If you live in Katy or anywhere in greater Houston, you have probably noticed it: white crust on your faucets, spots on your glassware, soap that will not lather, and skin that feels dry after every shower. That is hard water, and it is common throughout our region.
What Makes Water Hard?
Hard water simply means water with high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals enter the water supply as it moves through limestone and soil before reaching your tap. The geology of the Gulf Coast region makes our water particularly mineral-rich.
Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG). Water above a certain threshold is classified as hard or very hard. The water in Katy and greater Houston is widely recognized as hard by regional water quality standards.
What Hard Water Does to Your Home
The minerals in hard water build up everywhere water flows. Inside your pipes, scale narrows the opening and reduces water pressure. Inside your water heater, it coats the bottom of the tank, insulating the water from the heat source and forcing the heater to work harder, which shortens its life. On your fixtures and glassware, it leaves the spots and crust you see every day. And on your skin and hair, it leaves a film that causes dryness.
How a Water Softener Works
A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium from your water through a process called ion exchange. The hard water passes through a resin bed charged with sodium ions. The resin grabs the calcium and magnesium and releases sodium in its place. The result: soft water that does not leave scale, makes soap lather better, and is gentler on your skin, hair, pipes, and appliances.
Do You Need a Water Softener?
If you live in Katy or Houston and you do not already have one, a water softener can protect your water heater, extend the life of your fixtures and appliances, improve the feel of your water, and help your water heating costs. We install and service water softeners from major brands.
Call Obsta Plumbing at (713) 253-4810 to schedule a water assessment.
Need a Plumber in Katy or Houston?
Call us or submit a service request. We can help determine the right next step for your plumbing situation.
Learn more about our Water Softeners & Filtration service