Is Hard Water Harming Your Home? An In-depth Exploration

Posted on September 11, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Living in a home with hard water can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It can lead to a multitude of issues, ranging from aesthetic concerns, such as unsightly water spots on dishes and fixtures, to more serious, potentially damaging effects on your plumbing and appliances.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the often overlooked problem of hard water, discussing the signs to watch out for and how you can protect your home. We will also explore the use of hard water test strips to accurately identify the hardness level of your water and discuss the benefits of water softening solutions. Let’s embark on this informational journey to ensure the well-being of both your home and your family’s health.

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Facts About Hard Water

Hard water is a term used to describe water with a high mineral content, usually caused by calcium and magnesium. This combination of minerals decreases the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, creating soap scum buildup in your bathtub, sink or toilet. In addition, it can give off an unpleasant odor and cause discoloration on fixtures like sinks and faucets.

Signs of Hard Water in Your Home

The most common signs of hard water are the mineral deposits left on dishes, fixtures, and clothing after washing. These white spots or streaks are unsightly and can be difficult to remove. Other telltale signs include:

▷ Increased Utility Bills
▷ Plumbed Appliance Breakdowns
▷ Low Lathering Soap
▷ Poor Rinsing Results
▷ Residue on Dishes and Glassware
▷ A Slippery or Slimy Feeling on The Skin After Bathing
▷ Itchy Skin
▷ Shampoo Residue in Hair
▷ Dandruff
▷ Stiff Or Dingy Laundry
▷ Clogged Shower Heads and Faucets

Using Hard Water Test Strips

If you’re uncertain about whether your home has hard water, a simple test can provide an accurate measurement. Hard water test strips are available at most hardware and home improvement stores. They are easy to use and provide a numerical reading of the water’s hardness level.

You can also use a plastic bottle to test for water hardness. Simply fill a clear, plastic bottle with tap water from your kitchen faucet. Next, add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Tighten the cap and vigorously shake the bottle for 15 seconds. Set the bottle down and see how long the water stays bubbly. The faster the soap bubbles disappear, the harder your water. You see, hard water makes it difficult for soap to lather. If your water is soft, the soap bubbles should form easily and stay developed for several minutes.

The Benefits of Water Softening Solutions

If you’ve identified that your home has hard water, one of the most popular solutions is to install a water softening system such as a water softener. These systems work by replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium, resulting in softer water. Soft water is easier on your plumbing system, reducing the occurrence of mineral buildup and extending the lifespan of your appliances. It also results in softer, smoother skin and hair, as well as cleaner and brighter laundry. Additionally, soft water requires less detergent and soap and is overall an Eco-friendlier option.

Protect Your Home from Hard Water Damage

Knowing the signs of hard water and regularly testing your home’s water are essential steps to keeping your home and appliances in top condition. If you find that your home has hard water, installing a quality water softener is an effective solution for achieving softer, healthier water. Taking these precautions will ensure the well-being of both your home and your family’s health.

It’s important to note that while water softening can be beneficial for reducing hard water damage, it is not a cure-all. Regular maintenance of your plumbing system, such as flushing the water heater once a year and having corroded pipes replaced, is important for keeping appliances and fixtures in peak condition. Investing in regular inspections by a qualified plumber will help ensure that you get the most out of your home’s water supply.

If you have any further questions about water softeners or hard water treatment, feel free to reach out! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our knowledgeable master plumbers and plumbing techs are here to help. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Demystifying Hard Water: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Posted on August 22, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to home maintenance, one element often overlooked is the quality of water flowing through our faucets. Among the array of water quality issues, hard water stands out due to its widespread prevalence and the myriad of problems it can cause. But what exactly is hard water, and why should it concern you?

Let’s demystify this common household issue, exploring its causes, potential problems, and importantly, effective solutions for hard water treatment. This blog post aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to tackle hard water head-on, including an understanding of water softening methods that can alleviate the issues associated with hard water. Let’s dive in.

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Explanation of Hard Water

In the simplest terms, hard water is water which contains higher than average levels of metal and mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally present in many sources of drinking water but can build up over time if not treated or managed appropriately. Hard water certainly isn’t harmful to drink, however it does bring with it a host of problems that can make life more difficult.

