Most of us have heard the terms hard water and soft water before — but what do they mean? And how does each affect us? While hard water isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be for your home. This is especially the case for San Antonio residents. According to the United States Geological Survey, in 2018, San Antonio’s water contains some of the hardest water in the US. Keep reading to learn more about hard water, soft water, and the most common minerals found in San Antonio water!
Why Are There Minerals in Tap Water?
To put it simply, tap water contains minerals. Public water suppliers move water from its source to treatment plants. From there, the water is chemically disinfected. Once clean, the water gets delivered to households through a system of underground pipes. Throughout his process, the water receives added minerals, including:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
Hard vs. Soft Water
Hard Water
Sometimes, higher levels of minerals such as magnesium or calcium can make your water “hard”. A few symptoms you could see in your home if you have hard water include:
- Spots on glasses or silverware
- Minerals stains on clothes after washing
- Weak water pressure due to scale buildup
- Feeling of film on hands after washing
- High energy bills
While these symptoms aren’t exactly positive ones, drinking hard water is considered generally safe. In fact, hard water can actually be beneficial for you considering its high concentrations of magnesium and calcium — two minerals our bodies need.
There are disadvantages to hard water, however. It can cause your plumbing pipes to clog, your hair to dry out, causes residue buildup and can even shorten the lifespan of water-based appliances.
Soft Water
One way to reduce the effects of hard water is to switch to “soft” water. This water is treated so that it is free from harsh chemicals that can damage your home. The most common way to get soft water is through a water softening system, which will treat your water with electrical currents such as ions.
While you could install this system if you have plumbing experience, the best option is to have it installed by a qualified plumbing professional. This reduces the chances of dealing with leaks or clogs down the line. Water softeners can be costly, but they help prevent issues down the line, which can save you money in the long run!
Common Minerals in San Antonio Water
Magnesium
This mineral is a crucial one – it helps with muscle and nerve function and maintaining energy. It’s also found in natural water, especially San Antonio’s. Magnesium is known to cause a buildup of limescale in steel pipes.
Calcium
The second most common mineral found in San Antonio water is calcium. Most of us know of its importance to our health, but not many may know that calcium also gives water a better taste. Unfortunately, similar to magnesium, calcium contributes to limescale buildup in pipes.
San Antonio’s Plumbing Pros
If you suspect your San Antonio home is being affected by hard water buildup, contact Mr. Plumber today! Our experienced and qualified plumbers would be happy to inspect your pipes and provide a plan of action. Whether you need general plumbing advice or want to transition to a fully soft water home — Mr. Plumber is here to assist you with all your plumbing needs!
