Have you noticed a crusty build up on your chrome water fixtures? Chances are, you have hard water running in your pipes. Hard water form when your main water supply has high levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Although these minerals are helpful to the body, they can pose some health risks when one is overexposed to them.
Fortunately for you, we have made a run down of some of the best tips that can help you get rid of hard water.
But First, Lets Talk About Health Risks.
Before you start battling the foe that is hard water, it is best that we first know about the dangers they pose to you and your family. According to a paper published by the World Health Organization in 2011, hard water exhibits high levels of salt and soap residue, which contributes to skin irritation and even atopic eczema.
Now, How do we get rid of it?
Armed with a bit of elbow grease and these tips, it is certain that you can get rid of hard water fast.
TIP # 1: Elbow Grease + Baking Soda + Vinegar = Goodbye Hard Water
This is an easy way to get rid of hard water. This DIY method is effective in eliminating mild cases of hard water build up in pipes. The vinegar acts as a cutting agent that melts away the build up while baking soda allows the solution to flow through your pipes a lot smoother and faster.
How much vinegar and baking soda do I need?
A lot. Granted that these are fairly inexpensive alternatives, you can opt to buy at a local bulk grocery store to save more on cash. Here is a rundown of what you will need:
- 2 to 3 gallons of WHITE VINEGAR for every 1,000 square footage
- 1 cup of baking soda for every pipe
Now, get to work.
Once you have all the materials set, all you have to do is turn of your main water supply and empty the pipes by allowing the faucets to run. Once the pipes are empty, you can proceed to pouring in the mixture to the drains.
It is important to know that you need to wait for 4 HOURS for the solution to fully cut through the build up in the pipes. Blast the drains with hot water and open the main water supply. Open all the faucets and allow all the chunks of build to gush through.
TIP #2: Hydrochloric Acid for tougher cases
In case the build up is more severe than you thought or if you simply prefer a stronger solution, you can opt to use an agent that has high hydrochloric acid content. The steps are very similar to the ones we discussed above minus the four-hour waiting time. Just make sure to use gloves and goggles when handling these products as they can cause irritation and even blindness.
TIP # 3 Call in the pros.
A seasoned plumber will be able to immediately identify the best course of action for each type of case. Get in touch with our trained and experienced staff to learn more about how we can get rid of hard water in your tap today.
Removing hard water build up can be time consuming and labour intensive, but you have to keep in mind the many benefits it can give you and your family. Aside from the health benefits, you are also giving your family the best tasting water in town! So, go ahead! Check your pipes now.
