How to Tell If Your City Has Hard Water
When there is a high concentrate of calcium and magnesium in your tap water, it is considered to be "hard" water. Its called that because the calcium and magnesium make it harder for the water to wash away soap and laundry detergent. Hard water can cause buildup inside of your home's pipes and appliances that will make it difficult for them to function. If you've just relocated and are wondering if you have hard water, use simple tests to determine if your water needs a treatment system. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Look closely at the taps in your home, including the sink faucet and the shower heads. If you see a white, powdery deposit on your tap, you more than likely have hard water. These are calcium deposits that have been left over time.
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Visit the hardware store to pick up a home water-testing kit. Although some feel these tests are overrated and a bit pricey, they will help you narrow down what you are dealing with. Going to a local hardware store has another advantage: chances are the folks at the hardware store can tell you if you need to look into treatments and recommend the best ones to use.
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Check the heating element inside of your dishwasher. If its discolored and feels a bit gritty, you may have hard water.
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Pay attention when you are in the shower. If it seems to take longer to rinse off the soap or shampoo, you are probably dealing with tap water that needs to be treated.
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Call the city's water department if any of the above tests yield positive results. The clerk for the water department will be able to tell you of local water conditions and what to expect. Chances are they use the same tap water and will be able to refer you to a local water treatment service that gives great service.
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Tips & Warnings
To counteract already built-up deposits, soak your shower heads and sink aerators in a limescale remover overnight.
Ask your neighbors about the water quality. They will be able to give you advice as to what to do and which services to seek.
References
Resources
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