The tap water that flows through Miami-area pipes and faucets is heavy with mineral deposits. Local water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer. When it rains, the water filters through limestone before reaching the aquifer. In the process, it collects calcium and magnesium sediment. Generally, the local area has a water hardness of up to 219 parts per million, which is considered very hard. Why does this matter to you, and how can you test for hard water?
Why You Need to Test for Hard Water
While calcium and magnesium will not negatively affect your health, these mineral deposits affect the taste of your tap water. If you compare your tap water to bottled water, the taste is immediately noticeable. In addition, hard water residue builds up on your dishes, faucets, and shower walls. It creates a hazy film that is difficult to remove. The residue also builds up in your pipes and appliances that use water. This impacts their functionality over time. When showering, hard water makes it more difficult to rinse off all of the soap and shampoo. It also leads to dry skin and hair. Through water softener installation from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, you can enjoy cleaner, softer water straight from the tap.
Signs of Hard Water
You might not see hard water sediment in your tap water, but there are many signs of its presence. For example, as hard water residue builds up in your pipes and plumbing fixtures, water pressure is diminished. This and the fact that soap is more difficult to rinse off can lead to increased water consumption and higher water bills. In the laundry, the residue builds up on your clothing and leads to fading. In addition, as hard water takes its toll on your appliances and plumbing features, you will face an increased likelihood of otherwise avoidable repair bills.
Soapsuds Test for Hard Water
A simple way to test for hard water in your home is the soapsuds test. Fill a clean, clear water bottle one-third full of tap water and 10 droplets of liquid dish soap. Put the lid on, and shake the soapy water vigorously. If your tap water is soft, a lot of soapsuds will form quickly. Below the suds, the water will be mostly clear. If you have hard water, the suds will be minimal, and the water will be somewhat cloudy.
Water Strip Test Kit
Another way to test for hard water is with a test kit purchased online or at a local home improvement store. The instructions may vary slightly from kit to kit. However, generally, you will fill a container with tap water and dip the test strip in the water for a few seconds. The test strip has indicator tabs on it that tell you which minerals are in the water and the approximate quantity.
Schedule Service Today
While these tests can give you an approximate idea of how hard your tap water is, a professional test is more comprehensive and accurate. Through this important test, our plumbers can best determine which water softener is right for your home. Schedule a water softener consultation with our plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today.