Problems Caused by Hard Water

Hard water can cause issues in several areas of the home, from build-ups on fixtures and appliances to poor performance of cleaning products. In the bathroom, hard water leads to soap scum build-up on shower walls and bathtubs and can also cause mineral deposits to form on taps, showerheads, and drains. In the kitchen, hard water results in limescale build-up on sinks, taps, kettles and other appliances which use water.

In terms of home cleaning products such as dish soap or laundry detergent, hard water causes them to be less effective, resulting in poor cleaning performance and the need for higher amounts of product used per load. It can also cause soap to form a scummy residue on clothes, leaving them with a dingy appearance even after washing. Worst of all, hard water can dry, itchy skin and poor hair quality.

Water Softening Solutions

From the above it’s clear that hard water problems are an issue best addressed sooner rather than later. Fortunately, there are several methods of water softening that can be used to reduce the levels of calcium and magnesium in hard water. The most common approach is ion exchange, whereby hardness ions are exchanged for sodium ions which do not cause limescale buildup.

This process requires regeneration, usually using a solution composed of salt and water, though other substances such as potassium chloride may also be used. In addition to ion exchange, several other methods exist for water softening. For instance, reverse osmosis is popular amongst households using well water, while the use of salt-free water conditioners and magnetic or electronic descalers are also worthy alternatives.

Salt-Free Water Softening

A salt-free water softener is a great alternative to traditional salt-based water softeners. Unlike salt-based systems, saltless water softeners do not rely on salt to remove hard minerals from water. Rather, they use a process called template-assisted crystallization, or TAC, which converts hard minerals into microscopic crystals that cannot attach to surfaces or pipes. These crystallized minerals are then easily flushed out of the system. Salt-free water softeners are not only better for the environment, but they also require less maintenance and do not add sodium to the water. If you’re looking for a more Eco-friendly and efficient way to soften your water, a salt-free water softener may be the way to go.

In Summary

Hard water can cause numerous issues in your home from build-up on fixtures to poor performance of cleaning agents. Fortunately, there are a number of water softening solutions available that can help reduce the levels of calcium and magnesium in your home’s supply. Understanding the various options and their benefits is key to making an informed decision on the right water softening solution for you. With the proper treatment, hard water can be tamed, making home maintenance a little easier and allowing you to enjoy clean water from every faucet.

If you’re looking for assistance with treating hard water, make sure to contact a local plumbing expert today! Just call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

7 Reasons Why Hard Water Treatment Is Necessary

Posted on June 13, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Hard water is a common problem in many homes, but it’s not something that should be ignored. Hard water can cause a variety of issues in your home, including clogged pipes and appliances, stained fixtures and laundry, and inefficient energy use. The good news is that hard water can easily be treated with the right equipment. Continue reading to learn the top seven reasons why hard water treatment is necessary for every homeowner.

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What is Hard Water?

Hard water is a common problem faced by many households. It is water that has high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This results in several issues such as scale build-up in pipes and appliances, poor lather formation with soap, and even staining on surfaces. On the other hand, soft water is water that has low concentrations of these minerals. It is often preferred in households as it results in better lather formation, reduces soap usage, and prevents scale build-up in appliances. Understanding the differences between hard water and soft water is critical in solving issues arising from hard water and choosing the right water treatment system for your household.

What Can Hard Water Treatment Do?

1. Remove Minerals: Hard water contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which can cause buildup in your pipes and appliances. This leads to clogs that can reduce the efficiency of your plumbing system and result in costly repairs. Hard water treatment can remove these minerals, ensuring that your home’s plumbing is functioning properly.

2. Improve Taste: Although hard water doesn’t contain any health risks, it does have an unpleasant taste that affects the quality of drinking water. A water softener or other type of treatment system will remove those unwanted flavors from your tap water, so it tastes fresh and clean every time you turn on the faucet.

3. Reduce Scaling: The minerals found in hard water can also lead to scaling, which is a buildup of soap scum and limescale. This can make cleaning dishes and laundry more difficult, as well as reduce the lifespan of your appliances. A water softener or other type of treatment system will help to reduce scaling, so you don’t have to deal with these issues.

4. Increase Efficiency: Hard water reduces the efficiency of washing machines, dishwashers, and other home appliances due to mineral buildup. Softening or treating your water can help improve their efficiency by removing minerals that cause clogs and blockages.

