Hard Water Detection Methods in the Home

At Kinetico Utah, our water softeners are designed to help turn your hard water into soft, luxurious water for better use around the home.

How do you know if your water is hard? Detecting the presence of hard water is something many people don’t know how to do. Let’s look at a few simple home methods for determining if you might have high amounts of calcium and magnesium in your water, making it hard.

Outside Examination

This method involves looking around your home for evidence of hard water. Check your sinks, bathtubs and showers for white scale build up. Glass shower doors and tile showers will have white spots or film which won’t wipe off and will etch the glass. Toilets also develop a white ring at the water level which won’t come off without the use of harsh chemicals or pumas stones.

Check laundry to see if your whites are grey and dingy, or you have to use fabric whiteners like bleach or Oxy Clean to keep them looking white and bright. With hard water fabrics will also often be stiff and rough to the touch.

The kitchen is another great place to check for hard water. Look for spots or a film on glass and silverware, which can be caused by minerals in hard water. Inspect the sprayer and see if it has a white crusty build up on the end and when you spray the water seems to shoot every direction except the way you want it to.

The Skin Test

Take a bar of soap and wash your hands with soapy warm water and as you rinse them rub your fingers together and notice if your skin feels slick and silky or if it feels squeaky. Then dry your hands with a clean towel and see if your skin feels rough and they have a reddish dry look to them.

When washing in hard water skin will have a squeaky feel when rinsing and many will notice their skin feels and looks dry and rough when dry. Soft water will leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and silky.

Have Your Water Tested by a Professional

If you’re still unsure about the hardness of your water, let the experts at Kinetico assist you. We’ll test your home water for hardness, chlorine and other impurities. Our representatives are standing by to assist you.

May 1, 2017

Why Softening and Reverse Osmosis Go Together

Kinetico Utah - Water Filtration Systems Utah - Reverse Osmosis Water systems Utah

Within the water filtration sphere, there are a few different layers of water treatment. You may be familiar with reverse osmosis filters that are installed under a sink and provide purified for drinking and cooking.

Kinetico’s Drinking Water Station is certified by NSF to remove more impurities than any other reverse osmosis and is rated number 1 by the leading consumer publication. Another of our services, that’s as vital for many, is our whole-home water softener. In fact, many people who choose one of these systems end up choosing both for their family – and they actually complement each other in several ways. Let’s look at the benefits of installing both a reverse osmosis drinking water system and a water softener in your home.

Quality Water

For all the water in your home, a water softener removes calcium and magnesium, which are the minerals found in hard water. For some people, especially those on a low-sodium diet or those who are looking to limit their sodium intake in any way, water softening can add slightly higher levels of sodium to the water.

This is where reverse osmosis comes in. Reverse osmosis systems can be hooked up to a single sink or a refrigerator/freezer line (or both), and will remove the sodium added to softened water – along with heavy metals like lead and many chemicals. For the highest quality water possible, both water softening and reverse osmosis systems are recommended.

Protects RO Units

Reverse osmosis membranes are very effective at removing many elements from your water, but they can be fragile. Hard water has the same effect on reverse osmosis membrane as it does on you appliances and fixtures, it ruins them.

A water softener protects the reverse osmosis unit by filtering these elements before they ever reach it. This will extend the life of the RO unit significantly, often by nearly double.

Cost Benefit

Softening the water in your home and purifying your drinking water provide your family the benefits of soft water and the best quality water for drinking and cooking. In addition you will save money, when factoring in things like appliance lifespan and lower usage of soaps and detergents, they pay for themselves in short order. Reverse osmosis systems remove the need for bottled water, and many families find they purchase fewer sugary drinks once they install an RO system.

To find out more about benefits of soft water and purified drinking water speak to an expert at Kinetico Utah today.

April 1, 2017

Effects of Hard Water

While hard water may not be a serious threat to your health, it can certainly have significant effects on other areas of your life, making household tasks more difficult and causing long-term damage to your clothing, skin, hair and appliances.

The average American family of four uses about 400 gallons of water every day, for everything from showering and cleaning to washing dishes and laundry. Hard water can have a significant impact on your daily life.

Disadvantages of Hard Water

Hard water in the laundry, for example, can cause soap curds to lodge in the fabric during washing and leave clothes feeling rough and stiff. It may cause graying of white fabrics and the loss of brightness in colored ones. Over time you may even start to notice an undesirable odor, and it could shorten the useful life of your clothes.

Dishes and glasses washed in a dishwasher using hard water may end up spotted when dry. Hard water can also cause a film or spots on glass shower doors, shower walls, bathtubs and sinks that require significant scrubbing and harsh cleaners to remove.

