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Archive for the ‘Hard Water Solutions’ Category

5 Benefits of Filtering Hard Water

Posted by Rayne Water

Water hardness refers to the amount of magnesium and calcium solids in your water supply.1  No matter where you live or work, where you get your water, or how satisfied you are with your overall water quality, home and business owners can all agree—hard water is a nuisance. 

Luckily, there’s a solution to one of the peskiest problems in nationwide water supplies. While hard water cannot be filtered, it can be softened to significantly improve your water quality, protect your plumbing system, reduce your time spent cleaning, and more. 

This article will break down everything you need to know about water softening (which is sometimes termed as filtering hard water). We’ll explore five benefits you can reap when you choose a water softening system and introduce you to a few potential solutions to your hard water woes.

#1 Meet Your Wellness Goals

If you’re new to the science of water softening, you might be worried that hard water could be a sign of a vulnerability in your plumbing system or an issue with your municipal water infrastructure, but hard water is normal and naturally occurring. 

When groundwater—the source of most municipal and all well water—moves through rock underground, it dissolves loose solids that fall away from the rock as it erodes. While numerous compounds can dissolve into groundwater, hard water refers to the concentration of calcium and magnesium only. 

Calcium and magnesium are essential nutrients that your body needs to survive:

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends daily intake values for both minerals—between 200 and 1,300 mg of calcium and between 30 and 420 mg of calcium, depending on your age, sex, and pregnancy status—but ingesting too much of either may lead to unwanted health effects.

Consuming too much magnesium doesn’t pose a fatal health risk—since the kidneys eliminate any excess via urine—but it can potentially cause nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

However, overconsumption of calcium is more serious, potentially leading to:

If you see visible signs of hard water in your home or business water supply, you should make efforts to resolve the problem to prevent overconsumption of both magnesium and calcium, since too much of either can make you sick. 

Water Softener Systems starting at only $35/mo. Try before you buy!

How Hard is Your Water?

There are four classifications for water hardness, measured in grains per gallon or GPG  ) of total dissolved solids (TDS):

To determine your water hardness and whether you’re in need of water treatment, you can learn how to test water quality at home or consult with your municipal water supplier. Keep these numbers in mind when assessing the potential health risk of your hard water. 

#2 Prolong the Life of Your Plumbing System and Fixtures

Calcium and magnesium are dissolved solids. Like dust in your air vents, hard water solids in your drinking water can collect in your pipes, which can potentially lead to:

In addition, hard water solids can build up on the insides and outsides of your plumbing fixtures—for example, your kitchen faucet, shower head, and hose spigot. 

Plumbing is a significant utility in your home, and it can be expensive to replace. Homeowners spent an average of $2,280 to $5,120 installing new plumbing systems in 2021.4 In addition, it can be difficult to diagnose internal plumbing system issues before it’s too late. You may not notice a gradual reduction in your water pressure until you have houseguests or a pipe cracks in your warehouse.

Resolving hard water issues before they become catastrophic can extend the life of the plumbing system and fixtures in your home or office, saving you money and protecting your hard-earned investment. 

#3 Reduce Hard Water Stains—And Your Time Spent Cleaning

Calcium and magnesium solids are left behind when water evaporates. If you drip hard water onto the counter while cooking or washing dishes, you’ll likely find small rings of white, chalky residue when you return to the kitchen a few hours later. 

Of all hard water ramifications, stains can be the most irritating. Even if you use chemical solutions instead of water for surface cleaning, spaces like the sink, kitchen countertops, and bathtub will inevitably keep gathering hard water buildup every time you use these high-traffic areas. 

Hard water stains may also collect on dishes, giving your glasses, plates, and silverware an unpleasant, crusty coating and decreasing their shine. 

Instead of succumbing to the endless cycle of hard water stain removal, opt for a permanent solution—softening your water. When you eliminate hard water from your home or business, you can save time scrubbing up calcium and magnesium residue and adopt a more relaxed cleaning schedule. 

#4 Improve Qualitative Water Issues

In addition to its health, infrastructure, and visual impacts, hard water may also cause qualitative issues with your drinking and bathing water. 

High levels of calcium and magnesium can impact your drinking water’s color, taste, and odor, which can also impact your cooking, laundry, and hygiene efforts. Why?

Hard water neutralizes soap.5

In fact, noticeably unpleasant effects while handwashing, bathing, or cleaning may be your first indication that you have a hard water problem. Be on the lookout for the following signs:

Using a water softening solution can improve the color, of your water, thus enhancing your overall drinking water quality. Resolving hard water issues may also improve the cleanliness of your laundry, dishes, and body. Plus, with calcium and magnesium out of the picture, you’ll find yourself using less soap to work up suds. 

#5 Enjoy Secondary Softening Benefits

Depending on the water softening system you use, you could achieve other potential water softening benefits while removing magnesium and calcium from your home or business water supply. 

