Hard water problems seem like a never-ending predicament for renters across South Florida. It develops spots and crusty buildup that can seem as though it is difficult to remove. It restricts the flow of water through faucets and showerheads, presenting complications with water pressure, amongst other things. Water containing high concentrations of metals and minerals, such as calcium, manganese, and magnesium, is considered hard water.
Hard Water Problems In Florida.
Residents throughout Florida experience varying degrees of hard water. This is due to the excessive calcium carbonate and other metals and minerals in the limestone rock in the groundwater and other water sources. The U.S. Geological Survey reports that Florida has 121 to 180 mg/L of calcium carbonate in the water. So, hard water problems in Florida affect city water customers, especially in the South.
Some tenants neglect it, which usually ends up with faucet damage and replacement. There is a strong likelihood of this happening, which is why we completely warn against it. Firstly, because it is costly to fix. And secondly, removing hard water buildup off a sink faucet, inside and out, is tough, and requires a lot of time and effort. But, with the proper information and materials, it ispossible to fix hard water problems in your Florida home.
Hard Water Problems In Your House.
Water high in calcium and other minerals, also commonly identified as hard water, can cause your sink faucets to look spotty and dirty. Calcium buildup, commonly referred to as limescale, can moreover result in water flow issues. If you are experiencing water flow problems, the likely cause is the faucet aerator, found inside the fixture. A faucet aerator is a hollow metal cylinder that screws over the end of a faucet. Inside the aerator is a tiny screen, a rubber washer, a mixer disc, and perhaps a flow restrictor or an inner plastic housing. The buildup of mineral deposits, and sediments starts to clog the fixture lowering the water pressure problems. And the most common cause of low or erratic flow.
Beyond cosmetics, hard water problems in your Florida home is often the reason for water with an unpleasant taste or smell, but it’s not harmful. If you have spotty glasses and dishes and soap scum in the shower and tub, then you probably have hard water. Even though the water itself may look clear, depending on the hardness level, you will also notice red-orange or black stains around the sinks, tubs, toilets, and other fixtures.
Hard Water Symptoms.
Besides the visible aspects, hard water in the system also results in excessive limescale build-up in your household appliances that use water. These include water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances that use hot water. The limescale deposits are often the cause of plumbing and appliance-related problems requiring more frequent repairs and replacements.
- Stains on faucets and appliances
- Scaling in appliances that use water
- Limescale build-up in plumbing
- White spots on glassware, silverware, and dishware
- White film on tubs and showers
- Laundry with red or orangish stains
- Water has a sour taste or bad smell
- Frequent clogging of drains and pipes
The Benefits Of Soft Water in Your House.
Apart from resolving the visible problems, soft water also offers numerous other benefits. Using soft water in the shower results in cleaner, silkier, and softer skin and hair. Detergents and soaps foam easily and rinse clean, resulting in reduced soap scum. The laundry comes out visibly brighter, cleaner, and softer to the touch. Glassware and kitchenware come out spot-free. As a matter of fact, glasses, dishes, and silverware can be washed in the dishwasher without the need for a rinse aid. Food cooked in kitchens with soft water turns out better tasting as do beverages
Soft water can eliminate stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, faucets, and plumbing fixtures. And without the harmful build-up of calcium deposits, kitchen and bathroom appliances last much longer, with longer maintenance intervals. Another valuable benefit is the reduction of energy and water usage, and consequently, lower bills.
Affordable Hard Water Solutions For Your Home.
In addition to obvious effects, the side effects of hard water can increase the cost of living in Florida. However, there are hard water solutions in the market to get rid of these effects in your home. In addition to simple and inexpensive tips and tricks that you can do yourself.
White Vinegar
This simple fix is invariably hidden in the kitchen cabinet in most homes and is a cheap solution for fighting hard water. Distilled white vinegar in your dishwasher load easily cuts through the chemicals in your hard water, eliminating stains and marks. Vinegar also helps dissolve hard water build-up in smaller home appliances that run off of tap water
Professional Water Softening Chemical Aids.
There are numerous commonly available acidic cleaning products designed to tackle hard water build-up in your appliances, drain pipes, and appliances. Always remember to read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions stated on the pack. Flush out the drains with boiling water after using a calcium-removing product to achieve the best results.
Flushing The Water Heater From Time To Time.
Over time, sediments build up and accumulate at the bottom of water heaters with the heating process. Excessive deposits interfere with proper heating and consume way more energy than normal. Regular flushing clears out the hard water sediments that may be costing you hidden money on your energy bills. Make sure to follow the instructions in the water heater’s manual before carrying out any work.
Installing A Whole House Water Softener.
Often, a whole-house water softener system is the best alternative to DIY techniques. Not only does it save you money, but also does away with the hassle of frequent cleaning cycles, and expensive cleaning aids and chemicals. Professional companies test the water quality at your home and guide you on the choice and installation of a whole-house water softener solution. A professional product ensures soft water throughout your home, by thoroughly filtering out harmful contaminants.
How We Can Help?
At Real Property Management Premier, we can provide the information tenants require and the oversight that property owners want to guarantee that each rental home is kept in the best possible condition. Contact us online or call our office at 954-362-5235 and see how we can help make your rental property ventures go smoothly and profitably.
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