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Problems with Hard Water

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Many of us have hard water in our homes, and as a result, have to deal with the myriad of issues that come with the condition. That white residue that forms in our showers and sinks and their fixtures, for example. Try as we might to keep them scrubbed clean, we still have the tell-tale signs of a hard water problem.

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This can be cleaned, but it takes a lot of strenuous work, and the residue will be right back in no time. There may not be an “easy” solution to the problem of hard water, but there are things you can try to help remedy the situation in your home. First, you need to understand what ‘hard water” is in order to handle the problem effectively.

Hard water is a high presence of the minerals magnesium and calcium in the water. This presence will harden into a buildup than looks a bit like soap scum, but is very hard, almost like cement. This will adhere to the surfaces that frequently come into contact with hard water, with the minerals being left behind as the water dries and evaporates.

This buildup, or film if you prefer, can make your shower, sink and fixtures look dirty, no matter how often you clean them. There are no immediate dangers to your health from these buildups, though they can affect your plumbing, and even some appliances, in a negative way if left untreated. The slow buildup in your pipes will eventually cause problems with slow drains, and eventually, clogging. They can also cause clogging and reduced pressure in your supply lines, never a good situation when you consider the cost of replacement.

There are a few things to try, though, before the situation becomes too big for you to handle yourself. For example:

  • Industrial strength cleaning solutions can often help break up and remove those stubborn hard water stains, making them much easier to remove from your shower, tub, and fixtures.
  • Steam cleaners can be very helpful as well. The type of steam cleaners that utilize high-pressure for cleaning will help break up deposits and knock them free from stained surfaces.
  • Muriatic acid can be used in diluted form to remove scale and deposits, but caution must be used to have the area well ventilated and kept away from chlorine, as these chemicals become volatile and explosive when mixed.
  • White vinegar is also an effective cleaner for hard water spots and debris, as it can break apart many deposits when sprayed over them. You’ll need to let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then scrub the spots with a toothbrush. It should then be fairly easy to wash the deposits away.

If these solutions still don’t help, call in an experienced Jacksonville plumber. Fenwick Home Services can help you solve all of your hard water issues and keep your plumbing and fixtures looking and working like new. Give us a call today!

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