Hard water is a common problem in the Tampa area. In fact, on the water hardness scale, the local water is classified as very hard. Hard water often has floaters in it that settle at the bottom of a glass. It can taste unusual as well, but it also has more significant impacts. While hard water is problematic, there is an easy solution. A water softener will remove mineral sediments from the water as it enters your house. Before investing in a water softener, however, it makes sense to do a hard water test.
Why You Need to Do a Hard Water Test
The mineral sediments in hard water create a film on your dishes, shower door glass, faucets and other areas that is difficult to remove. This sediment also builds up inside your pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances. It can lead to expensive repair bills as well as the need to replace your appliances prematurely. Hard water is also less effective at cleaning laundry. By testing your water today, you can determine how significant the problem is in your home and decide what action needs to be taken to remedy the situation.
Get Details from Your Water Supplier
Before testing your home’s water, contact the local water supplier. The supplier does tests regularly to determine water hardness and which specific minerals are in the water as it leaves the treatment facility. Be aware, however, that water hardness varies. While gathering information from your water supplier is important, it is equally important to test the water entering your home. This is because additional minerals can enter the water as it flows from the treatment center to your home.
Do-It-Yourself Water Testing
Both do-it-yourself and professional water testing are available. The do-it-yourself tests generally provide an approximation rather than a specific result, but they are affordable and helpful. Professional tests are more accurate than do-it-yourself tests.
Dish Soap Test
One of the do-it-yourself tests requires tap water and dish soap. Fill a clear water bottle one-third full of tap water. Then, squeeze 10 droplets of dish soap into the bottle. Cover the bottle, and shake it for 10 seconds. Soft water creates ample bubbles at the top with clear water below. Hard water produces minimal bubbles and is cloudy below the bubbles.
Purchasing Test Kits
In addition to this easy test, you can purchase a water test at a home improvement store. When selecting a test kit, read the package label to determine which minerals it detects. These test kits usually have a dipstick. You dip the stick into tap water for a few seconds and decipher the results using the kit’s instructions.
Understanding Hard Water Test Results
The water hardness scale measures grains of calcium carbonate per gallon of water, or gpg. Soft water has a rating of 1 gpg. Water is slightly hard if the rating is between 1 and 3.5 gpg. A rating of 3.5 to 7 gpg indicates moderately hard water. Hard water is between 7 and 10.5 gpg. If the water is very hard, as it is in Tampa, it has a rating greater than 10.5 gpg.
Request a Consultation Today
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we want our customers to enjoy all of the benefits of fresh, soft water. Whether you need a professional hard water test or you want to install a water softener in your home, we are ready to help. Schedule a consultation by contacting us online or by phone today.