We need water all the time – that’s true! From simple tasks like cleaning dishes to complex industrial manufacturing, water is essential for almost every process. For something this heavily used, it needs to be perfect. However another truth is, water comes with problems.

Remember that if these problems are left untreated, you will see your cash flowing away, like water. You’ll be changing your appliances quicker and investing in tons of cleaning products.

But don’t start pulling your hair yet – all is not lost! We have the five most effective solutions to your water problems. In this article, we will talk about damages caused by water for domestic users. And how they can tackle these issues in the most practical way possible.

Let’s get started…

#1. pH Level

The pH level of water doesn’t pose an immediate health threat but is responsible for the change in smell and taste. Water pH is measured on a scale from 0 to 14 where 7 is considered neutral. Anything below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline.  

Acidic water usually results in premature aging of pipes, blue and green stains, metallic taste, etc. On the other hand, alkaline water gives a bitter taste and results in lower efficiency of appliances such as washing machines and water heaters.

Solution

Mixture of soda ash (also known as sodium carbonate) and sodium hydroxide is used to balance the pH of water to almost neutral. This method doesn’t mess up with other essential water properties.

#2. Dissolved Minerals

This problem is found where excess minerals are present in the water supply.

Too many dissolved minerals in water precipitate faster, especially in hot water. Therefore, running your water heater at the highest temperature will not only cost you extra money but will add to the mineral buildup in your plumbing lines. 

Solution

To avoid the fast accumulation of minerals in your pipelines and later on appliances, make sure to turn the water temperature down. This step will prevent clogged pipelines and protect appliances. 

Remember that dissolved minerals like calcium often leave stains on surfaces. These stains will stay the same as the water will continue to have excess minerals in its composition. 

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to flush your water heater every few weeks to get rid of any mineral deposits. It will keep your plumbing pipelines free from buildup in the long run. Remember, a water heater with clogged lines will make the heating process longer and utilize more electricity. 

#3. Iron Damage

Iron is often found in groundwater. Its excess discolors water and leaves annoying stains on laundry, cookware, and plumbing fixtures. Excessive dissolved iron in water also gives an unpleasant metallic taste.

Solution

To address the issue at its core, installing an iron filter is your best bet. Another option are water softeners. Most water softeners are good for iron levels up to 5 ppm.

Alternatively, if you have frequent Iron stains and you don’t want to invest in a filter or softener, then cleaning your surfaces more often is the only way. There are tons of descaling surface cleaners available in the market that you can get your hands on. However, if you want to stick to natural products, then white vinegar will be your best bet. It will efficiently dissolve iron deposits in your kitchen and bathroom, giving them a fresher, new look. 

Besides, white vinegar will not only clean scale deposit, but also prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. 

Pro Tip: If you have natural marble countertops in your house, then avoid using vinegar as it will oxidize the calcium in the limestone or marble fixtures. You can also add half a cup of distilled vinegar to your dishwasher or washing machine to make lathering and rinsing a lot easier. 

#4. Hydrogen Sulfite

If hydrogen sulfite is found in water, it results in a bad smell. The odor is so bad that it often smells like rotten eggs. Other than that, hydrogen sulfite gas is highly corrosive to metal and results in leakage if not addressed in time.

Solution

A multi-layered filtration process is necessary to get rid of the contaminant. The process includes chlorination – sedimentation – aeration – and activated carbon filtration.

#5. Hard Water Damage

Hard water is the mother of all water problems. Besides posing numerous health-related threats, hard water also results in clogged plumbing lines, higher energy bills, dirty utensils, and whatnot.

Solution

A universal solution to a hard water problem comes in the shape of a whole house water filter.

Installing a water filtration system for the whole house can be a bit expensive, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run. It is one of the most reliable ways to purify hard water removing all kinds of impurities and pollutants – almost completely. Such a system will control the quality of your water supply as soon as it is installed. 

Having a whole house filtration system is essential if you have high levels of harmful contaminants in your water supply, too. Filtered water is also good for your skin and hair as using raw water over an extended period of time may result in skin irritation and hair loss.

Conclusion

Water is life, no doubt but if not cared for properly, it can come with a handful of problems. We have tried to identify some of the most common damages caused by water and also the solutions. 

Some solutions are a bit more expensive while others just require you to be more watchful and vigilant.

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