For instance, if you employ a water purification system that uses a physical media to filter out solids, this system will also usually remove other particles, like:6

Chemical water purification systems utilize chemical reactions to remove contaminants, and some systems may neutralize calcium and magnesium. They can also tackle some or all of the following:

Even if you don’t know which contaminants could be plaguing your home or business water supply, opting to solve your hard water issues usually offers an attractive secondary improvement: reducing the overall total dissolved solids (TDS) in your drinking (and bathing) water. A lack of these components in softened and filtered water may also help keep your skin and hair soft.

What Technology is Available for Water Softening?

Softening hard water is potentially beneficial for your health, plumbing equipment, cleaning efforts, and overall water quality experience. So, what technologies are available for water softening, and what other benefits do these systems boast? 

Some of the available technologies on the market include:

Rayne Water: Providing Clean, Delicious Water Since 1928

Softening hard water is a worthy pursuit. You may lessen the risk of magnesium and calcium overconsumption, reduce the damage of hard water minerals, and generally improve your home or business water experience with a water softener. 

Finding the right water filtration system or water softener for you shouldn’t be a problem. At Rayne Water, we’ve been helping families and business owners choose ideal water purification solutions for nearly 100 years. From reverse osmosis systems to ion exchange filtration to salt-free systems and everything in between, we don’t just provide excellent service—we make every effort to bring the purest, tastiest water possible to your home or business. 

With our team of industry professionals and a long-time reputation for quality, you can trust Rayne Water Conditioning to resolve any water quality issue that comes your way. 

Find a location near you!

Sources: 

  1. US Department of the Interior. Hardness of Water. https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water  
  2. National Institutes of Health. Calcium. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/ 
  3. National Institutes of Health. Magnesium. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ 
  4. Home Guide. How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Plumbing? https://homeguide.com/costs/install-new-house-plumbing-pipes-cost 
  5. US Department of the Interior. Why Does It Take So Long to Rinse the Soap Off My Hands? https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/why-does-it-take-so-long-rinse-soap-my-hands-what-are-hard-water-and-soft-water 
  6. US Environmental Protection Agency. Overview of Drinking Water Treatment Technologies. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/overview-drinking-water-treatment-technologies#RO 

Are Water Treatment Systems Only for Homes?

Posted by Rayne Water

water filtration system or a water softener to offer its patrons. Public facilities that offer or utilize water (drinking water or within appliances) could reduce their environmental impact, waste less water, conserve their expensive appliances, and reduce harmful contaminants from the drinking water all at once. So again, the answer seems quite simple.
Let’s say, for example, a hospital was looking to provide patients safe drinking water from faucets or drinking water fountains, but had impurities in the water as many areas in this country do. Patients, with their many susceptibilities, needed to be sure they wouldn’t consume harmful contaminants. With a good water filter, kitchens could serve safe drinking water without the expense and waste of plastic bottles. People could feel good about water fountains. Appliances won’t be breaking down from hard water buildup. A simple and inexpensive solution could be to install drinking water systems.
Likewise, hotels could also benefit from some of the related services. From offering sparkling clean drinking water, to saving on hard water buildup, water treatment systems are a great way to get clients into your business and save money in the long run. Hotels utilize constantly expensive equipment – washing machines, pipes, dishwashers, sinks, etc… Hard water can leave mineral buildup which can quickly shorten the life of the appliances, creating both a hassle and a cost. With a commercial water softener at an affordable price, the savings are imminent. Not to mention the increased profits due to people who want to stay in a hotel with safe drinking water at their fingertips!
Farmers who are looking at hydroponic crops can also benefit from the use of a reverse osmosis system. There was a recent article on this very topic that states that farmers grow larger and healthier hydroponic crops by utilizing a reverse osmosis system. They, too, will reduce water wasted while improving the quality of their hydroponic crops.
One last example is, of course, restaurants which use water in a variety of ways and who could immensely benefit from drinking water systems. Restaurants, like hotels and hospitals, have very expensive equipment that they would want to last for many, many years. Hard water mineral buildup can hinder this, should nothing be done. A water softener can reduce this mineral buildup, creating better water and minimizing damage to dishwashers, sinks, and so on. However, one of the biggest benefits with a reverse osmosis system in restaurants would be for the consumers. Just like John Hickey discussed in an article  in the Orlando Sentinel, many people are drinking water when they go out to eat – to watch their wallet and their waistline, kicking sodas to the curb. Most consumers would prefer to know that they are conserving water at the same time that they can enjoy safe drinking water as a beverage alternative. Explore the benefits of a drinking water system or a water softener for your business or corporation today!

