Winnipeg’s drinking water is very hard. Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium ions. These minerals come from rocks such as limestone that dissolve in the river system that supplies water to Winnipeg.
While hard water poses no harm to your health, it creates a build-up of minerals in your pipes and faucets, decreases the effectiveness of soap and detergent, and it declines the life of your water-using appliances. Hard water tends to be less effective in rinsing away soap and shampoo, so your skin may dry out as a result of build-up and residue. This extends to laundry, too – your detergent won’t mix as well with the hard water, and your clothes may not be as clean or as thoroughly rinsed as they should be. Soft water, which is treated water that only contains sodium, creates soap bubbles very easily.
Hard water also affects your hot water tank. It takes longer for the water to heat up, which requires more energy. More energy means a higher electric or gas bill. This is why it is recommended to install a water softener, or check and see if your current one is working correctly.
Here Are Some Signs That You May Have Hard Water in Your Home:
- White scaling on your faucets
- Soap scum on tubs and sinks
- Mineral residue left on dishes and glassware
- Salty-tasting water
- Stiff clothes after washing
What Happens if There’s Too Much Hard Water Damage?
Over time the hard water will create mineral buildup in your pipes, damaging them and resulting in a very expensive repair bill. You may also find yourself buying more cleaning products to fight the hard water build-up around your faucet.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains?
We love sharing a good DIY project, as they’re budget–friendly and get the job done. Here’s one of many ways to remove hard water stains.
Do be mindful that these DIYs can only clean the surface of your fixtures — there will still be a mineral build-up inside your pipes and areas that are hard to reach.
- Mix baking soda and vinegar to create a paste and scrub the affected area
- Mix 1 part water and 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let it sit for 15 mins
There are also specific cleaners made to remove hard water build-up, but should be used as a last resort for stubborn stains, as they contain very harsh chemicals.
How to Prevent Hard Water Stains and Buildup
The best way to prevent a buildup or stain is to install a water softener system in your home. A water softener lasts up to 10-15 years if properly maintained, but it’s important to note that if you live in Winnipeg where the water is very hard, the lifespan of the water softener may be a little shorter.
Our trusted plumbers can install your new water softener for you and inspect the health of current pipes as well. Once you start using soft water, you’ll notice a drastic change in your utility bill, shinier hair, softer skin, sparkling dishes, softer clothes, less soap scum, and less time on cleaning those affect areas.
At We Love Plumbing, we always put our customers first and ensure our work meets the highest standards. If you find yourself in need of plumbing services or would like us to take care of your hard water issues, give us a call at 204-654-6106 and we’ll get a local Winnipeg plumber to you right away!