5. Improve Laundry Quality: The minerals in hard water can cause clothing to become dingy over time, resulting in faded colors and rough texture. Softening or treating your water can help keep clothes vibrant and soft for longer, saving you time and money on laundry costs.

6. Extend Appliance Life: Hard water buildup can reduce the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures, appliances, and other surfaces in your home. Removing minerals from the water supply can help to prevent this buildup, extending the life of these items so you don’t have to replace them as often.

7. Save Money: Investing in a water softener or other hard water treatment system can save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs, preventing costly repairs, and improving the efficiency of your appliances. With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why hard water treatment is a “must” for every homeowner.

Get a Water Softener to Get Rid of Hard Water

Hard water can be an annoying problem, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right equipment and regular maintenance, you can effectively treat your hard water and enjoy all the benefits that come along with it. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to your hard water issues, look no further than a quality water softener or other type of treatment system. With the right equipment and regular maintenance, you can keep your home free from the harmful effects of hard water.

Would you like to learn more about hard water treatment options for your home or business? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for trusted water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

The Benefits of Soft Water Solutions for Your Home

Posted on May 15, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you tired of dealing with hard water in your home? Many homeowners across the country have to deal with hard water, which can leave a nasty residue on dishes and clothing. Not only that, but it can also clog up plumbing fixtures over time. Fortunately, there are soft water solutions available that can help solve these problems and make life easier for you and your family.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the benefits of investing in a soft water solution for your home. We’ll explore how softening your water supply can improve the overall quality of life in your household as well as save you money in the long run. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to keep hard water at bay, read on to learn more!

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Top Advantages of Having Soft Water at Home

Hard Water Removal

First and foremost, soft water helps to reduce the amount of calcium and magnesium present in your water supply. These minerals are what cause hard water, and when they are present in high levels it can be difficult for soap to mix with the water properly. This causes a nasty residue that can adhere to surfaces such as dishes and clothing. Softening your water supply eliminates these minerals, which makes it much easier for soaps and detergents to dissolve. Not only does this make cleaning easier, but it also keeps residue from forming on any surface that comes into contact with the softened water.

Long Lasting Plumbing

The benefits don’t end there! Investing in a soft water solution can also help extend the life of your plumbing fixtures. Hard water wears down pipes and fixtures over time, which can result in costly repairs or replacements. Soft water prevents this from happening by reducing the amount of mineral buildup in your plumbing system. This means that you won’t have to worry about sudden pipe bursts or clogs due to calcification in your plumbing fixtures.

Cost Savings

Finally, having a soft water solution in your home can help you save money on soaps and detergents. Hard water requires more soap to create suds, which means that you end up using more product than necessary when washing dishes or clothing. With softened water, however, less is required to get the job done – meaning that you’ll spend less money on products over time.

Conclusion

So, if you’re tired of dealing with hard water in your home, it’s time to invest in a soft water solution. Not only will you have cleaner dishes and clothing, but you’ll also extend the life of your plumbing fixtures and save money on laundry detergent and other soaps. Make sure to do your research before investing in a water softening system for your home – there are many options available that can fit any budget and lifestyle!

The bottom line is that having a soft water solution in your home offers numerous benefits. From improved cleaning quality to increased longevity of plumbing fixtures and more, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider investing in one today. Do some research and find the perfect soft water solution for your home – you won’t regret it!

If you have any questions about water softening, don’t wait a minute longer! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. At our plumbing company, we serve both residential and commercial clients with top-notch service.

How Does a Water Softener Get Rid of Water Hardness?

Posted on December 5, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

If you’ve ever had hard water, you know how annoying it can be. Water softeners are designed to remove the minerals that cause hard water, making it much easier to use. Continue below to learn more about water softeners, including what they do, how they eliminate hard water, installation information, and post-installation maintenance tips.

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Hard Water Facts You Need to Know

Hard water is water that contains a high concentration of minerals, typically calcium and magnesium. These minerals can make water feel sticky and can be deposited on pipes and fixtures. Over time, these deposits can build up and cause serious problems. Soft water, on the other hand, is water that has been treated to remove these minerals. As a result, it’s much gentler on piping and fixtures and doesn’t leave behind those annoying deposits.