Soften Your Base Water

Posted by Rayne Water

Camp Pendleton, you may have noticed some strange things happening.  You’ve run the dishes through the dishwasher but they come out with spots on them.  You’ve done the laundry but the clothes don’t seem clean.  And, you took a shower but your skin and hair feel dry. Don’t worry; you’re not losing your mind.  You’re just one of the many Camp Pendleton residents experiencing the results of hard water.  Hard water is created when water comes in contact with rocks and soil and picks up excess minerals, usually calcium and magnesium.  On the base, much of the water comes from the Santa Margaurita basin area and is high in minerals.  If left untreated, this water coming through the fixtures in your home causes those water spots you’ve noticed, and also makes it more difficult to get things clean, including the laundry and your own body. Fortunately, there is an easy solution.  Installing a water softener system in your home can make things so much simpler.  A water softener simply removes the excess minerals in the water, allowing the water to be able to do its job more efficiently.  With soft water, less detergent and soap will be needed to create a lather and adequately clean the laundry, your skin, and hair.  And, you will be glad to see those dishes coming out of the dishwasher sparkling clean. Rayne of Camp Pendleton offers base residents affordable options for water softeners.  Instead of having to buy a permanent system, residents can rent a water softener on a month- to- month basis.  When it’s time to move, the system can be removed for no extra charge, and if you’re moving to another home in Camp Pendleton or anywhere in North San Diego County, it can be moved to your new residence for free. Rayne of Camp Pendleton also offers exchange tank service.  This is the easiest water softener system to maintain because Rayne’s professional technicians take care of it all!  They bring a soft water exchange tank to your home and periodically exchange it with a fresh tank.  How often it is exchanged depends on the size of your household.  The tanks do not require electricity or drainage and the customer does not have to add any salt, making it easy and convenient to have soft water all day long.  There’s no reason for you to suffer with hard water any longer…make the trip to Rayne of Camp Pendleton today to find YOUR solution!]]>
Are you looking for a water softener installer in California? We can provide water softeners in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Sacramento, the Bay Area, and more!

We also provide water softener services in Arizona and Nevada. Give us a call today to schedule your consultation appointment!

What Are Phoenix Water Hardness Levels?

Posted by Rayne Water

If you’ve noticed white stains on your glasses and silverware or a slimy feeling while washing your hands, there’s a good chance your water has excessive hardness levels, especially if you don’t have a water softener. While water hardness poses no threat to human health, its aesthetic impact and effect on the taste of your drinking water can be a source of annoyance in your daily life

If you live in Phoenix, you might already be intimately familiar with the issue of water hardness. According to the city’s Water Services Department, sampled hardness levels for 2020 ranged from 9.9-16.1 grains per gallon, meaning that Phoenix residents are faced with some of the hardest water in the country.1

In this blog, we provide important insight on Phoenix water hardness and drinking water quality in Phoenix as well as information on how to purify the tap water you depend on every day.

What Is Water Hardness?

According to the United States Geological Survey, water hardness refers to the measurement of dissolved minerals, mostly calcium and magnesium, present in a source of water. The following guidelines provide classifications for water hardness:

While hard water might not sound very appealing to the consumer, it actually contains some nutritional benefits. According to the World Health Organization, the added calcium and magnesium in hard water can actually be a healthy supplement for those whose diet is otherwise deficient in these necessary minerals.2

Water hardness most commonly affects groundwater due to the movement of water through mineral-rich soil and rock, but it also affects surface water sources such as lakes, streams, rivers, and ponds. 

Although it is harmless to human health, hard water can damage water supply lines and kitchen equipment such as dishwashers and coffee makers due to the buildup known as scale. Additionally, hard water can shorten the lifespan of clothing and other washable items.

Last but not least, water hardness is often associated with an undesirable taste in people’s drinking water. For all of these reasons, many industrial and domestic water users choose to invest in filtration systems that purify their water of dissolved minerals while keeping it free of contaminants.

Water Softener Systems starting at only $35/mo. Try before you buy!

Water Hardness in Phoenix

For residents of Phoenix, Arizona, water hardness is a common cause of frustration. Using the city’s own numbers for the year 2020, hardness levels in sampled drinking water ranged between 9.9 and 16.1 grains per gallon. Converting that to the guidelines provided by the USGS, puts Phoenix’s water hardness levels between 169.5 and 275.6 mg/L. 

In other words, Phoenix’s water ranges from hard at best to well over the standard for very hard at worst.

To mitigate water hardness, Phoenix’s water supply undergoes a water treatment process that removes large sediments and debris from the water using screens. Smaller sediments are then collected using a chemical coagulent that aggregates tiny particles so that they fall to the bottom of the basin.3

However, Phoenix provides some seriously hard water to its residents, despite its treatment processes and meeting EPA standards for levels of federally-regulated contaminants in its drinking water.

While only 2% of the city’s water is sourced from groundwater—where water hardness typically derives—it’s clear that the city’s surface water sources, which comprise 97-99% of Phoenix’s water supply, is particularly mineral-rich.

