Hard water tastes better than soft water and it’s also good for your health, according to multiple studies. Tampa Bay is well-known for having hard water which typically falls between 140 to 300 parts per million. As a Tampa Bay local, it’s great that you get to benefit from the hardiness of the local water, but you’re also likely to experience problems in and around your home because of it. Here’s everything you need to know about living successfully in Tampa Bay with hard water.
Regularly descale appliances
Individuals who live in soft water areas can get away with descaling their kettle and similar appliances once every 3 months. But when you’ve got hard water, descaling once per month is essential. If you fail to do this, limescale will excessively build up and it will become harder and harder to remove. It will also affect the efficacy and lifespan of your appliances. You can buy off-the-shelf descalers to descale your appliances – just make sure you follow the instructions on the packaging. Alternatively, you can use white vinegar and water. For example, with a kettle, half fill with water, half fill with white vinegar, and leave for around one hour. Then empty, scrub and rinse several times.
Clean pipes and drains
Hard water will also cause limescale on your home’s pipes. This can lead to blocked drains which may result in burst pipes, leaks, flooding, mold, and more. Thankfully, some nonprofit organizations in Tampa Bay have offered to help homeowners with serious home repairs should things like this happen. However, the best thing you can do is prevent it from happening in the first place. First of all, your drains will need to be cleaned by a plumber. They may use a jetting tool or an auger to clear the blockage. Water softener installation in Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and Tampa is particularly necessary due to the hardness of the water in these cities. Water softeners can be installed by plumbers and are used to remove the calcium and magnesium that causes limescale. They also work to prevent soap scum curds that frequently block plumbing systems.
Scrub stained surfaces
One of the big problems you’ll have when living with hard water is staining. Hard water leaves deposits on everything, including glasses, faucets, showerheads, and shower screens. While it’s not dangerous, it’s certainly unsightly. Your kitchenware is best washed by hand rather than in a dishwasher. But, if you want to continue using your machine, you’ll need to use dishwasher cleaning tablets regularly or run the dishwasher monthly while empty with a cup of vinegar inside it. Vinegar will become your best friend in the bathroom as it can be mixed with water to clean stained areas, including the faucet and shower screen. You may need to add a little baking soda and use a lot of elbow grease if the stains are particularly stubborn.
Living in a hard water area like Tampa Bay isn’t a massive problem. But, you do need to ensure that you follow a few simple measures to keep your home and your appliances in good working order.