Water softeners work by exchanging the minerals in hard water for other ions, typically sodium or potassium. This process is known as ion exchange. Inside the water softener is a tank filled with small resin beads. These beads are coated with sodium or potassium ions. As hard water passes through the tank, the mineral ions are attracted to the beads and bind to them. This leaves behind water that is softer and free of harmful minerals.

If you’re considering a water softener for your home, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

First, water softeners require a regular supply of salt to replenish the sodium or potassium ions that are exchanged during the ion exchange process.

Second, water softeners can take up a fair amount of space, so make sure you have enough room to accommodate one.

And finally, water softeners can be pricey, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. But if you’re tired of dealing with hard water, a water softener could be just what you need.

Water Softener Installation

Installing a water softener is a great way to improve the quality of your home’s water. Hard water can cause a variety of problems, including making it difficult to clean dishes and clothing, and causing mineral buildup in plumbing fixtures. A water softener will remove these minerals from your water, making it softer and easier to use.

There are a few things to keep in mind when installing a water softener:

First, you’ll need to choose the right unit for your home. There are a variety of water softeners on the market, so it’s important to do your research to find one that will work well for your needs. Second, you’ll need to install the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is typically not a difficult task, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the unit is installed correctly.

Finally, you’ll need to maintain your water softener according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This includes periodically adding salt to the unit and occasionally descaling the unit to remove mineral buildup. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your water softener will provide years of trouble-free operation.

More Advice for Maintaining a Water Softener

As any homeowner knows, there are a lot of things that need to be done to maintain a home in good condition. One of the most important, but often overlooked, systems in a home is the water softener. A water softener is used to remove minerals from water, making it softer and easier on everything from dishes to clothing. While water softeners are fairly low maintenance, there are still some things that need to be done to keep them running smoothly.

Here are a Few Tips for Water Softener Maintenance:

☑ Have the unit serviced regularly by a qualified technician.
☑ Keep the brine tank full of salt
☑ Clean the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your water softener will provide years of trouble-free service.

Upgrading or replacing your water softener has never been easier! Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. At our plumbing company, we serve both residential and commercial clients with top-notch service.

Are You Suffering From Hard Water Hair Problems?

Posted on July 25, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Hard water does a lot more damage than just limescale formation and spotty dishes. Hard water has all sorts of negative effects, even on the body. And not just your skin, but your hair too. Has your hair been off lately? Have you had trouble styling or managing your hair for some time? Hard water could be the underlying cause of your hair problems. Fortunately, hard water hair is both treatable and preventable.

Continue reading to learn how hard water might be damaging your hair, plus how to treat the issue known as hard water hair.

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Hard Water is Not Good For Hair

Hard water contains dissolved mineral solids like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are mostly to blame for the limescale accumulations you often see around faucets and drains in a home or building with hard water. So, if hard water can cause white, cakey, crusty accumulations around your plumbing fixtures and inside of your appliances, who’s to say it can’t do the same to your scalp and hair? Well, it can, and it does.

Signs of Hard Water Hair

Hard water hair is a real result of an ongoing hard water problem. After so many washes, hair will begin to show undesirable signs of damage, like limpness, dryness, dullness, and overall un-manageability. Because hard water does not allow soap to lather well, rinsing your shampoo and conditioner out all the way can be a challenge, or even misleading. As a result, hair cannot get properly cleansed, so it feels dingy or residue-y, and looks greasy or dirty. If your hair is colored, whether permanent or temporary, hard water can cause it to turn brassy or green, or simply fade your color overtime.

How to Restore Your Hair After Hard Water Exposure

If your hair is suffering from this common hard water syndrome, rest assure that it is totally reversible no matter how serious your condition may be. Here are some of the top-recommended options for treating hair that has been damaged or affected by hard water:

▶ Clarifying Shampoo

Also known as chelating shampoo, a good-quality clarifying shampoo is designed to remove excess build-up of hair soaps and products. Although it may take two or three treatments, which can only be done once per week, your hair will be rinsed of all the residual residues and grease on your scalp. It is recommended to ask your stylist for a recommended product if your condition is severe. Expect to spend between $6 and $25.

