Las Vegas has a hard water problem that greatly affects your plumbing. Fortunately, you can do things to reduce your hard water problems. Here is more information on hard water, how it causes damage, and ways you can alleviate some of its side effects.
Hard Water in Las Vegas
While rain from the sky is often neutral, when the water flows through the Colorado River to Lake Mead, it picks up minerals from the surrounding rocks. Lake Mead is the primary source of water for Las Vegas and it has high, naturally-occurring, calcium and magnesium content. The municipal water is rated as having about 16 grams of dissolved minerals per gallon, and that classifies it as very hard.
Signs of a Hard Water Problem
You can't tell that you have hard water simply by its appearance, but there are other signs that you have hard water. Here are some examples:
Soap Won't Lather
Hard water is more difficult for you to get into a good lather. You may think that your soap is the problem, but it is actually the water.
Water Stains Don't Go Away
Not only does soap not lather properly, you also won't be able to rinse it off very well. This leaves an uncomfortable feeling on your skin and stains on your dishes, especially if you let them air dry.
Minerals Form on Chrome Fixtures
If you are not diligent, a white crusty mineral substance could form on your chrome faucets and handles. If left to build up, then you may have problems with water flow through the aerator or trouble turning your handles.
Pipes Break or Leak Frequently
Not only can minerals build up on outside fixtures, but also they can build up on, damage, and block your plumbing on the inside. Some pipe materials are more vulnerable than others.
Food Doesn't Cook Right
Professional chefs will tell you that hard water makes certain foods difficult to boil or blanch, with less desirable results. Hard water not only affects the color and texture of your food, but also the taste.
Water Tastes Funny
Water with high mineral contents can have a funny aftertaste that is highly noticeable for those who are sensitive. You may also notice an equally unpleasant smell accompanying the taste.
Solutions for Hard Water Issues
Fortunately, several hard water solutions are available to makes things easier in your home. Some solutions involve major changes, some require only small ones. Here are ways to combat hard water problems.
Install a Water Softener System
Water softener installation is the usual remedy to hard water and solves the problem throughout your house. Basically, the calcium and magnesium is counteracted with sodium and potassium to create more balanced water.
Filter Your Tap Water
You can install a filter right at your faucet or use a pitcher filter to reduce or eliminate minerals and other problem contaminants.
Reduce Water Pressure
You can have your water pressure adjusted so that there is a lower likelihood of leakage. However, this may result in other problems, especially if your appliances require a higher pressure to operate correctly.
Add Rinse Aids and Softening Detergents
If your only concern is the hard water's effect on your dishes and clothing, then you can use special rinses and detergents that are designed to counteract hard water problems.
Just because the city's water is hard and high in minerals doesn't mean that you have to put up with the associated problems. New plumbing equipment and plumbing changes can help make your water better. Dignity Plumbing can test your water and adjust and make changes to your system so that you can have tasty water that won't wreck your plumbing. Call us for an appointment.