Somewhere along the journey from snowmelt to kitchen tap, these waters pick up enough magnesium and calcium to generate some of the highest water hardness levels in the country.

Now that we know Phoenix has some particularly hard water, what can be said for the safety of the city’s drinking water supply?

Can You Drink Tap Water in Phoenix?

You may be wondering, “Is Phoenix tap water safe to drink?” The short answer is yes. The city of Phoenix must comply with EPA regulations when it comes to monitoring federally-regulated contaminants within the drinking water supply, which are anything other than water molecules.4

Most contaminants in drinking water come from animal waste, agricultural and industrial runoff, and sometimes even household plumbing systems—particularly if they’re older or corroded. However, other contaminants occur naturally. 

While the tap water in Phoenix is safe to drink, it still may contain some harmful contaminants. More specifically, Phoenix’s Water Services Department conducted a 2020 water quality report that found quantities of certain potentially harmful contaminants:5

In addition to such potential risks as gas stations, landfills, dry cleaners, agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment, and mining, Phoenix’s drinking water is also threatened by climate change—particularly in relation to the region’s 22-year drought, which is draining significant resources from the Colorado River. 

Overall, Phoenix provides dependable clean drinking water to a population of 1.6 million and counting. In terms of hardness, however, the city’s water can certainly be improved to ensure its residents peace of mind and fresh-tasting water when they turn on the tap.

How to Treat Phoenix Tap Water

To provide extra protection from potential contaminants and to reduce the hardness of their drinking water, many Phoenix residents invest in water filtration systems for their homes and businesses. 

These systems, including water softeners, salt-free systems, and reverse osmosis systems, can filter out harmful contaminants and reduce water hardness to ensure your water remains healthy and tastes good to drink, all while reducing your dependence on environmentally-hazardous plastic water bottles.

To decrease the hardness of your water supply, you might want to invest in a water softener. These systems remove mineral ions from your water through a process known as ion exchange. 

While a salt-based water softener uses chemicals to trap hard minerals in the system’s resin bed, a salt-free water softener is a chemical-free system that conditions water to prevent it from sticking to surfaces, thereby reducing stains and scaling.

Beyond improving the taste of your drinking water, water softening systems provide the following benefits to home and business owners:

Since water hardness is typically thought of as an aesthetic issue as opposed to a matter of personal health, it’s easy to dismiss water softeners as an extraneous addition to the many appliances and systems you rely on to keep your home or business functioning the way they should. 

The truth is, however, that investing in a water filtration system can go a long way in preventing expenses down the road for costly repairs and even replacements to your plumbing system. Not only that, but water softeners and other filtration systems can provide peace of mind through their added protection to the water you depend on. 

With so much uncertainty swirling around the effects of climate change and the environmental impact of potential contaminants, it’s important to weigh all of your options when it comes to purifying your water.

Better Water Quality with Rayne Water Conditioning

While the hardness levels of water in Phoenix are high, the city regularly monitors drinking water to ensure that it meets EPA standards and is safe for its 1.6 million residents. However, to mitigate mineral build-up in your morning coffee and evening tea, it’s beneficial to invest in a water softener system to remove any unwanted mineral ions.

At Rayne Water, we bring nearly a century of experience to the table to ensure the safety of your home’s drinking water. Contact us today to learn more about our water filtration systems and see if one of our water softeners could help you reduce water hardness levels to provide the purity you need.

Just because Phoenix offers some of the hardest water in the country doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to protect the taste of your tap and the integrity of your plumbing appliances. Find a Phoenix water softener or any water solution with Rayne Water today.

Sources: 

  1. City of Phoenix. 2020 Water Report. https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservicessite/documents/wsdprimarywqr.pdf 
  2. World Health Organization. Hardness in Drinking-water. https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/chemicals/hardness.pdf 
  3. City of Phoenix. ​Understanding Phoenix’s Water Quality. https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices/waterquality
  4. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Types of Drinking Water Contaminants. https://www.epa.gov/ccl/types-drinking-water-contaminants 
  5. Buzzfeed News. People In Arizona Are About To Face The West’s First Major Water Crisis.   https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/caitochs/colorado-river-shortage-arizona-drought 

 

What is the Irvine Water Hardness Level?

Posted by Rayne Water

Have you been noticing that it’s hard to clean things lately? Maybe your hands feel filmy no matter how hard you scrub them, you’ve been using more detergent in your laundry than you used to, or you’re going through shampoo quicker than you ever had before.

These signs are evidence that you have a hard water problem in your house. Though they may be more subtle than the more obvious giveaway of seeing spots on your silverware or glasses when you empty the dishwasher, they’re no less telling.

