Hard water - harmful or beneficial
Water is classified as very soft (very low in limescale) or very hard (high in limescale) depending on the amount of calcium and magnesium salts it contains.
Is limescale harmful in water?
Calcium and magnesium are mineral salts that in normal amounts are not harmful to human health. The issue is that, in addition to salts, water has high concentrations of heavy metals and other chemicals. Some chemicals break down during boiling, but others retain their original formula and can cause a range of illnesses.
However, the domestic inconveniences caused by limescale are much more significant. After heating the water, limescale deposits form in appliances such as washing machines, boilers, electric kettles, etc., which significantly reduces their lifespan. Additionally, this water reduces the effectiveness of foam cleaning and dishwashing detergents.
Only through heating does calcium and magnesium transform into calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, commonly known as limescale, which then deposits onto metals and other materials, damaging them.
We are talking about minerals that, in modest amounts, are not harmful to human health. For this reason, hard water can be consumed without removing the acidity, but it is best to treat the water that is heated to avoid limescale buildup.
Is hard water dangerous for drinking?
Many people prefer to drink tap water instead of bottled water. There are many reasons to drink tap water instead of mineral water, but many people are not sure if tap water is ultimately harmful.
Water hardness does not have harmful effects on drinking water.
According to experts, however, it should not be consumed constantly. "Hard" water is not recommended especially for people who suffer from kidney disease.
Is hard water harmful to skin and hair?
Unfortunately, the high level of hardness has a negative impact on human health, which is why its regulation is necessary.
Hard water predisposes to clogging of the pores. This leads to the elimination of the fatty film, which serves as a natural protection. As a result, dryness and irritation can occur, and more serious skin problems can also begin.
Hard water has a negative effect on hair. It becomes hard and unruly. Dandruff and a dry scalp appear. The hair does not obey and looks dirty.
Should you use more soap?
The higher the mineral content, the harder the water. The minerals in the water prevent soap from foaming or forming bubbles, so you will need to use much more soap for washing, detergents, shower gel and shampoo to create a soapy foam.
Does limescale increase energy costs?
Definitely YES. Limescale reduces the efficiency of the heating process. Deposits of 1 mm thickness on the surface of the heat exchanger reduce its efficiency by about 10%. It is estimated that the increase in operating costs for heating equipment due to the accumulation of limescale is on average about 20%.
Why is water softening necessary?
We cannot live without water. It is constantly used not only for cooking and drinking, but also for many other activities in our daily lives. Unfortunately, hard water has a detrimental effect on household appliances such as washing machines, kettles, boilers, and the like. Hard water leaves white spots on dishes after drying. As for humans, after bathing in hard water, there are unpleasant feelings and even itching. To avoid this, it is important for everyone to know how to soften hard water at home. Thanks to this, you will be able to save your appliances and take care of your health.
Many users are interested in the answer to a very common question - how to soften water at home? Are there effective ways to soften water that can be easily applied in practice?
Today, it is easy to find a suitable device for regulating limescale. Before making a purchase, you need to understand how the device works.
Water softening should NOT be complete, even if it is used for drinking and cooking. Completely salt-free liquid leads to a lack of calcium and magnesium ions in the body, which negatively affects the functioning of the cardiovascular system and can lead to mineral deficiency. It is important to observe moderation.