Hard water can cause a range of problems in your home, from scale buildup in pipes to dull laundry and spotty dishes. Finding the right hard water treatment is essential for protecting your plumbing and improving water quality. Beis Plumbing, serving the St. Louis area, explains the best hard water treatment options and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 85% of U.S. homes have hard water.
- Causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances
- Reduces the effectiveness of soap and detergent
- Leads to dry skin and hair
- Can shorten the lifespan of water-using appliances
Popular Hard Water Treatment Options
There are several effective hard water treatment solutions available:
- Water Softeners: The most common solution, using ion exchange to remove minerals. These systems replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, providing the most comprehensive solution for hard water problems throughout your entire home.
- Salt-Free Conditioners: Use a physical process to prevent minerals from sticking to surfaces. While they don’t actually remove the minerals from the water, they crystallize them so they won’t form scale buildup in your pipes and appliances.
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Filter out minerals and other contaminants. These systems are typically installed at individual faucets or as whole-house units and provide exceptionally pure water by forcing it through a semi-permeable membrane.
- Magnetic or Electronic Descalers: Alter the properties of minerals to reduce scale. These devices claim to change the structure of mineral crystals as water passes through magnetic or electronic fields, though their effectiveness remains debated among water treatment professionals.
According to Angi, water softeners are the most effective and widely used hard water treatment in the U.S.
How to Choose the Best Hard Water Treatment
Consider these factors when selecting a hard water treatment:
- Water hardness level in your area
- Household size and water usage
- Budget and maintenance requirements
- Local plumbing codes and restrictions
For more information on water treatment solutions, visit Beis Plumbing’s Water Filtration Services page.
Benefits of Hard Water Treatment
- Protects plumbing and appliances from scale buildup
- Improves soap and detergent performance
- Leads to softer skin and hair
- Reduces energy bills by improving appliance efficiency
According to ENERGY STAR, water heaters with less scale buildup operate up to 30% more efficiently.
Contact Beis Plumbing for Hard Water Solutions
Ready to improve your water quality? Contact Beis Plumbing for expert advice and installation of hard water treatment systems in the St. Louis area.