Is Hard Water Causing Stains in Your Home?
We know water to be the classic all-time cleaning agent, necessary for washing clothes, dishes, and ourselves. But what should we do when we discover that there are water stains in our homes? Unsightly white, orange, gray, or bluish residue can slowly appear over time where water is regularly used, leaving discoloration and frustration.
What Causes the Stains?
Water stains are caused by a variety of minerals that occur naturally in water; this is called “hard” water. In fact, most water across the United States contains excessive minerals, the most common being calcium, magnesium, and iron.
These minerals can be beneficial to our health when in drinking water. They can also be very damaging to home or business equipment, and appliances. It can even damage our clothes and skin as layer after layer accumulates.
Calcium and Magnesium
Calcium carbonate and magnesium mix with water naturally in the ground and are carried into your home through your well or public water service. These minerals are not dangerous to consume. However, when high levels are in your water, they can stain washed clothes and prevent soap from lathering properly. It can also cause damaging build-up in pipes, faucets, coils, etc. The range of 76-300 milligrams of calcium and magnesium per liter of water is considered hard. This will require a filtration system in order to prevent staining.
Iron
While city water may contain some levels of iron, well water is especially likely to have a problematic amount. Iron will eventually stain appliances and clothing an undesirable orange or brown color. Such water often appears clear as it first comes out of the pipes. However, as it oxidizes, the iron begins to take on a darker hue. The stains from an iron can quickly turn a nice white shirt into an item fit for the trash. It also does a good job of putting unsightly rusty stains all over sinks, tubs, and toilets!
What Will Stop Water Stains?
Water stains can be very difficult and even impossible to remove from bathrooms, kitchen sinks, and appliances (not to mention clothes and hair!). There are products such as Bar Keepers Friend or even vinegar that can be helpful in dissolving mineral build-up and minimizing the effects of hard water. However, these often require significant time and effort to get the job done; sometimes stains cannot be removed, no matter how much scrubbing you do!
As frustrating as they may seem, water stains can usually be prevented by simply installing a water softener or filtration system. A good water softener can remove minerals before they have a chance to affect the majority of your pipes, appliances, etc. Each home or business is unique. Some professional advice can help you find the perfect solution to your hard water problems.
If you have a newer home, it’s a good idea to get your water tested. Even though you haven’t yet seen significant mineral build-up. Getting ahead of the game can save you time and money later if you can prevent stains and corrosion before they occur. If you’re among the 90% of American homes, the chances are your water is hard.
We’re Here for You!
Do you have questions about your water and any potential need for a softening or filtration system? Passaic Bergen Water Softening has been delivering affordable and effective service for over 50 years. Our reputation for expert water treatment has made us one of the most popular water treatment businesses in New Jersey.
Contact us any time for more information, you can even request a free no-contact water test. We’d be happy to help you out. It’s time to protect your home from water stains once and for all!
We know water to be the classic all-time cleaning agent, necessary for washing clothes, dishes, and ourselves. But what should we do when we discover that there are water stains in our homes? Unsightly white, orange, gray, or bluish residue can slowly appear over time where water is regularly used; leaving discoloration and frustration.