Bathing with hard water is discouraged as it leaves a sticky coat on the skin, doesn’t lather as well (so you have to use more soap), and may not remove bacteria and dirt as effectively. Soap residue may even lead skin to become irritated and dry, and make hair dull and difficult to manage.

Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances. When limescale forms in appliances and water heaters it may cause breakdowns. Heated hard water forms a scale of calcium and magnesium minerals that can damage appliances such as your dishwasher or washing machine. It will also cause scale buildup in commercial equipment such as boilers, cooling towers, and other large-scale equipment.

Benefits of Adding Soft Water

To enjoy softer skin and hair, shiny spot free dishes, fluffy and fresh smelling towels and have your appliances provide years of trouble free service we encourage you to consider having a Kinetico water softener installed in your home.

Here at Kinetico Utah, we believe everybody deserves soft water to make life easier and cleaner. We offer home filtration systems that soften water to make everyday activities a breeze. Contact us today to find out more about your water treatment options.

March 1, 2017October 23, 2019

Skin Benefits of Soft Water

There are several reasons why soft water can be more beneficial to skin than hard water, and there are plenty of reasons to try and avoid hard water on the skin altogether. Let’s look at the effects soft and hard water have on your skin.

Effects of Hard Water on Skin

Hard water contains dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, minerals which make it more difficult for water and soap to dissolve effectively. Leaving a scummy residue just like you’ll see on sinks, shower doors or fixtures.

This same residue clogs your pores, and can cause several skin conditions – studies have shown that children in areas with hard water are 50 percent more likely to suffer from eczema. Hard water can cause the natural oils in pores to be trapped and form blemishes or pimples, and it can even affect the way skin ages. Many people find hard water causes them to have dry, irritated skin, and wrinkles over time.

Effects of Soft Water on Skin

Soap easily dissolves into soft water forming a sudsy lather; one that easily rinses away and doesn’t clog pores. Soft water requires less soap be used when washing, and often allows people to stop purchasing lotions to counter the effects of dry skin caused by hard water.

Slippery Vs. Squeaky Clean

People who have spent their whole lives bathing using hard water will often associate the “squeaky clean” feeling they get after a shower with true cleanliness. These same people take a shower in soft water, and assume the slick or silky feeling on their skin means they aren’t actually getting clean.

In reality, this is backwards. That slick feeling on the skin is how the skin is supposed to feel, and that squeaky clean feel actually might be soap scum, dead skin and dirt that wasn’t washed away. That slippery feel means that natural oils haven’t been stripped from your skin, and are able to do their jobs.

Want to learn more about the benefits of soft water, or any of our water filtering solutions? The experts at Kinetico are standing by.

July 15, 2016

Key Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a New Water Softener

Water softeners can be a great addition to many homes in Utah, especially since most municipal water systems in the area have “hard” water, a term that describes water containing minerals like calcium and magnesium, that can cause problems with scale build up and dry skin. Before you get one, though, there are a few questions you should ask.

Does My Home Have Hard Water?

Most water in Utah is considered hard, but before you purchase a water softener it’s best to have your water tested. Not only will this let you know exactly how hard your water is, it’s important in selecting the correct size of water softener. This test is simple to do and any reputable water softening company can do it right in your home. Also ask if there are other elements in your water you should be concerned about, such as iron or chlorine.

What Kind of Water Softener Do I Need?

There are dozens of options to choose from when you’re shopping for a water softener, and the right one for your home will depend on different factors. First, determine the capacity you need for your water softener. Next, check for third-party certifications such as those from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the Water Quality Association (WQA) to make sure its performance matches up to the claims they are making.

Is This a Reputable Company?

There are a lot of companies to choose from when purchasing a water softener, so before you buy, make sure you do a little research. Not all companies will be reputable, and purchasing from a fly-by-night company that might do a poor installation, or might not be around when something goes wrong and the system requires maintenance or repairs. Choose a company that has been in business installing water softeners in Utah for many years. Ratings in publications like Consumer’s Digest and Consumer Reports can also be a good resource.

What Kind of Customer Service Do They Offer?

In addition to finding a company that provides quality products at an affordable price, you want to make sure the one you’re working with offers great customer service. Read reviews from previous customers, or ask for a phone number to check referrals and ensure you’re working with a quality company.

To find out more about water softeners in Utah and have one installed in your home, call Kinetico today.

June 15, 2016

4 Ways Water Softeners Can Save You Money

Most people know that water softeners make it easier to keep water spots and scum off of dishes, plumbing fixtures and silverware, but did you know that a water softener can also save you money? While it may cost a bit up-front, the four following money-saving benefits make up for the initial cost.

Reduces the Amount of Laundry Soap You Buy

Laundry detergent is fairly expensive, especially if you have hard water and need to use a lot of it. Hard water contains minerals that inhibit the ability of detergents to clean properly. This means that you will need to use larger amounts of detergent in order to try and get your laundry sufficiently clean. Installing a water softener allows you to use less laundry detergent and experience a significant savings advantage over time.