▶ Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an excellent, around-the-house product to have on hand for all sorts of applications. As for treating hard water-damaged hair, it is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a clarifying shampoo as it works the same way to remove excess buildup and residues from the scalp. Simply apply it to your scalp right after you shampoo and massage well, then rinse clean. You may need to repeat this treatment a few times for best results.

▶ Water Softening

The above hair and scalp treatments work well to eliminate the damaging and undesirable effects of hard water; however, they are only a temporary solution. So long as you continue washing your hair in the same water you have been using, the issue will remain. Water softening is the best method of hard water removal, and anyone can afford it. Talk to your trusted water softener plumber for information on buying, installing, and caring for an at-home water conditioning system.

Ready to tackle your hard water problems with a long-lasting, budget-friendly solution? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for plumbing services for water softeners in Indianapolis. We serve residential and commercial customers all throughout Central Indiana.

Top 3 Ways to Soften Hard Water

Posted on July 12, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Soft water is free of hard mineral ions and dissolved solids, like calcium, magnesium, and iron. When your water contains traces of these constituents, you can safely assume it is hard. Fortunately, hard water can be treated a number of ways. In some cases, you may need to apply more than one strategy to adequately soften your water.

Continue reading to learn the top three most effective ways to soften hard water, plus how to get started with a personalized soft water plan at home!

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Water Softening 101

What is hard water? Hard water is water that has permeated the ground layer by layer, collecting the minerals and dissolved solids contained in the soil, clay, sand, and aggregate along the way. Once the water reaches the underground water table, where we source our municipal tap water from, it has a high level of hardness.

What’s the problem with hard water? A lot. For starters, limescale. When heat is introduced to hard water, it causes the calcium and magnesium deposits to release from the water and stick to pipes and other areas of contact, like faucets, drains, shower heads, water bowls, tea kettles, plumbing pipes, water heaters, boilers, water lines, and more. These residual deposits accumulate to form what is known as limescale, which can appear in a range of colors, from white and light blue to yellow, green, or even pink hues.

Not only does limescale poorly conduct heat, but it also obstructs the flow of water through pipes and other underground systems. In fact, this is a common reason for having poor or lowered water pressure. Scale damages plumbing and plumbed appliances, which ultimately costs homeowners’ money.

What are the signs of hard water? Don’t fall victim to premature appliance replacements or costly plumbing repair bills. Get rid of a hard water problem at first sight. Common signs of hard water, aside from limescale formation and low water pressure, include spotty dishes or dishes that don’t seem to get cleaned, as well as poor quality laundry, like faded, stiff, or musty/sour-smelling clothes. Poor soap lather, itchy irritated skin, and dingy hair are more signs of hard water.

How to Eliminate Hard Water

What can you do to get rid of hard water? There are many options, but the top three most effective water softening methods, which can be used in congruence, include water softeners, whole house water filters, and reverse osmosis.

Water Softeners

Water softeners are the top-recommended, most effective tool for eliminating and abating hard water. In regions with naturally softer water (not Indiana by the way; we have the hardest water in the country!), a home might only need a quality water softener. In areas with harder water, like the Hoosier state, a home would benefit from installing a water softener and then combining it with another effective soft water strategy.

Whole House Water Filters

Whole house water filtration is an excellent way to soften water even further. It is especially useful for making tap water taste and perform better. If your drinking water tastes better, you can stop wasting money on bottled and canned versions! Plus, your coffee, tea, soup, lemonade, and other water-based pleasures will taste even more delicious. Not only will whole house water filters and cutting-edge iron removal systems eliminate heavy metals and contaminants in your drinking water, but they may also come with anti-bacterial filter options for treating E. coli, coliform, chemicals, dissolved solids, and more.

Reverse Osmosis System

Reverse osmosis is a convenient and affordable water filtration technology that utilizes water pressure and semi-permeable membranes to remove unwanted contaminants and heavy metals from tap water. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are designed to eliminate things like sodium, potassium, nitrates, and other dissolved solids. With a simple touch of a button, anyone in your home can instantly have purified drinking water right from the tap!

Are you ready to implement an effective and budget-friendly hard water removal plan for your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softener sales, installation, service, and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial customers, and service all make and model water softeners, including saltfree water softeners.

