the amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolved per gallon. The higher the CaCO3 content, the “harder” the water and therefore the more prone it is to causing issues like mineral scale buildup and stains in plumbing, appliances, and fixtures that use water.
Here in Northern California, the water supplied to many of our homes and businesses has elevated mineral content making it moderately to extremely hard. Over time, exposure to consistent levels of hard water leads to white scale deposits, reduced efficiency of water-fed appliances, and even damage to clothing.
Understanding water hardness levels and identifying signs of hard water are key first steps towards protecting your home’s plumbing and fixtures. Norcal Water Systems provides free expert water testing and tailored treatment solutions to efficiently deal with our region’s uniquely hard water challenges.
How do you know if your home or business might be coping with hard water issues? There are some common symptoms to watch out for that indicate elevated mineral content in your water supply:
The mineral salts dissolved in hard water not only leave behind stains but can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing and appliance efficiency over time when left untreated. Our water experts can test your exact levels of calcium, magnesium, iron, and manganese while evaluating your risk factors.
Knowing your water hardness and mineral profile is crucial for plumbing maintenance and selecting the most fitting water softening or purification systems. Contact Norcal Water today to schedule your complimentary analysis!
Hard water stains refer to the visible mineral deposits and residue left behind when hard water evaporates on surfaces like glass, tiles, sinks, and fixtures. The composition and appearance of these stubborn stains can vary based on factors like:
Some of the most common types of hard water stains include:
Chalky white stains result when calcium and magnesium carbonate minerals are deposited and dry on surfaces. Bathtubs, sinks, faucets and shower doors often suffer from white staining.
Iron in hard water causes reddish, orange, or brown stains. These may appear near the water lines in toilet bowls or where water pools and evaporates like shower corners.
Blackish stains occur from manganese interacting with oxygen. These dark mineral deposits tend to appear within toilet tanks and bowls.
While hard water stains may seem like a merely aesthetic nuisance, they can cause several problems if left untreated:
For plumbing systems, the effects of consistent hard water exposure include:
Stopping hard water damage early with tailored filtration and softening solutions increases the longevity of your plumbing and fixtures while saving money over time.
As your local Northern California water treatment experts for over 25 years, Norcal Water Systems has extensive experience dealing with our region’s particularly hard water challenges. We have found that ion exchange, also known as water softening, offers the most efficient and cost-effective means of reducing hardness minerals and improving water quality for homes and businesses.
Our customized ion exchange systems use selective anion and cation resin materials to attract and capture excess dissolved magnesium, calcium and other metal compounds in your water supply. This softens the water by lowering mineral content before it ever reaches your pipes and fixtures.
In contrast to salt-based softening methods, our Kinetico Premier systems employ non-electric, demand-based regeneration cycles for eco-friendly operation. The twin-tank format also means you enjoy an uninterrupted supply of softened water whenever you need it!
Enjoy all of the benefits of soft water from easier rinsing of soaps and detergents to protection of pipes and water heaters with extended lifespans. Our water specialists can install and maintain tailored Kinetico systems designed specifically to address your home or business’s unique hardness level and water usage.
Contact us at Norcal Water to analyze your water profile and discuss which advanced ion exchange solutions are best suited to remove minerals and eliminate hard water damage for good!