Soft water also eliminates the need to use expensive products like Oxy Clean, Calgon and Clorox to try and keep your whites from turning gray and dingy. Soft water will also eliminate, or virtually eliminate, the need for fabric softeners and your towels, sheets and other clothing be soft and fresh smelling.

Eliminates Damage to Plumbing

Want your plumbing system to last as long as possible? Installing a water softener may be the best way to extend its life. Mineral deposits from hard water can collect in your pipes, appliances, faucets and fixtures. It also leaves unsightly and hard to clean build up and rings in sinks, toilets and on faucets. Soft water eliminates these problems and helps ensure that your plumbing lasts as long as possible. Healthy, non-clogged plumbing pipes and appliances are less likely to require expensive repairs and replacement.

It is estimated that 17-20% of the cost of a home is for the plumbing system, that’s a lot of money invested, and soft water protects this investment and significantly extend its life.

Reduces the Amount of Soap and Lotion You Use

Soaps, shampoos and lotions may not seem very expensive, but their costs can add up to surprising amounts over time. Soft water makes it possible to use less of these items so that you don’t need to purchase them as frequently.

University studies have shown a 50-80% reduction in soap usage with soft water vs. hard water. As an example, the Maytag Answer Book recommends using 3tsp of detergent with soft water and in hard water 10-12tsp. In extremely hard water they say “it’s very difficult to achieve acceptable dishwashing results” no matter how much detergent is used.

In an attempt to get their dishes clean and spot free in hard water most people add additional products like Jet Dry or Lemi -shine. In soft water these products are not needed at all, adding to the cost savings and protects the environment at the same time.

Extends the Life of Your Clothing

The minerals found in hard water can be rough on your clothing and cause them to look dull and dingy. Water softeners are gentler on fabric and can help you save money by extending the life of your clothing. According to a Purdue University study “the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15% when washed in soft water.”

May 2, 2016

Three Facts About Reverse Osmosis

Even though many companies offer home water softening systems, we think that we offer customers the very best options. Reverse osmosis water is some of the purest and most delicious water available anywhere in the world – and you can have a virtually unlimited supply at your home with surprisingly little cost. Your entire family can enjoy the pure, perfect taste of RO water just the way nature intended it.

Pressure Is Used to Remove Major Contaminants

A reverse osmosis system utilizes the finely tuned application of pressure to drive water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane is only about as thick as a sheet of plastic but it is capable of removing many different inorganic solids that are dissolved into water. Dissolved solids are any minerals, heavy metals, salts, etc that were once a solid that have now dissolved into the water.

You Never Come in Contact With Contaminants

The contaminants removed from the water by the reverse osmosis membrane are removed and flushed away. Your home reverse osmosis system will remove many major contaminants, including:

Lead
Arsenic
Iron
Sulfate
Sodium
Nickel
Mercury
Cadmium
Cyanide
Chloride
Phosphate

A home reverse osmosis system will also include two to four additional filters to remove other impurities that affect the taste, smell and quality of your drinking water. These additional filters will remove sediments and particulates, chlorine and many other chemicals.

All that is left is clear, deliciously drinkable water.

Reverse Osmosis Is Very Affordable

In terms of cost-per-glass, reverse osmosis is one of the most affordable water filtration systems available. The system’s components last so long that each glass costs homeowners only pennies. Your family can cook, make ice cubes, and enjoy clean delicious drinking water all without breaking the bank. The system’s ease of use and overall convenience also make it a valuable addition to any home.

Discover RO Water Today

Contact Kinetico of Salt Lake City Utah today to learn more about this water purification technology. In no time you can discover exactly what makes reverse osmosis water so exciting.

April 2, 2016August 29, 2022

Key Signs Your Home Has Hard Water

You may have heard the term “hard water” and wondered what it is and whether your home has this type of water. Unless you have experienced hard water before, how would you know if you had it? It’s important for homeowners to understand some of the common signs of hard water to be able to identify it, understand the problems associated with it, and learn the best ways to remove it from your water supply.

Hard Water Causes

Hard water comes from minerals that are present in the soil and are absorbed into the water supply on its way to your home. That usually includes some or all of the following:

Calcium carbonate
Limestone
Calcium sulfate
Magnesium
Iron

These minerals, while not generally harmful to your health, can cause problems any time you use water in your home.

