Protecting Your Family From Hard Water And How To Get Rid Of It
Hard water is an issue faced by many houses throughout the world. Water is the source of life. But it may happen that sometimes there are certain elements in water that make it excessively harmful for human health. There are two types of problems associated with hard water; physical and chemical problems.
The physical problems arise when excess calcium and magnesium present themselves in water causing difficulty while washing clothes or dishes. The other problem is caused by chemicals, like chlorine and lead, which can cause damage to lungs due to inhalation. It can even be hazardous to one’s health if it enters through any open cuts on the skin. Below this article discusses how to get rid of hard water.
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Water Filter
Water filters are highly effective and often recommended. Especially for people who want to get rid of hard water without spending too much. These filters contain a bed of crushed rock or pebbles which absorb water and release minerals back into the system after purification. All reputable guides for healthier water will tell you that a good home filter should remove all hardness through precipitation. Thereby reducing it to zero percent. Some important points about effective filtering are given below:
One must ensure that the filter is installed at the beginning rather than at the end of the pipeline. This reduces the wasted amount of water during rinsing. The filter must also be rinsed once every two weeks with vinegar in order to prevent any calcium buildup inside the media bed. Lastly, filters are available in different sizes and shapes. They can easily be fitted under the sink. And they should be replaced after one to two years according to usage.
Distillation
Distillation is among the most efficient ways of getting rid of hard water. It involves boiling water. Here steam is produced, and is later cooled down for producing purified water. Distilled water is free from any solid particles as they are left behind once the liquid evaporates into steam. This method can be employed on a large scale by big companies. However, it has been found to be too costly for small households. The heat involved in this process may also prove hazardous as human skin cannot stand more than 45 degrees Celsius, which is the temperature at which boiled water releases steam.
Water Softeners
Water softeners use ion exchange technology to get rid of hard water. This works by replacing heavy metal ions with sodium or potassium ions so that the water becomes soft. The ideal way to use a water softener is to work it on a continuous basis. This can be achieved by running the salt solution back through the system. Example is when it gets discharged from the washer, thereby saving costs on both salt and electricity.
When choosing a water softener for your residence, the key factor to consider is its capacity which directly affects how much water can be purified at one time. In order to know what size of a softener you need in your house, you must first calculate the daily water usage. And then add about 30% to find your answer.
Washing Soda
Washing soda, or soda ash, is primarily used in laundry soap to soften hard water before washing clothes in the machine. One cup of washing soda must be dissolved in two gallons of hot water. It should also be stored in a plastic container. The container should not contain any metal parts as these cause corrosion once combined with washing soda. Washing soda is commonly used for removing stains from clothes. And it should be used in lower concentrations when washing delicate fabrics like silk which can get damaged due to excess alkalinity.
Enzyme Cleaners
These are among the latest methods of getting rid of hard water. It is also widely used by people who have sensitive skin, which may react adversely to chlorine present in water. These cleaners also prevent the build-up of harmful contaminants on shower curtains and tiles caused by hard water. This is because they contain enzymes that capture minerals before they deposit on glass or fabric surfaces leaving them sparkling clean. If used correctly, there will be no residue or damages caused by chemicals or hardness. Which is then released into the environment after breaking down into carbon dioxide and oxygen gases at a later stage.
Hard water is a common problem faced by many households and offices. It is essential to keep an adequate supply of soft water in order to avoid its harmful effects on the skin, clothes, vessels, and other surfaces made from metal or ceramic. Hard water has a high mineral content which makes it unfit for consumption as it may lead to health problems such as digestive complaints and kidney stones. So be sure to get your water checked, and figure out a plan to tackle any hard water you have today.
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