How to Test for Hard Water Using an Empty Water Bottle

Posted on June 27, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Living with hard water is a detriment to your quality of life, and one that you don’t have to tolerate. If you suspect that you have hard water, you are likely right. Hard water boldly leaves behind evidence of its damage, from your faucets and drains to your appliances, plumbing, laundry, dishes, hair, skin, and much more. If you are on the fence about having a hard water problem, why don’t you just perform a do-it-yourself test? All you need is an empty water bottle, pure Castile soap, and a working faucet.

Continue below to learn how to perform a hard water test using an empty water bottle, plus what to do if you determine, you do have a hard water problem.

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How to Test for Hard Water at Home

There is really only good news about testing for hard water at home. Not only is it inexpensive, of free if you already have all of the materials, but at-home water testing is also very easy (so easy a child could do it; in fact, you should enlist your children to help you with this really cool DIY science experiment!) and the results are highly reliable. Aside from low costs, simplicity, and reliable results, at-home water testing is also beneficial because there is more than one way to do it.

Here are three, including the water bottle test:

Store-Bought Testing Kits

You could go to the store and purchase an at-home water testing kit that comes with all of the materials needed to test your water for hardness. These kits generally have you send the results into a water testing laboratory, which means you will need to pay for postage and wait for your results to come back. Water testing kits are typically very reliable and accurate.

The Water Bottle Test

A more enjoyable way to test your water would be to implement a water bottle test. All you need is an empty plastic water bottle, a pure Castile soap, and your tap water. Take your empty water bottle and fillet 1/3 of the way with water directly from the top. Then add 3 to 4 drops of soap into the bottle. Screw the lid on tightly and vigorously shake the bottle.

Set the bottle down on a flat surface and observe the bubble formation. If your bottle is filled with suds and bubbles, and the water below is mostly clear, you have little to no hard water. However, if your water is cloudy and there’s only a thin layer suds at the top, you have hard water.

Professional Water Quality Testing

The most accurate and comprehensive method for hard water testing would be to hire a professional soft water company in Indianapolis. They have the proper knowledge, materials, and resources to perform precision hardness testing, plus provide and deliver the most compatible solutions to your water quality problems.

Are you ready to have the best water quality for your home or office? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional water softening services in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients with soft water sales, service, and repair.

An Explanation of Hard Water

Posted on June 14, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

It is a well-known fact that the majority of United States residents have hard water. Although the level of hardness varies throughout the nation, it is arguably safe to say that most of us know what it is like living with crusted plumbing fixtures, poor quality laundry, dingy hair, and dishware that looks like it’s never been washed. Although hard water is a continuous problem for many home and business owners, it doesn’t have to be. Not only is hard water treatable, but it is preventable.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water, including how to eliminate and prevent hard water problems in your home or office.

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Hard Water Facts

Hard water is water that contains high traces of dissolved mineral salts, specifically magnesium, calcium, and iron, but other hard mineral ions as well. Water becomes infiltrated with these hard minerals after falling from the sky as rain, then permeating the various layers of soil, sand, clay, and aggregate in the ground, before finally reaching the underground water table. This means that rain is free of dissolved mineral ions, making it naturally soft water.

Levels of Hardness in Water

Hard water is measured in grains per gallon (GPG) but can also be read in parts per million (PPM) or milligrams of calcium (Ca). It is then applied to a scale from 1 to 15+, ranging from slightly hard to extremely hard. So, the more grains, the harder the water.

■ Slightly Hard: 3 GPG
■ Moderately: 3 – 7 GPG
■ Hard: 7 – 10 GPG
■ Very Hard: 10 – 14 GPG
■ Extremely Hard: 15+

You might also see hard water measured on a scale that looks like this:

■ Soft Water: 0 to 60 mg/L
■ Moderately Hard: 61 to 120 mg/L
■ Hard: 121 to 180 mg/L
■ Very Hard: Over 180 mg/L

As mentioned, the level of water hardness varies regionally, so a state or town might have naturally softer water than their neighboring district. Here in Indianapolis, we are one of the top 6 cities in the nation with the hardest water, coming in at Extremely Hard (15+). If you are dealing with hard water problems in Indianapolis, contact a licensed Indianapolis soft water company to learn your options, today.

