What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is a common type of water that contains high levels of magnesium and calcium. Since water is a universal solvent, it collects these minerals as makes it’s way to your home. After the water evaporates, the minerals left behind create limescale build up, which can damage your fixtures as well as water-based appliances like your dishwasher and water heater.
Signs of hard water include:
- deposits on your faucets
- white residue in your dishwasher
- spots on dishes, glassware and cutlery
- scum rings in your bathtub or white film on your shower door
You’ll also notice it takes more soap to lather up, and more water to rinse off. What you can’t see is the damage hard water causes to your water heater – until it’s too late.
Hard water may void the warranty of your water-based appliances
Use of hard water may void the warranty of your dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine or water heater due to its corrosive nature. A typical water heater warranty, for example, could state that the heater is covered for anywhere between 5-10 years. If you read on, the warranty will usually list circumstances that not covered, and “scale buildup due to water quality” is typically found on that list. Read the fine print or your Warranty.
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