Hard water can have a major impact on your plumbing and fixtures over time. Well water is often “hard,” so many well owners choose to invest in water softening systems. If you draw water from a private well, you may want to consider a softening system if hard water is beginning to impact your home.
What is “Hard” Water?
Hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. This is typically a natural occurrence due to the mineral makeup of the soil and underground rock in your area. As water from precipitation soaks into the ground and travels through rock to become part of the groundwater supply, it dissolves and retains minerals such as:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Other trace minerals (sometimes including iron, manganese, and/or aluminum, depending on the location)
Hard water is safe for drinking and household use. However, it can have a salty, metallic, or even chalky taste.
Water in the Albany, NY, region is generally considered hard. With significant shale and limestone in the local geology, the water’s mineral content is naturally high.
Why Hard Water Can Be a Problem
The strong taste of some hard water is an issue, but the mineral buildup it causes is a more frequent problem. Mineral deposits caused by hard well water can be particularly difficult.
Hard Water Issues In the Home
The calcium and magnesium in hard water can, over time, cause a whitish buildup around faucets and other plumbing fixtures. This buildup can also cause clogs or reduced flow in shower heads and faucet aerators. Minerals can also eat away at some plated plumbing fixtures, causing irreparable damage.
In some cases, you can also get mineral deposits in your pipes. This is less likely with PVC or copper pipes, but steel pipes can easily accumulate mineral deposits that eventually compromise water flow.
Mineral deposits can also accumulate in appliances, including water heaters. This can lead to increased energy usage, shorter lifespans, and more frequent repairs. Excess mineral content can also corrode rubber or plastic seals and gaskets, causing numerous issues if left untreated.
Hard Water Damage to Well Systems
For well owners, hard water also causes an additional set of problems. Mineral deposits in your well system can affect:
- Well screens
- Pump components
- Intake pipes
- Discharge lines
Essentially, dissolved minerals in hard water accumulate on every part of your well system, making it work harder. This leads to a decreased well system lifespan, lower water pressure, and even lower water yields.
Should You Get a Water Softening System?
To overcome the issues caused by hard well water, you may want to consider installing a water softening system. Softening systems remove calcium and magnesium ions through a process called ion exchange. This “softens” the water by eliminating the minerals that cause damaging mineral deposits.
Water softening systems can be a game-changer. They help protect your well system, safeguard your plumbing and fixtures, and improve the taste of your water. However, they also come with some downsides. Water softening systems require:
- Professional installation
- Careful integration with your well system
- Regular maintenance
- Dedicated space
- New installation and operation costs
Softeners also consume additional water during treatment, resulting in salty wastewater. This wastewater can cause septic and/or environmental damage if improperly disposed of. Increased water usage can also be an issue in water-scarce areas.
If you are considering a softening system for your well, it’s important to examine the costs of both initial installation and long-term use and maintenance. You can use online resources and consult with your well contractor to get an idea of what those costs will be.
It’s also helpful to look at the non-monetary costs of water softening. Will it cause an overly negative environmental impact? Can you “afford” the time and attention for maintenance?
It can also be helpful to consult with other well owners who have a water softening system (or have considered one). They can offer a real-world view of the pros and cons, giving you more information with which to make an informed decision.
If you are dealing with hard well water in Albany or the region, call Goold Wells & Pumps today. We have over 90 years of experience helping well owners with well installation, well maintenance, and hard water solutions. As a local, family-owned company, we’re committed to providing the best possible customer service and workmanship. We offer free estimates for your convenience, and we’re always here to assist with emergency service as needed. Goold Wells & Pumps—your local well experts in the Albany area.