Hard water can create several problems throughout the home, especially in the kitchen. But what causes hard water? If you’ve noticed spots or stains on your dishes and glasses after a full cycle in the dishwasher — that residue is called scale, which is caused by the high mineral content in hard water. Talking to an EcoWater Pro about your water softening options will help you determine the best solution for your home. By installing the right softener, you’ll notice a significant decrease in hard water deposits on dishes.
The minerals that cause buildup on your dishes also interfere with soap. To properly clean all your dishes, you will have to use several more pumps of soap than you would with soft water — which also means you will have to buy soap more often than you would with soft water, too. The amount of soap you use may not be as obvious of a problem as the spots on your dishes or the malfunctioning of your water-using appliances, but when you install a water softener, you will notice a significant difference.
The scale that leaves spots and streaks on your dishware also builds up in your water-using appliances. In the kitchen, these hard water effects on appliances can mean a lifespan decrease of up to 50% for your dishwasher. By working with an EcoWater Pro to diagnose your home’s water, you can find a water softening solution that will help your expensive appliances operate as intended for years. This also means less money spent on expensive repairs or replacements. Do you think you have hard water scale buildup? Check your dishwasher’s drain. If there are white streaks, you have hard water that might be harming the performance and lifespan of your appliances.
Cooking with soft water means enjoying more flavorful food and beverages. Have you ever made a cup of tea or coffee only to be disappointed in its dull flavor? You may have hard water that is interfering with the infusion process. Working with a certified EcoWater expert to test your water for contaminants will ultimately result in a better cooking experience in your kitchen.
People with unfiltered water commonly report unpleasant odors from their water supply. This is usually caused by chlorine, a chemical added to water during the treatment process in municipalities. If your water is supplied by your city, you might have this exact issue. While the levels of chlorine in municipal water aren’t harmful, the odor can affect the food you cook and the beverages you drink, giving your meals an unpleasant smell. Other common contaminants such as lead and microbial cysts can actually be harmful to your health, but may not give off odors as chlorine does. If you suspect your water is contaminated, you need to contact an EcoWater professional to diagnose your home’s water and find the right purification system to provide clean, fresh water.