Water Products & Solutions: Helping Big Horn Homeowners With Water Softening Solutions for Over 30 Years

Our Services

Clean water is essential for a healthy life. Our water quality solutions can help you – reach out to us for the following services:

• Water Testing
• Water Treatment
• Bottled Water
• Water Quality

What Is Hard Water, and What Causes It?

Hard water contains elevated levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals are naturally occurring elements found in the earth’s crust. As water seeps through soil and rock formations, it dissolves these minerals, increasing its mineral content. This is particularly true for groundwater sources such as wells and aquifers, which often have higher mineral concentrations compared to surface water sources like lakes and rivers.

How Can I Tell if I Have Hard Water?

Detecting hard water is often straightforward, as it tends to leave a series of noticeable signs around your home. One of the most common indicators is a chalky, white residue, known as limescale, left on faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. You may also notice that soap and shampoo don’t lather as easily as they should, leaving your skin feeling dry or your hair looking dull and brittle.

In addition to these signs, hard water can impact your laundry. Clothes washed in hard water may feel rougher and appear duller due to mineral deposits that cling to the fabric. Dishes and glassware may come out of the dishwasher with water spots or streaks. These tell-tale signs often suggest the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water, which contribute to its hardness.

Is Hard Water Safe To Drink?

While hard water is generally safe for consumption, it can have some unappealing downsides. The minerals that cause water hardness – primarily calcium and magnesium – are not harmful in typical concentrations. In fact, they’re actually essential nutrients that can contribute to your daily dietary intake. However, water with a higher mineral content can sometimes have a slightly metallic or off-putting taste, which might make you more likely to avoid drinking it and using it for cooking.

The overriding concern with hard water lies in its effects on your home and personal care rather than its safety. While it doesn’t pose direct health risks, persistent exposure to hard water can contribute to dry skin, scalp irritation, and hair that feels coarse or appears lackluster. If you find that your water’s taste or feel is bothersome, it may be time to consider water softening solutions.

Can Hard Water Damage My Appliances?

Hard water can definitely shorten the lifespan of your household appliances and plumbing. When hard water passes through pipes and appliances, it leaves behind mineral deposits that accumulate over time. This buildup – commonly referred to as scale – can gradually reduce the efficiency of water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances that use water. As these minerals harden, they create blockages that can increase energy usage, cause wear and tear, and ultimately result in more frequent repairs or replacements.

For example, in water heaters, scale buildup reduces the efficiency of the heating elements, forcing the appliance to work harder and consume more energy. This not only raises your energy bills but also contributes to a shorter appliance lifespan. Water pipes can also suffer from reduced flow due to scaling, which can cause pressure issues and potentially lead to costly plumbing repairs.

How Do I Know if My Water Softener Is Working?

A well-functioning water softener should effectively remove the minerals causing hardness from your water, resulting in noticeable improvements throughout your home. If your water softener is working as it should, you’ll likely see cleaner dishes and glassware, softer clothes after laundry, and better lathering from soaps and shampoos. Fixtures should also be free from scale buildup, and your skin and hair may feel smoother after showers.

However, if you start to see limescale returning to your faucets or experience other hard water symptoms, your water softener may need attention. Routine maintenance, such as checking the salt level in the brine tank, is essential for the continuous performance of your water softening system. Most softeners use salt as part of the ion exchange process, and without adequate salt, they can’t effectively replace the hardness minerals in your water.

If you’re unsure whether your water softener is performing optimally, Water Products & Solutions can assist with inspections and maintenance services. Regular checkups help ensure your system is working efficiently and extend the life of your water treatment equipment.

Trust Water Products & Solutions for Your Water Quality Concerns

Living with hard water doesn’t have to be a long-term inconvenience. Water Products & Solutions offers comprehensive water softening services tailored to the unique needs of homeowners and business owners in Big Horn. From initial water testing to customized solutions and ongoing maintenance, our team is committed to providing clean, softened water that enhances the comfort and longevity of your property’s appliances. Ready to schedule an appointment? Reach out to us online or call us at 307-672-7606.