How to Remove Hard Water Buildup in Your Home

Hard water is a problem for many Texas residents. When you have hard water, your home supply contains high amounts of minerals, such as calcium, limestone or magnesium. The substance isn’t a health risk, but it can leave buildup around or on your plumbing fixtures.

Kinetico San Antonio is honored to have served our community for over four decades. Our team of trained professionals strives to keep your South Texas water system in top-tier condition. We’ve compiled a guide to help you learn about hard water and how to combat those pesky stains!

Signs You Have Hard Water Quality In San Antonio

The effects of hard water can be a hassle. Once it leaves residue along your fixtures, you may scrub relentlessly to remove them. Other than stains, a few indicators that you have hard water quality are:

• Cloudy water
• Greasy film on your hair after showering
• Dry and irritated skin
• Limescale in your dishwasher
• Poor aftertaste when drinking water

The hardness of your water is measured by its overall mineral content. The amount is calculated in grains per gallon (gpg), and it’s used to help a professional determine the state of your water. Anything greater than 7.5 gpg is considered hard water, which can gather on your plumbing fixtures. Professional testing can pinpoint the quality of your household’s supply.

How To Clean Fixtures With Hard Water Buildup

Your plumbing appliances are responsible for delivering water when you need it most. However, the quality of your supply can affect how your fixtures look. Hard water stains aren’t visually appealing, but they can be removed with various methods.

Cleaning Showerheads and Faucets

Faucets and showerheads are two problem areas for hard water stains. To clean these appliances, you’ll want to fill a plastic bag with equal amounts of water and vinegar. Tie this bag around the fixture using a rubber band.

Leave the bag on for about three hours, allowing it to soak. Once this time has passed, take the plastic off and wipe the fixture to remove any deposits. Allow your water to run to rinse off any remaining solution.

Cleaning Toilets

Cleaning your toilet isn’t a desirable chore, but it’s one of the most important ones! You can use borax and distilled white vinegar. Pour a quarter of borax into the bowl, and use a toilet brush to mix it into the water. Add a cup of white vinegar, and allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes. Afterward, use the brush to scrub off hard water residue.

Cleaning Glass Shower Doors And Tile

You can fill a spray bottle with a solution to clean your tile and glass shower doors. Fill the bottle halfway with distilled white vinegar and the other half with water. Spray the mixture, and allow it to sit for five minutes, adding more once it dries. Once the mixture has soaked the surface, wipe the shower door with a squeegee and your tile with an old towel to remove stains.

Reliable Water Softener Installations In San Antonio

Kinetico specializes in water softener installations to combat hard water buildup in your home. This technology removes certain mineral ions from your water, replacing them with sodium ions. With this system, you can expect water that won’t stain your fixtures or cause any physical irritation! Contact us today to schedule your next installation service!