Addressing Hard Water Issues in Indianapolis

Depending on which part of the country you call home, you may find that there are some undesirable elements in your drinking water, potentially compromising your health and risking the integrity of your pipes and plumbing. That’s certainly the case in Indianapolis and throughout Central Indiana, where hard water is a significant problem.

While you can’t necessarily change your source water, there are some steps you can take to protect your home and your family. One of the first steps is ensuring that you understand what hard water actually is, and what makes it so troublesome. As some of the best plumbers in Indianapolis, our team is happy to share some insight.

What is Hard Water?

First and foremost, when we talk about hard water, what exactly do we mean?

Simply put, the term hard water refers to dissolved minerals that creep into the local water supply, and thus show up on your tap water.

In Central Indiana, hard water is pretty common. In particular, homeowners in Indianapolis should know that their water is pretty high in calcium content, as well as magnesium minerals. As a point of reference, water that contains three to seven grains of mineral content per gallon is considered to be “moderately hard,” and the water in Indianapolis has closer to 12 to 15 grams per gallon.

What are the Risks of Hard Water?

Thankfully, hard water is not as hazardous to your health as lead-contaminated water (for example). With that said, there is evidence to suggest that showering in hard water can have an adverse effect on the quality of your skin and hair. And in some cases, drinking hard water can present an undesirable taste.

There are other problems with hard water, as well. For example, hard water can:

• Reduce the life expectancy of your plumbing appliances.
• Cause your dishwasher and your washing machine to be less efficient.
• Lead to sediment buildup within your pipes.

In short, it is worth taking some basic steps to soften your water. That’s where our team of professional plumbers comes in.

What’s the Process for Getting Soft Water?

The best way to minimize the adverse effects of hard water is to invest in a whole-house water filtration system. Our plumbers have a wealth of expertise installing these water softeners, and can provide plenty of detail about how they work and why they improve quality of life.

In short, water softeners remove the mineral scale buildup from your source water, meaning that most of that calcium and magnesium content will be removed before the water reaches your tap. This can lead to better drinking water, less required maintenance for your plumbing appliances, less mineral buildup clogging your pipes, and more.

What are the Benefits of a Water Softener?

Water softeners remove mineral content as soon as the source water reaches your home, and in turn yield numerous benefits:

• They can extend the useful life of your fixtures, including your water heater.
• They reduce the cost and environmental impact required of buying bottled water.
• They allow you to enjoy cleaner clothes and healthier skin.
• They may reduce the frequency of plumbing repairs that you need.

The bottom line: Investing in a water softener can be a valuable way to address water quality issues in Indianapolis and beyond.

Do Water Softeners Require Maintenance?

When you hire a plumber to install a water softener, be sure you ask about routine maintenance. Regular maintenance can help you extend the life of your water softener, keeping your water lines clean and clear for as long as possible. Some general types for maintaining water softener systems include:

• Depending on the type of softener you have, you may need to periodically add salt.
• Also clean the brine tank as needed, preventing buildups and salt bridges.
• Inspect the resin tank on a regular basis, looking for any signs of damage.
• Replace valves, seals, or resin beads as necessary.

How Long Do Water Softeners Last?

It’s natural to wonder just how long these water filtration solutions will last. The typical water softener will last around 10 to 15 years, though this is contingent on maintenance and use. Ask your plumber for additional information about installing and preserving water systems.

Get Soft, Fresh Water in Your Indianapolis Home

As you consider different ways to address hard water, make sure you seek the expertise of an experienced plumbing company. At Carter’s My Plumber, we have decades of experience helping local homeowners enjoy softened water. We’d love to tell you more about removing mineral deposits from your water sources; reach out to us at any time to schedule a consultation!