Let’s talk about water. We are quite confident that you might have heard the term “Hard Water” before in your lifetime. Did you know that 85 percent of the USA has hard water? Is hard water bad for you? Have you ever wondered about the adverse effects of hard water on the human body? Well, you don’t have to worry about anything further as we will discuss the scientifically proven effects of hard water in this article. However, we will provide solutions too.
People’s most common problem while using hard water is related to scales, foul plumbing, cloth strains, and even stained bathtubs. Here are some key hard water side effects that you should also keep in mind before consuming hard water.
Table of Contents
Negative Effects of Hard Water
Hard water causes a lot of problems. If one will not use any water softener or electronic water descaler then the situation can be worse. Some major water hardness effects are below:
1. Effects of Hard Water on Skin (Dry Skin)
Dry skin is the most common problem that people often experience whenever they use hard water in their lifestyle. Due to certain chemical properties and compounds present in hard water, it’s more likely to create skin problems such as dry skin, mild skin irritation, or even eczema. However; if you want to avoid these skin-related problems, you can consider buying any reliable water softener for your house; otherwise, there is no serious side effect on health associated with hard water consumption.
2. Effects of Hard Water on Hair (Itchy Scalp)
Some hair-related problems such as hair fall, hair damage, or itchy scalp are often linked with hard water. The presence of excessive minerals in hard water creates a chemical reaction with the human scalp. Later on, that particular chemical reaction further contributes to an itchy scalp. If your scalp often feels itchy, you must pay attention to the water you use for bathing.
3. Poor Taste & Odour
Even though we cannot relate to hard water’s taste with any negative effect, it is still a very serious concern for some people. The excessive amount of calcium and magnesium present in hard water creates a metallic or sour taste. It may be uncomfortable for those already suffering from bad taste-related problems due to stomach acidity other digestive disorders.
4. Faded Clothes
Washing clothes with hard water have an adverse impact on them. Hard water strips the color away from your clothes much faster. Your clothes and bedding may even feel scratchy due to the extra mineral substance. However, soft water maintains the color of clothes.
5. Clogged Pipes
Hard water causes scales deposit which clogs the showerheads and pipes. The clogged pipes create a hindrance to the flow of water. Sometimes pipes can burst due to clogged. Such problems show that you have a hard water supply.
6. Effects of Hard Water on Soap (Buildup of Soap Scum)
Do you’ve got to remove the white spots from the fixtures? Are you worried about what is creating that? Well, that’s the hard water that has left behind the calcium deposits (white spots). Calcium minerals not only stick to the faucet but also soaps and detergents and make them ineffective. However, this makes the soap sticky instead of slippery. Moreover, scum forms in a reaction with soap, wasting the soap due to hard water.
7. Buildup of Limescales & Stains
Mineral deposits start showing up on not only your faucets, dishes, and showerhead but also on appliances like your coffee pot, kettle, and dishwasher. If you see these deposits that mean you have very hard water.
The mineral residue from hard water begins to stain on your sinks, taps, tiles, and bathtubs. As such stains do not look good and nobody wants to clean their bathrooms and washrooms every day. So, using the best water softener will resolve these issues.
8. Higher Maintenance & Water Bills
As calcium and magnesium build up inside your pipes, your plumbing system has to work harder to let water flow properly. This can cause numerous problems i.e. leakage and cracked pipes. So gallons of water can be wasted during leakages. So, it results in an increase in water and maintenance bills.
You will be amazed to know that hard water also offers some positive effects. We have compiled a shortlist of those notable advantages for your convenience.
1. Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease
Several authentic medical studies have proven that regular consumption of hard water helps protect against heart disease to some extent. There are several chemical compounds present in hard water to protect against atherosclerosis, which is also called the narrowing of heart arteries.
2. Prevents Cancer
Even though it’s not proven yet in any established medical study. Hard water includes an excessive amount of calcium and magnesium that may protect against rectal, pancreatic, and several other forms of cancer.
3. Beneficial For Type 2 Diabetes
As we have also discussed earlier, hard water contains excessive magnesium content; it’s beneficial to regulate insulin for patients to some extent who often experience hypomagnesemia.
