How To Tell The Signs of Hard Water in Your Memphis Home

Perhaps you've just moved into a new home, and the water tastes different. You also find that the soap as you wash your dishes, isn't lathering as well as it did in your old place. You've heard many things about hard water and soft water, and the mineral content in each of them varies. But still, you can't quite tell if the water at your new home is hard... This blog will guide you through the common signs of hard water in your Memphis home, and what effect hard water has on your health and your plumbing systems.

The hardness of water can differ throughout the country, and Tennessee is no exception. In fact, the water in Tennessee is known to be relatively soft to moderately hard. On average, residents in Tennessee experience a water hardness level of approximately 99 PPM. However, in Nashville, the water hardness is even lower, at around 79 PPM. But what truly sets Tennessee apart is the city of Memphis, which boasts an exceptional water hardness level of only 55 PPM. It's worth noting that Memphis is home to one of the most sought-after drinking water sources in the entire nation. Few cities in the world can rival the pure and refreshing taste of Memphis' water. In Memphis, we've got music, Elvis, and great drinking water.

But on the slight chance that your water is hard, let our Memphis plumber guide you through the effects and signs of hard water.

Telltale Signs of Hard Water in Memphis

The hardness of water is determined by its source. When there are minerals in the soil near a water supply well, these minerals can dissolve and be carried into the groundwater supply. To measure water hardness, we examine the quantity of calcium carbonate in the water, measured in milligrams per liter. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) states that water hardness is defined by the concentration of calcium carbonate, measured in milligrams per liter. Check it out:

Soft: 0 to 60 mg/L
Moderately hard: 61 to 120 mg/L
Hard: 121 to 180 mg/L
Very hard: 180 + mg/L

The hardness of water is a significant issue for groundwater systems. As water flows through the earth, it naturally absorbs minerals, which then make their way into the groundwater. If the soil surrounding a water source contains a substantial amount of minerals, it is likely that the households in the vicinity will experience hard tap water. Conversely, soft water contains minimal mineral content. This is why rainwater and distilled bottled water are typically considered soft sources of water.

Here are the telltale signs that your home may have hard water:

You have dry skin and itchy skin: Households with hard water are more prone to experiencing eczema and psoriasis. This type of water disrupts the skin's delicate barrier, leading to dry skin, clogged pores, and flaking.
Residue after handwashing: If your water is hard, you will notice a residue left on your hands after washing with soap. This residue is caused by the reaction between the soap and the calcium in the water, which results in the formation of stubborn soap scum.
Soap that won't lather: If you notice that your soap doesn't create a rich lather when you wash the dishes or indulge in a bubble bath, but instead leaves a filmy residue, it's a clear indication that you are dealing with hard water. As a comparison, soft water lathers too intensely.
Mineral deposits left on faucets and fixtures:
Lackluster hair: Mineral buildup caused by hard water can significantly diminish the natural shine and volume of your hair. Furthermore, it can lead to dryness and brittleness, making your hair more susceptible to breakage.
Spots on your dishes: In addition to the residue that remains on your hands, hard water also leaves residue on your dishes and glassware. If you observe spots or cloudiness on your glasses after washing them, it is an indication that you are experiencing a hard water issue.
Frequent plumbing problems: Hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate in your pipes, fixtures, and appliances, resulting in corrosion and water pressure problems. For instance, you may observe that your shower heads and faucets become clogged and experience reduced water flow. Additionally, the performance of your washing machine may be compromised by hard water.

If you notice mineral deposits on faucets and fixtures, it's likely a clear indication of hard water. Furthermore, hard water can also cause premature deterioration of your clothing and fabrics due to mineral buildup. This can result in faded colors, stiff fabrics, and a shorter lifespan for your clothes.

The Negative Effects of Hard Water

In addition to affecting cleanliness, hard water can have a negative impact on various aspects of your life. The high mineral content in hard water can lead to the formation of sticky soap curd when combined with soap, causing undesirable consequences. This curd not only leaves unsightly scum in your shower but also leaves your hair feeling grimy and your skin dry and irritated. Furthermore, the presence of minerals that contribute to water hardness can partially deactivate the active ingredient in some synthetic detergents, rendering them less effective, even though the detergent remains dissolved.