But if you live in Irvine, how do you know if your water is hard or soft? Is Irvine tap water safe to drink? In this article, we’ll discuss everything you might be wondering about Irvine water hardness. From its safety to the severity of the problem, we’ve got you covered.

What Is Water Hardness?

When you call water “hard” or “soft,” it has nothing to do with the actual texture of the water. Hard water is just water with a high concentration of minerals and chemicals dissolved in it. The two most commonly found in hard water are calcium and magnesium.

The extra amounts of these in your tap water can cause more severe issues than your laundry needing extra detergent. These issues include:1

The potential consequences of ignoring water are no joke and could cost you in terms of repairs or new appliances if you don’t deal with the issue.

Water Softener Systems starting at only $35/mo. Try before you buy!

Is the Water in Irvine Hard or Soft?

Now that you know what hard water is, you’re probably wondering if Irvine has a hard water problem. The short answer is yes. Hard water is classified on a sliding scale. This scale measures the concentration of dissolved minerals and chemicals in the water in terms of milligrams per liter. If water has dissolved minerals in the amount of:2

According to the 2021 water quality report, Irvine’s water qualifies as hard. Its average local treated groundwater has a PPM of 119, its average local treated surface water has a PPM of 308, and its average imported treated water from the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) has a PPM of 265.3

This hardness is due to the water source, as Irvine imports its water supply from the Colorado River and Northern California. Since both places tend to have naturally hard water, the water Irvine residents get is also hard, although the level of hardness changes depending on the time of year or your specific location.3

Is Hard Water Safe to Drink?

Since hard water can make it more difficult for cleaning products to do their job and causes harmful buildup and deposits, does that make it inherently unsafe to drink? The answer to that is no. 

Hard water is still safe drinking water, though doing so comes with its list of pros and cons.

The positives include a boost in your mineral intake. If you have type two diabetes, you’re probably naturally low in magnesium. As a result, drinking some hard water could improve your levels and provide some benefits. Those low in calcium would also experience a similar effect.

However, there are also drawbacks to drinking hard water. It can have an off taste when the calcium in it gets above a certain level. This means it can also give any drinks you make with it or food you cook in it an odd flavor as well. Hard water can also seem cloudy, which can make it very visually off-putting to consume.

Tackle Your Hard Water Issues With Rayne Water

Why wait for your appliances or pipes to become casualties of hard water? Save time and money by using one of our Water Softener Systems to eliminate hard water in your home. 

We have a variety of top-notch Water Softening Systems to address whatever hard water problems you have. Whether you have a large home that needs more capacity, or a smaller place where space is a premium, Rayne Water has got you covered.

So don’t wait for your pipes to get clogged or for the dishwasher to start staining your plates. Instead, try one of our Water Softening Systems today, and get six months for free.

Sources: 

  1. USGS. Hardness of Water. https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/hardness-water?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
  2. IRWD. 2021 Water Quality Report. https://www.irwd.com/images/pdf/services/irwd_2021_wqr_fini.pdf
  3. IRWD. Water Quality Information. https://www.irwd.com/services/water-quality-report

 

What is Portable Exchange Tank Service?

Posted by Rayne Water

Portable exchange tank service is a service we offer to our clients who are want to make life easier for two reasons – hard water is hard to live with and our technicians do all of the work for you! Your life will instantly become easier with this service. Not only is this the eco-friendly way to soften your hard water, but you don’t have to lift a finger. Our technician will deliver a fresh Soft Water Exchange Tank to your home and exchange it every week, every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks depending on the number of people in your home. We then return the “old” tank back to the plant to “regenerate” it for the next trip. The tanks require no electricity or drainage. If there is ever a problem, we have round-the-clock technicians available to help you, and there is rarely a charge for a service call! We do all the work for you!
Why portable exchange tank service?
Hard water is a serious problem — in fact it is the most common water quality problem in the U.S.  According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), 89.3% of US homes have hard water. A recent independent laboratory study by Battelle Memorial Institute concluded that soft water produced better function, efficiency, extended life, and appearance. There were no clogged pipes or water lines. The appliances used significantly less energy to operate. The appliances and plumbing lasted longer and needed fewer repairs. There were no water spots, tarnish, or stains to be cleaned away. Specifically, the water heaters using soft water had operating costs 47% less than those water heaters used with hard water. Even the most energy efficient water heater on the market was 10% more efficient with softened water. Another segment of the study compared showerheads. Those being used with hard water lost 75% of the flow rate in less than 18 months – and in some cases only had six tiny holes left open to spray water, while showerheads used with soft water maintained a brilliant luster, full flow, and good-as-new performance. Water softeners also were shown to reduce a home’s carbon footprint by over 14% – just on water heating.
How can you get portable exchange tank service?
We offer this service for an afforable price compared to the convenience it provides you. Contact us today to see how hard your water is and which system would be the best for you. Hard water doesn’t have to be hard to deal with when you have portable exchange tank service.

