The routine, in order
- Look up the current hardness figure in the Region of Durham water quality report, or test a well sample.
- Check aerators and shower heads for white crust; soak them in vinegar to clean.
- Drain a few pails from the tank water heater yearly to clear out sediment.
- Note how often fixtures and cartridges need replacing.
- Decide whether scale is a nuisance or a real cost before buying equipment.
Why this matters in Pickering
Durham's report states hardness in mg/L; softener dealers tend to quote grains per gallon instead, and Durham publishes its water quality figures each year. Lake water is moderately hard, so you see scale on shower glass, crusty aerators and sediment in the bottom of tank water heaters. Homes on private wells north of Taunton frequently draw much harder water, at times carrying iron too.
Scale wears faucet cartridges and toilet flappers sooner, clogs shower heads and coats heating elements.
Slips worth avoiding
- Buying a softener sized for a much larger family
- Softening the line that feeds the kitchen drinking tap without considering sodium
- Ignoring the drain connection: a softener needs an air gap to the drain
- Skipping the yearly water heater flush
What hard water does to fixtures
Scale wears faucet cartridges and toilet flappers sooner, clogs shower heads and coats heating elements. Faucet repair and replacement and outdoor faucet repair are often driven by it. Keep drains clear with what not to put down your drains.
Time to ring a plumber
A softener needs a cold supply, a drain and an outlet nearby. If you want one installed, see water softener installation; for taste or iron, water filtration may suit better.
Questions callers ask
Is hard water bad for health?
No. Calcium and magnesium pose no health risk. Hard water is mostly a nuisance for fixtures and appliances.