Noticeable Hard Water Problems

While you can always call a water softener company, or your local water municipal office for a testing kit to determine if you have hard water, most people notice some of the other effects before they take the step of getting it tested. Things you may have noticed at your own home might include:

Water spots or a white film on your dishes and glassware
Coarse hair and dry itchy skin
Mineral deposits that build up on your faucets and appliances (and in your pipes, although you likely only notice this if it gets bad enough to clog the pipe)
Mineral deposits, known as scaling, on your shower and bathtub doors
Clothing that looks dull or loses its color quickly
Poor lathering from your soap or shampoo

Fixing Hard Water

The easiest way to fix hard water in your home (short of moving somewhere that doesn’t have any naturally-occurring minerals in the water) is to purchase a water softener. These systems remove the minerals and exchange them for salt, leaving you with softer skin and hair, shiny spot free dishes, cleaner clothes that hold their color longer, and pipes that are protected from continual scale buildup.

Another advantage of a water softener is the prolonged life for your appliances. Hard water can quickly damage appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater, which means they don’t work as well as you hope and you’ll have to spend money replacing them sooner. When you purchase a water softener, the water that flows through these appliances is free of minerals that could otherwise clog up the system and cause problems.

To get a quote on a new water softener in Utah, or to find out more about what minerals are in your water, call Kinetico of Salt Lake City today.

March 13, 2016

Three Little Known Benefits of Water Softeners

Cute little girl washing face and hands in bathroom

If you have hard water in your home and are considering water softeners from Kinetico Utah, we want you to make the best choice for your family. Our goal is to educate you about all the benefits that come from installing a water softener. Here we have several little known benefits of using water softeners.

Brighter, Longer-Lasting Clothing

Hard water is hard on your laundry, and using soft water ensures that your clothes stay brighter and last longer. If you’re raising kids and it seems like you do several loads of laundry each day, this can greatly cut back on fading and wear and tear that is common when clothes are washed. You will also have soft fluffy towels again, instead of the hard crunchy ones you now have.

Along with your clothing, your washing machine may last longer because the buildup of deposits and minerals that are common with hard water are eliminated. This not only improves the function of your machine, but saves you money in the long run.

Softer Skin

Hard water contains minerals that can be hard on your skin. With soft water, those minerals are removed, ensuring that skin is softer and smoother after you wash it. Hard water creates a dingy film that resides on the skin, and soft water ensures that your skin is clear and fresh every time you bathe.

Stronger Plumbing Systems

As with your washing machine, your other water using appliances, pipes and fixtures may have scale buildup in them, if you have hard water in your home. After several years, this can wear on your plumbing. If you hate clogged jets in your dishwasher, leaky faucets and hard water rings on your toilets, a water softener may solve your problems. A water softener removes minerals like calcium and magnesium that buildup in your homes plumbing.

Call Kinetico Utah Today

If you want to know more about the benefits of water softeners, give us a call today at 800-969-4420.

February 17, 2016August 29, 2022

The Costliest Water Damage Happening in Your Home

The idea of water damage is frightening for any homeowner, especially those who have experienced the destruction and long-term problems that can occur from things like flooding. However, there is another type of water damage that could be impacting your home and is much, much harder to detect because it’s happening inside your pipes: hard water damage.

The Basics of Hard Water

The two most common minerals found in water are calcium and magnesium, and while many people take these supplements to keep their bodies healthy, having them inside your water isn’t necessarily the best way to get them in your diet. For the most part, hard water that contains calcium, magnesium, and other minerals is not necessarily bad for your health, but it could be very bad for your plumbing.

Bathroom Fixtures

Perhaps the most noticeable damage from hard water is the stuff you see on your appliances and fixtures. Homes that have hard water will generally start to see a “buildup” of calcium and magnesium around the edges of faucets, on the shower, and perhaps around sinks and bathtubs as well. Unfortunately traditional cleaning supplies generally are not enough to get rid of this buildup, and if you wait too long, the only solution will be to replace your fixtures and shower heads.

Plumbing Pipes

Another type of hard water damage that you won’t see is inside your pipes. When hard water minerals and deposits harden inside the pipes they can cause blockages that are not easy to get out. Traditional drain cleaners won’t fix them, and in most cases you will need to hire a professional plumber to come and remove it. There are some plumbing fixtures that are less prone to damage than others, but the best way to avoid this type of damage is just to get soft water.

Appliance Damage

Finally, hard water minerals can cause serious and significant damage to your appliances. Water is essential for things like your dishwasher and washing machine, but when the pipes and inner parts of the appliance get clogged with hard water deposits, not only will your appliances be running far less efficiently and costing you more, but it might also be causing unseen damage that will wear out the appliance sooner. The end result is that you either have to pay for expensive repairs or just buy new appliances.

Rather than dealing with these costs, talk to Kinetico in Utah today to find out more about the benefits that soft water can provide. In addition to making your skin and hair feel softer, it can save you a lot of scrubbing and harsh chemical use when cleaning your bathroom fixtures, and can prevent some of the costly unseen damage to your pipes and appliances.