What is Hard Water?
Hard water is aptly named because it makes so many tasks in the home harder.
Housework takes longer with hard water. Clothes are not as clean after washing in hard
water. Glassware comes out of the dishwasher spotty and scratched. Hard water is tough
on the budget too. Energy bills are higher and expensive appliances like water heaters,
washing machines, and dishwashers wear out faster. The problems associated with hard
water can be solved by installing a state-of-the-art water softener.
Caused by calcium and magnesium dissolved in ground water
Groundwater flowing through limestone deposits dissolves two minerals found in
limestone, calcium, and magnesium. Water containing these minerals is considered
"hard". Hardness is measured by grains per gallon. For example
- 0 grains = soft water
- 1 - 3 grains = slightly hard water
- 4 - 9 grains = hard water
- 10 or more = very hard water
Within the residence, the telltale signs of hard water become increasingly visible over time.
Whitish scum accumulates around the bathtub and faucets and glassware looks
spotty. Energy bills start to rise and clothes look dingy.
Let Renegade Water perform a free water-quality test to determine the extent of the problem.
Removing the Minerals
Water is soft if it contains no calcium and hard if it does. The key is to remove these
minerals and rinse them down the drain.
Water softeners perform this chemical sleight of
hand. Softener units that are able to remove impurities before a rinse cycle is necessary
are rated:
-
12,000 to 16,000 grains = small capacity
-
20,000 to 40,000 grains = medium capacity
-
40,000 grains or more = large capacity
Your Renegade Water Technician will analyze the residence’s water usage for both peak
and low-use periods and recommend the most cost-effective unit in terms of capacity.