How to Handle Hard Water
It stretches beyond leaving a white haze on glass and dishes, since it can lead to severe corrosion in pipes and inside appliances.
Hard water is caused by high vitamin and mineral content from various water sources including aquifers, wells, and water reservoirs.
Everything this water touches can be ruined over time without proper maintenance and care.
The best way to prevent damage is to perform proper maintenance.
It is recommended that you change out filters, such as in your coffee maker, every 60-75 uses.
When it comes to your refrigerator and icemaker, filter replacement is recommended every 6-9 months.
All filter replacement recommendations are based on usage.
The more you use these items with the presence of hard water, the more frequently these items should be replaced.
It is important to clean and de-lime or de-mineralize outdoor irrigation systems, shower doors/sliders, shower glass, shower heads, and faucet heads and screens regularly.
You can do this on your own, but to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance, you may want to have a company attend to these maintenance items to properly care for the various filters and screens throughout your home.
Many residential property management companies offer full care services to inspect your home's foundation for any leaks resulting from related damage.
In addition, they can clean all the filters throughout your home and inspect for damage beyond what you may realize is affected by the mineral content of your water.
As with most matters of home maintenance, being consistent and vigilant is the key.
Wherever you have exposed pipes or plumbing connections in your home, periodically check them for mineral deposits and buildups.
Issues in visible locations may provide you an early warning of issues developing in hidden locations, such as inside walls or underneath your home's foundation.
Even when dealing with the aesthetic consequences of hard water, there can be minor dangers.
Products developed to remove hard water stains often contain harsh chemicals that should be used with care.
Always read and follow directions on the cleaning product's label.
Hard water damage is not just a visual concern of hazy windows and white water deposits on finishes.
Hard water damage can cause major leaks in your home's foundation, which can result in mold damage and can even risk the structural integrity of your home.
Begin prevention methods now so that you do not have to invest in costly repairs as hard water damage wreaks havoc on your home.