The Disadvantages of Living With Hard Water

Hard water costs you money. In all areas that hard water creates problems, every single one of them comes back to spending more hard-earned money. Some of the most common consequences of hard water include problems with laundry, bathing, plumbing, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, dishes, and hair.

Laundry and Bathing:

Hard water does not lather well, which is where it gets its name. Hard water is hard to wash in because it barely lathers soap and takes a long time to rinse away the residues, let alone the dirt. As a result, laundry and bathing are affected by hard water.

Laundry comes out stiff and faded, while showers become challenging and take up more of your time. By the way, longer showers contribute to higher utility bills from increase hot water usage. You also go through more soap, which sends you to the store for more, thus costing you more money.

Plumbing, Fixtures, and Dishware:

Hard water leaves behind unsightly limescale, which looks like white or green colored crust. Generally, you will see this crust formation around plumbing fixtures like faucets and drains. Unfortunately, limescale formation is more than just unpleasing to the eye; it is also damaging to your plumbing-related appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashing machines, water heaters, and water softeners.

The scale can form within the lines and tanks of these appliances, causing the appliance to decline in performance and use too much energy. This all results in higher energy bills, as well as premature appliance repairs and replacements. Those dishes that always look dirty, even right after taking them out of the dishwasher, are also a result of limescale.

How to Solve a Hard Water Problem

Installing or upgrading your current water softener is the best solution for a hard water problem. Water softeners condition hard water using an ion exchange technology. Water softeners are the ultimate luxury that come at an affordable and highly-worthwhile cost. Talk to your local soft water professional about getting started with a water softening plan, today.

Would you like to learn more about water softening and water softener service? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Top 3 Ways to Test For Hard Water

Posted on August 11, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Nobody should have to live with the negative effects of hard water. Not only does hard water cause problems for all of your plumbing systems and appliances, but it also reduces the quality of living in terms of skincare, laundry, dishes, and even nails and hair. First of all, hardware can increase your energy and utility bills every month as a result of your need to use more and because plumbing systems are working harder to perform the same duties they are programmed.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to resolving a hard water problem. But your first step is to determine the level of hardness in your area and compare it to how hard the water is in your home or office. There are a few different approaches for testing hard water, all of which are easy to do and involve very little labor on your part.

Continuing reading to learn the top three ways to test for hard water, and where to find trusted water softening plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Hard Water and Soft Water Basics

Hard water forms when rainwater enters the ground and filters through the various levels of soil and aggregate, collecting hard minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium along the way. These hard minerals latch onto the oxygen hydrogen molecules in the water and change its properties altogether.

The good news is that hard water can be reversed through innovative water softening processes that incorporate ion exchange technology using resin beads and water softening salt pellets. This is traditionally achieved by installing a water softener.

You can also couple water softener system with other water purification options such as whole house water filters and reverse osmosis systems. Talk to a professional Indianapolis water softener plumber for personalized advice on which water softening and water purification systems are best for your home or office.

Testing for Hard Water

The top three easiest and most economically-priced options for testing or determining hard water levels, either regionally or at home or in the office, including using an online resource, implementing a visual water test, or using a hard water test kit.

❶ Online Resources – Go online and check your city’s annual water quality report. This will give you information on the various levels of hard water in the surrounding regions. Some regions have harder water than others, so this data can play a vital role in determining which water purification systems are most compatible with your home or office.

❷ Visual Water Test – You can also perform a visual water observation test with nothing more than some pure Castile soap and a clean, plastic bottle. Simply fill the plastic bottle halfway with water directly from the tap, then add a few drops of the soap. Vigorously shake the bottle and then begin to observe how the water reacts. If the water is cloudy and there is only a thin layer of bubbles on the surface, you have hard water. Soft water would present itself with clear water 1/3 of the way up and nothing but foamy bubbles the rest of the way.

❸ Hard Water Test Kit – You can purchase a hard water test kit at any local department store or online retailer for under $20. Such kits vary in price and the things they test for, so pay close attention to which kit you choose. It is wise to select a comprehensive hard water test kit that will also check for other common water impurities such as heavy metals and inorganic contaminants. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the hard water test kit, and you will find that the process is very simple.

Are you having trouble determining the level of water hardness in your area and wish to learn more about water softening? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for residential and commercial water softener services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We sell, repair, install, and replace water softeners, plus offer free advice anytime.

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