Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals and is measured in grains of minerals per gallon or parts per million. Soft water measures 0 – 17.1 ppm, slightly hard water measures 17.1 – 60 ppm, moderately hard water measures 60 – 120 ppm, hard water measures 120 – 180 ppm, and very hard water measures 180ppm or more. Lincoln, NE has very hard water, with an average hardness of 223ppm.
Hard water can leave mineral deposits on your taps as well as soap scum on your sinks, showers, and bathtubs. In Lincoln, the evidence of hard water is everywhere. However, there are ways you can deal with it.
1. Install a Water Softener
The best way to get rid of hard water is to install a water softener. Water softeners filter out the minerals that cause hard water, namely calcium and magnesium. There are many advantages to using a water softener system. There will be little to no lime buildup on your water fixtures. You will have cleaner dishes that don’t have any cloudy spots or stains. Because soft water lathers better, you’ll end up using less soap and detergent. Your drinking water will taste better. And, finally, having soft water will extend the lifespan of your pipes.
2. Boil Your Water
If you don’t have time to install a water softener, a good temporary solution is to boil your water. Boiling removes the water’s calcium, making it softer. However, it doesn’t quite remove all of the problematic minerals. Still, boiling water is an affordable and quick solution to converting hard water to somewhat soft water. Once the water has cooled down, you can pour it into a separate container.
3. Get a Water Filter for Your Kitchen Sink and Shower
By attaching a water filter to your kitchen sink, you can have soft water for drinking and for cooking. You can also use it for making tea and coffee. A good water filter will remove the funny taste from hard water, too.
If you want your hair and skin to look better, a water filter on your shower head can give you soft water. When you shower with water high in chlorine, it can lead to itchy skin and dry hair. You can get a shower filter that filters chlorine, rust, heavy metals, and sand.
The hard water in Lincoln, NE can eventually cause clogging in your pipes and corrosion. To install a water softener, call the plumbers at Select Plumbing. Besides water treatment services, we can help with drain cleaning, water heaters, gas lines, backflow testing, and more.