What are Hard Water Stains?

Posted by Rayne Water

 

*Reviewed by Ken Christopher, Senior Vice President at Rayne Dealership Corporation

No matter how many times you scrub your shower, you notice rings around the drain. Your faucets are caked in white splotches that come back again and again. What gives?

Stains don’t only come from dirt. They can come from water, too—specifically hard water. Hard water contains insoluble mineral deposits such as magnesium and calcium that can leave behind a stain on surfaces. The two main kinds of hard water stains are:

Before you ask “is hard water bad for you,” let’s find out what hard water stains are and what they look like. This article will discuss both kinds of hard water stains as well as methods for eliminating and preventing them.

What Is Hard Water?

Generally, magnesium and calcium account for the minerals in hard water. These deposits are imparted from rocks and soils to rain and groundwater that eventually enter your municipal water supply.

Hard water is called “hard” because it’s difficult to form lather with.1 But not all hard water is the same; hardness varies by the grains per gallon (GPG) of minerals it contains:

Here is how hardness in water is typically measured:

What Do Hard Water Stains Look Like?

Unsightly chalky residue. Disgusting off-white solids. Film. Crust. 

These are some of the ways you’re likely to hear people describe hard water stains.

We’ve already noted there are two kinds of stains. These differ slightly in appearance.

It’s important to know what hard water stains look like. Once you know what you’re dealing with, it’s that much easier to take appropriate action.

Water Softener Systems starting at only $35/mo. Try before you buy!

How to Get Rid of Hard Water Stains

When hard water evaporates, a mineral residue is left behind, causing a stain. While these stains can require a considerable amount of elbow grease, they’re not permanent. In fact, there are several methods for removing them. 

Next, we’ll look at a few homemade cleaning solutions that can remove these stains throughout the house.

Target Most Stains with White Vinegar and Water Spray

You don’t need a special cleaning product to start tackling your unwanted mineral deposits. White vinegar is easy to find and inexpensive—chances are you already have some on hand. Likewise, this spray is gentle on surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about making the problem worse. 

While you can use it straight from the bottle, a spray bottle will make the application easier. 

To assemble your cleaning spray:

Not getting the results you want? Repeat the above process, slightly increasing the ratio of vinegar to water. 

You can use this spray on just about anything, from kitchen surfaces to your glass shower door. It’s a useful thing to have around the house for cleaning.

Tackle Hard-to-Reach places with White Vinegar and Paper Towels

What about those tricky, hard-to-reach surfaces, like the nooks and crannies of your bathroom, shower head, and sink knobs?

Once again, vinegar is your best friend, although you’ll need to use a slightly different application method.

Use Baking Soda to Tackle Tough Stains

While vinegar is ideal for visible, high-traffic surfaces, you don’t need to be as precious with your toilet bowl and sink. Baking soda paste can up the ante for hard water spot-cleaning bathtubs, tiling, and sinks. 

Assemble your paste as follows:

With any luck, your surfaces will be restored to their original hue.

How to Prevent Hard Water Stains in the First Place

These methods are tried and true, but they’re not ideal—not everyone wants to spend their free time making sprays and pastes. And hard water stains are usually not one-time visitors. If yours persist, you may find you’re permanently adding extra vinegar and baking soda to your grocery list! 

So what’s the alternative?

Prevention is the best way to ensure you aren’t losing too much time to hard water stains. 

Water softeners and conditioners are ideal in that they prevent hard water stains at the source by removing hard water deposits. That way, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals never have a chance to wreak havoc on your sink and shower in the first place. 

Stop Scrubbing, Start Softening With Rayne Water

While it’s possible to remove the stains caused by hard water, the only long-term remedy is removing the mineral culprits from your water supply.

There are several ways to remove mineral and other hard water deposits from water. If water hardness is your only concern, a salt-free water conditioner can be ideal. Want to filter out viruses, bacteria, lead, and other particles, too? Reverse osmosis does it all.

Rayne Water offers a range of solutions to meet all of your home water needs. Call us today. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about hard water and the products we offer to treat it.

Sources: 

  1. Water Quality Association. Scale Deposits. https://www.wqa.org/learn-about-water/perceptible-issues/scale-deposits#:~:text=Hard%20water%20(or%20water%20hardness,wasting%20properties%20of%20hard%20water/
  2. Florida State College at Jacksonville. Saponification: The Preparation of Soap. https://web.fscj.edu/Milczanowski/eleven/Soap.pdf
  3. Compound Interest. The Chemistry of Limescale https://www.compoundchem.com/2016/03/02/limescale/

Expert Reviewer – Ken Christopher

 

Is Hard Water Bad for You?

Posted by Rayne Water

People all over the US use hard water every day. It goes into bagel dough and comes out of showerheads—in short, it’s everywhere. 