Another sign of hard water is when you see soap scum residue, making it difficult to completely remove dirt and germs. This can prevent the skin from returning to its slightly acidic state, potentially leading to skin irritation.

When it comes to doing laundry, soap scum can build up in fabric, causing garments to feel stiff and rough against your skin. Not only that, but it can also result in clothes losing their vibrant colors and wearing out more quickly.

Some Positive Effects of Hard Water*

Many people often highlight the negative consequences of hard water, and they are right to do so. However, what most people fail to realize is that hard water can also offer some surprising advantages. It's not as terrible as it is often portrayed. Water hardness occurs due to an abundance of calcium and magnesium, both of which are beneficial minerals for practically everyone's diet. Consuming hard water may have some benefits to our health.

Cardiovascular health: Numerous extensive studies have revealed a remarkable connection between water hardness and optimal heart health. The substantial presence of calcium and magnesium in hard water has been identified as a direct source of stimulation for the heart, enhancing its efficiency in effectively pumping blood throughout the entire body.
Digestive health and constipation: The right combination of calcium and magnesium in hard water not only helps fight constipation but also improves overall digestive health. Calcium aids in eliminating insoluble substances resulting from bowel movements, joining forces with excess bile and fats to alleviate constipation. Magnesium, often found in laxatives, helps relieve diarrhea and stomach cramps. When combined with calcium, it further enhances digestive health.
Beneficial for plants: In order to thrive, plants depend on minerals for growth. Soft water lacks essential minerals, containing only sodium, which inhibits plants from absorbing vital nutrients, ultimately leading to their gradual demise. On the other hand, hard water has the opposite effect, offering plants an additional source of crucial minerals.

*Important Note: While the above research does not apply to everyone, we recommend consulting your physician about hard water consumption versus soft water. Furthermore, we highly recommend water quality testing, as other elements, such as impurities and pollutants, can lurk in your water supply. If you seek water testing and water treatment services, Mr. Rooter Plumbing has a trick up its sleeve. Let's take a look.

Water Softener Installation Services From Mr. Rooter Plumbing

A water softener system is designed to treat the water in your home by removing calcium and magnesium, therefore eliminating its hardness. These minerals, known as limescale deposits, are the main culprits behind the problems in your plumbing fixtures, disrupting your daily routine. By getting rid of these minerals, your plumbing pipes are relieved from the strain, resulting in water that is safer for consumption and everyday tasks. Typically, the level of calcium and magnesium in your freshwater supply is measured in kilograms of grains per liter of calcium carbonate. Once the hardness level reaches around 80 to 100 mg/L, the water becomes safe to consume. However, if the level exceeds 200 mg/L, it's a clear indication that the quality of your water has deteriorated. A water softener acts as an ion exchange unit, using resin beads to trap calcium and magnesium minerals, protecting your plumbing fixtures from any potential damage.

Choosing a water filtration or water softener installation will be greatly appreciated by your home. There are countless advantages: soaps and shampoos will lather effortlessly, deposits will no longer accumulate on shower doors, dishes, or silverware, and your plumbing fixtures will no longer suffer from calcium deposits that can cause harm to internal seals.

When You Notice Signs of Hard Water, Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Water Quality Testing and Water Treatment Services

When you see signs of hard water, you can count on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis to install a water softening system. Though, as we’ve seen in this blog, hard water is controversial, customers never regret reaching out to Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Just check out our customer reviews!

Homeowners can rely on Mr. Rooter Plumbing for their plumbing woes because:

There is never an overtime charge
We have upfront pricing
Our excellent customer service
We're locally owned and operated
We're licensed and insured
Our workmanship parts are guaranteed
We're courteous, uniformed professionals
We have convenient appointment times
We have flexible service options

We have full confidence in the plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, who have demonstrated their expertise and commitment. We are certain that they will provide exceptional craftsmanship using high-quality parts and get the job done right the first time. From drain cleaning to water heater repair and sump pump services, we offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services.

Contact our friendly customer service team today to inquire about signs of hard water in Memphis and how we can help! We proudly serve Memphis and the surrounding areas of Collierville, Germantown, and Bartlett.