How to Tell When You Have Hard Water

Hard water is a term that tends to get overused, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a common problem. It is a condition in which there’s an unusually high concentration of minerals and contaminants in your tap water. These contaminants can cause plumbing damage and health issues.

You should have your water tested regularly, and your home should use a filtration system to clear contaminants from your tap water. In particular, the signs listed below indicate a problem with your home’s water quality.

Test for PFAs to Protect Your Family’s Health

PFA chemicals are man-made compounds that have a variety of uses, such as in the manufacturing of firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, and waterproofing substances. Unfortunately, these chemicals don’t dissipate and essentially last forever. Once ingested, PFAs may cause cancer, birth defects, and thyroid issues. 

Since it’s so difficult to dispose of PFAs, they can seep into the soil and contaminate your drinking water. 

Water testing can determine whether PFA chemicals have affected your water quality in Horsham, PA. If they are in your tap water, an under-the-sink water filter can remove them. Make sure to clean or replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Watch for Plumbing Signs of Poor Water Quality in Horsham, PA

A telltale sign that your home has hard water is the presence of white/off-white color deposits on your faucets and around plumbing seals. 

You can usually find these deposits on your showerhead as well as on kitchen and bathroom sink faucets. While a water filter will remove minerals from the water, soaking your faucets in vinegar for a couple of hours will remove the mineral deposits.

Look for a Loss of Vibrancy in Your Clothes

Poor water quality in Horsham, PA, will affect your clothes. Look for fading colors in your clothes after doing your laundry. With new clothes, this dulling is easier to see, but even older apparel will look dull and less vibrant. Whites often take on a grayish hue when washed in hard water.

Let Us Help You Clean Up Your Tap Water

You can learn more about water filtration when you contact Mallard Plumbing and Mechanical. Our plumbing experts can test your home’s water and recommend a variety of filtration options.