If you’ve heard your local water supply is “hard,” you might find yourself wondering, is hard water safe to drink? 

Using hard water does not pose a direct health risk, nor is drinking hard water bad for you.1 Even so, hard water causes several inconveniences and hygiene concerns worth considering.

This article will explain the ins and outs of hard water, from its characteristics to its effects to the ways to correct hardness for an upgraded drinking and showering experience.

What is Hard Water?

Water is considered “hard” when it contains high amounts of calcium ions and magnesium ions. As groundwater travels through mineral-rich soil, it picks these ions up along the way. 

Water hardness exists on a scale and can range from moderately hard to very hard. The level of hardness corresponds to the grains per gallon (GPG) of minerals that are present in a given sample. On this scale,

Hard water is common to the US though more prevalent in certain parts of the country than others.2 You can also find it on supermarket shelves in the form of mineral water.3 Consult your county’s water report to find out your hardness level.

Hard Water and Health

Calcium is an important nutrient in the human diet—so, could hard water be a good thing?

Not really.

At the same time, drinking hard water isn’t bad for you in any medical or nutritional sense.

However, it can make life difficult in other ways. The mineral deposits of hard water cause a range of problems, from clogging pipes and wearing out appliances to irritating skin and ruining clothes. Next, we’ll explore these issues.

Water Softener Systems starting at only $35/mo. Try before you buy!

What is the Impact of Hard Water?

Despite what its name suggests, hard water is not actually hard. Rather, the “term hardness was originally applied to waters that were hard to wash in.”5 

This difficulty is typically manifested in one of the following forms:

Next, we’ll take a deeper look at each issue.

The Connection Between Soap Scum and Hard Water 

Though clean enough to drink, hard water is less than ideal for cleaning. That’s because hard water and soap do not mix. When a soap’s fatty acids react with the minerals in hard water, unpleasant coagulation occurs.

Here’s what you might expect to experience when combining soap with hard water:

Limescale’s Impact on Appliances and Plumbing 

Hard water isn’t just bad for your skin and surfaces. It can also affect the more functional parts of your house, such as:

These sites are most affected by limescale buildup.

Similar to soap scum, limescale is an unappealing byproduct of mineral deposits. Instead of soap, however, limescale forms when mineral-rich water is heated. These insoluble deposits build up over time, clogging pipes, depreciating appliances, and staining surfaces.

What Hard Water Does to Your Clothes 

Ever spend an afternoon washing your clothes only to find you need to wash them more? Limescale and soap scum may have joined forces to conquer your best efforts.

Here’s why your clothes don’t get clean:

Due to these issues, laundry detergent is likely to stick around even after the wash is over. For people with sensitive skin, this can cause problems. Irritants in detergents are known to cause contact dermatitis, irritation, and rash.7  

Additionally, hard water renders fabrics dull and unusable at a faster rate than soft water does. You may notice a brittle quality to towels and wash rags when using hard water.

Is it Possible to Soften Water?

While synthetic products and plumbing services exist, hard water can be treated at the source. Water softening systems ensure top performance and lifespan for plumbing and appliances.  

There are several methods to consider:

Water Softeners

Water-softening systems use a method called ion exchange. This method trades disagreeable calcium and magnesium ions for more easy-going sodium ions.

In short, negatively charged resin beads are housed in this tank. Hard water passes through the tank before entering the plumbing.

These beads are coated with sodium ions. The magnesium and calcium have positively charged. This attracts them to the resin-like magnets. The stickiness of the resin holds the ions in place when they get there. The presence of magnesium and calcium knocks the sodium ions out into the stream of water.8

Minerals are then disposed of in a “brine.”

Salt-Free Water Systems

Aside from health concerns around sodium intake, some parts of the US have brine laws. These laws prohibit dumping brine, a common function of most water softeners.9 You might also be unable to connect your system to an electrical source or to provide a drain for dumping. 

If any of these situations apply to you, then a salt-free water system is worth considering. 

Salt-free water systems don’t eject unwanted hardness minerals the way that water softeners do. Instead they use a method called template-assisted crystallization (TAC). 

Here’s a glimpse at how it works:

Reverse Osmosis

If you are on a salt-restricted diet, a reverse osmosis system could also come in handy. 

RO systems are able to filter a wide range of particles, including:

Reverse osmosis systems filter water to be sodium-free.

Stop Flushing Money Down the Drain Thanks to Rayne Water

When hard water mineral deposits are present, your time and money are likely going down the drain as you struggle to get clothing and surfaces clean. 

The cost of repairs and the time it takes for daily upkeep are unsustainable. The good news is that these workarounds are also unnecessary. 

With Rayne Water, you can avoid hard water altogether. To learn more about tap water conditioners for your home or business, contact Rayne Water today.