4. Prevents Constipation
The higher contents of magnesium present inside hard water are also beneficial for those who suffer from constipation a lot. People who suffer from chronic constipation should use hard water for drinking as magnesium acts as a natural laxative.
Yes, because hard water contains a buildup of minerals, such as calcium, sodium, and magnesium. These minerals produce a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. As a result, the hair is left dry and prone to breakage. Such issues can lead to hair loss.
2. Can hard water affect your health?
Hard water has no known adverse health effects. However, hard water can contribute to dry skin, the human body, clothes, and hair. The minerals in hard water can also change the pH balance of your skin, weakening it as a barrier against harmful bacteria and infections. Moreover, drinking hard water is bad for kidneys as long-term consumption of hard water can cause kidney dysfunction, which may lead to other diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, etc.
3. Is hard water bad for your skin?
Hard water affects your skin in multiple ways as cause dry, irritated skin and itchy scalp. When the essential minerals are present in excess, then this hard water makes your skin dark. However, hard water can leave a build-up of soap residue. This, in turn, clogs pores, through which the body releases its natural oils. Clogged pores can lead to acne or even eczema.
4. What are the effects of hard water on your teeth?
The calcium and magnesium particles in hard water are corrosive, which makes people worry that hard water will also damage their teeth. The minerals in your home water do not make a specific difference while brushing your teeth but if water is hard then it can cause problems. However, hard water can also cause staining i.e. characterized by yellowing or darkening on your teeth.
5. What problems can hard water have on a plumbing system?
The minerals in hard water also start to build up inside pipes, fixtures, and appliances over time. The build-up we don’t see can start to cause all sorts of plumbing problems, such as reduced water flow, clogs, and increased stress on pipes and fixtures.
We hope our detailed guide will help you know about the harmful effects of hard water on the Human Body, Skin, Hair, and Plumbing appliances. We have also tried our best to explain both the positives and side effects of hard water to help you understand everything. However; if you are tired of using hard water for drinking, washing, cooking, and even bathing, you must purchase a reliable water softener to tackle this problem. Moreover; these water softeners will not only provide you with an uninterrupted soft water supply, but they will also add some healthy micronutrients to your water. So, buying the best water softener or electronic descaler can resolve all your hard water problems in any country either the USA, UK, Canada, etc. Moreover, don’t hesitate to drop your feedback below in the comments section.
Steve Smith is a United State Licensed Plumber with over 18 years of plumbing experience. Steve has conducted residential and commercial plumbing jobs throughout the state and currently works for one of California’s largest plumbing companies. When he’s not working, Steve enjoys spending time with his daughter and son.
Due to certain chemical properties and compounds present in hard water, it’s more likely to create skin problems such as dry skin, mild skin irritation, or even eczema. However; if you want to avoid these skin-related problems, you can consider buying any reliable water softener for your house; otherwise, there is no serious side effect on health associated with hard water consumption.
Some hair-related problems such as hair fall, hair damage, or itchy scalp are often linked with hard water. The presence of excessive minerals in hard water creates a chemical reaction with the human scalp. Later on, that particular chemical reaction further contributes to an itchy scalp. If your scalp often feels itchy, you must pay attention to the water you use for bathing.
your clothes much faster. Your clothes and bedding may even feel scratchy due to the extra mineral substance. However, soft water maintains the color of clothes.
Do you’ve got to remove the white spots from the fixtures? Are you worried about what is creating that? Well, that’s the hard water that has left behind the calcium deposits (white spots). Calcium minerals not only stick to the faucet but also soaps and detergents and make them ineffective. However, this makes the soap sticky instead of slippery. Moreover, scum forms in a reaction with soap, wasting the soap due to hard water.
like your coffee pot, kettle, and dishwasher. If you see these deposits that mean you have very hard water.
Several authentic medical studies have proven that regular consumption of hard water helps protect against heart disease to some extent. There are several chemical compounds present in hard water to protect against atherosclerosis, which is also called the narrowing of heart arteries.
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