What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is a type of water that contains high concentrations of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It is often found in areas with limestone or chalk bedrock—exposing the water to these minerals for long periods of time.
While not dangerous to consume, hard water may have an unpleasant taste, appearance, or smell due to the presence of dissolved compounds. Additionally, it can impact the longevity of your plumbing fixtures and even the effectiveness of things like laundry detergent.
How Does Hard Water Affect Your Skin?
Hard water can be a serious problem for your skin. It contains higher levels of minerals, which can build up on the surface of your skin when bathing and clog pores. This can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and even acne breakouts. Hard water can also strip away natural oils from the skin that help keep it hydrated and healthy looking.
Moreover, hard water can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of soap. The minerals in hard water can react with the ingredients in soap, reducing its ability to lather properly and causing you to have to use more soap to achieve satisfactory results, which can further strip skin of its natural oils. Furthermore, this reaction leaves behind unsightly residue on surfaces such as sinks and bathtubs which can be difficult to remove.
In some cases, hard water may even impact pre-existing conditions—leading to eczema flare-ups as well as other allergic reactions, such as rashes or hives.
How to Combat Hard Water
While hard water is a common problem in many households, it doesn’t have to stay that way. There are several solutions available for combating hard water and restoring the balance of minerals in your home’s water supply.
If you rent your space, two ways to minimize the effects of hard water on your skin are:
- Choosing soaps and detergents specifically formulated for hard water use
- Use a point-of-use water softener for your shower head
- Clean showers and tubs regularly with vinegar or special cleaners designed to combat hard water deposits
- Limit your shower time and avoid overly hot shower temperatures
- Gently pat your skin dry after your shower instead of abrasive rubbing
If you own your property, you have a few additional options to minimize exposure, including:
- Install a whole-home water softener system
- Monitor your plumbing fixtures for any signs of corrosion or mineral buildup as this is a clear sign of hard water, and invest in repairs as needed
- Schedule regular professional maintenance on your water filtration or water softener systems
If you are looking to install a water softener, turn to our professionals at All Pro Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical. Our skilled technicians stay up to date on the latest advancements in water treatment and offer top-quality water softener systems to homes throughout Ontario and the surrounding areas. We offer whole-home water softeners, water filtration systems, as well as point-of-use filters, to ensure that no matter your goals or budget, we have the equipment and know-how needed to help.
To learn more about our water treatment services, or to schedule an appointment, call us at (909) 500-8193 today. Or, reach out online and our team will follow up with your inquiry as soon as possible.