Sources: 

  1. USGS. Do you have information about water hardness in the United States? https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/do-you-have-information-about-water-hardness-united-states?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products
  2. USGS. Map of water hardness in the United States. https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/map-water-hardness-united-states/
  3. Pocono Record. What’s in Your Water? https://www.poconorecord.com/article/20090730/Features/907300322#:~:text=Both%20Fiji%20and%20DASANI%20measured,of%20calcium%20and%20magnesium%20ions.
  4. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Potential Health Impacts of Hard Water. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/
  5. Water Quality Association. Scale Deposits. https://www.wqa.org/learn-about-water/perceptible-issues/scale-deposits#:~:text=Hard%20water%20(or%20water%20hardness,wasting%20properties%20of%20hard%20water.
  6. Real Simple. How Bad Is Hard Water for Your Skin? We Asked Derms. https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/hard-water-skin
  7. Healthline. How to Identify and Treat a Laundry Detergent Rash. https://www.healthline.com/health/rashes-from-detergent/
  8. Chemistry Libre Texts. Hard Water. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Inorganic_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_and_Websites_(Inorganic_Chemistry)/Descriptive_Chemistry/Main_Group_Reactions/Hard_Water
  9. Water Technology Online. The Battle Over Brine. https://www.watertechonline.com/home/article/15548321/the-battle-over-brine/
  10. Continuing Education Center. Template Assisted Crystallization. https://continuingeducation.bnpmedia.com/courses/multi-aia/the-intelligent-scale-solution–template-assisted-crystallization/2/

Renters Deserve Soft Water Too!

Posted by Rayne Water

If you are one of the many Americans who live in an area that has hard water, you know how annoying and costly its effects can be.  But maybe you’re renting a home and you thought you just had to put up with it.  After all, your landlord lives in another state where he doesn’t have to deal with hard water himself, so he doesn’t see the need of improving the quality of your water.
Hard water simply means water that contains excess minerals, usually iron, calcium and/or magnesium.  Although it doesn’t always affect your water’s taste and it doesn’t usually pose a health threat to those who drink it, it can, have devastating effects on your appliances and plumbing as the excess minerals from the water build up over time in your pipes and inside your appliances.  Rather than just accepting hard water as your inevitable fate if you are renting, take the time to educate yourself on what services are available from local water treatment companies.
To start, most water treatment companies offer an in-home water test to determine just how hard your water is, and many even do it for free or minimal cost.  Based on the results of the test, their trained professionals can then recommend the highest quality water softener that will meet your needs.  There are many options available, taking into account what is affordable for you and what makes the most sense based on how much space you have to hold a water softener.
If you are concerned with installing something permanent in your rented home or apartment, you can take advantage of the exchange tank service that some companies, such as Rayne of Camp Pendleton, offer.   A trained technician delivers a fresh soft water tank to your home weekly, bi-weekly, or more infrequently, all depending on how many people are living at your residence.  You don’t have to worry about supplies and the service is automatic, making it easier than ever to have soft water all the time.  Take the time to check out your options today because you deserve soft water too!

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Posted by Rayne Water

How many times have you picked out a piece of clothing from the clothing store that was labeled “one size fits all”, only to get it home and it’s too small or too big?   Thankfully, this probably doesn’t happen to you too often, and you are usually able to return the item with only a minimal amount of hassle and frustration.  The same is NOT true for that new water softener you want to buy, however.

You may think that all water softeners are created equal, right?  After all, you know that you have hard water coming into your home and you just need something to remove those excess minerals that make the water “hard”, before they get to your appliances, plumbing, and everything else the water touches.  It turns out that although a water softener is an easy solution to your hard water problem, you might want some help picking one out.

First, water softeners come in a variety of sizes.  This affects how they will fit in your home or apartment and how much water they can treat at one time.  You don’t want to end up buying a system that doesn’t fit properly in the space you have allotted for it, nor do you want one that is too small for the number of people living in your household.  There are some that are perfect for those really small spaces, but you might not know about them unless you ask.

Second, water softeners come in many price ranges and you must choose one that perfectly fits your budget, as well as meets your other needs such as family size and space in your home.  Some companies even offer the option to rent a water softener if you only need it temporarily, or if you are not ready to purchase one yet but know you need it to combat your hard water.

If you are elderly, physically compromised in any way, or just want to eliminate the need to maintain your system yourself, you might also consider a company that provides exchange tank service.  This makes water softening super simple.  A trained technician just brings a soft water tank to your home and replaces it every so often (how often depends on how many people are in your home) for a monthly fee.  No drain, salt or electricity is required and you don’t have to worry about maintaining the system yourself.

As you can see, there’s much to consider when purchasing a water softener system. If you’re in need of a water softener in Orange County, be sure to give us a call today!  Just pay them a visit and one of their professional staff will assist you in determining what makes the most sense for your home.