The Cincinnati summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, not for battling with your water. But as the temperature rises, you might notice the signs of hard water getting worse. That white, chalky buildup on your faucets, the spots on your clean dishes, and that dry, itchy feeling on your skin after a shower are all symptoms of hard water. These issues can be frustrating, and they can also be costing you money in the long run.
Hard water is common in the Cincinnati area, thanks to the rich mineral content in our water supply from the Ohio River. While the Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) provides safe, clean water, it still contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are what make our water “hard,” and they are the culprits behind a variety of household problems. From making your soap less effective to causing damage to your appliances, hard water can be a real nuisance.
But there is good news. You don’t have to live with the effects of hard water. A home water filtration system can solve these problems, providing you with clean, soft water that is better for your home, your family, and your wallet. With the right system, you can say goodbye to scale buildup, soap scum, and dry skin, and hello to a more comfortable and efficient home.
Why hard water feels worse in summer
Have you ever noticed that the problems with hard water seem to get worse in the summer? It’s not your imagination. The heat and increased water usage during the summer months can amplify the effects of hard water in your home. When water is heated, the minerals in it become less soluble, which means they are more likely to precipitate out and form scale. This is why you might see more scale buildup on your water heater, coffee maker, and other appliances that use hot water during the summer.
In addition to the heat, we also tend to use more water in the summer. More showers, more laundry, and more dishes all mean more opportunities for hard water to cause problems. The combination of heat and increased usage can make the symptoms of hard water more obvious and more frustrating. But you don’t have to wait until the fall to get relief. Here are a few reasons to consider treating your hard water now:
- Protect your appliances: The summer is a tough time for your appliances. Don’t let hard water make it even tougher. A water filtration system can protect your appliances from scale buildup and extend their lifespan.
- Improve your comfort: With a water filtration system, you can enjoy softer skin, smoother hair, and cleaner, brighter laundry all summer long.
- Save money: By improving the efficiency of your appliances and reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners, a water filtration system can help you save money on your utility bills and cleaning supplies.
- Peace of mind: With a water filtration system, you can relax and enjoy your summer, knowing that your water is clean, soft, and safe for your family.
Signs hard water is costing you at home
Hard water can be a silent problem, but it can have a real impact on your home and your budget. If you’re not sure if you have hard water, here are a few signs to look for:
- Cloudy glassware: Do your glasses and dishes come out of the dishwasher with a cloudy film? That’s a classic sign of hard water.
- Stiff, dull laundry: Hard water can make your clothes feel stiff and look dull, even after they’ve been washed.
- Soap scum: Hard water reacts with soap to form a sticky, white residue called soap scum. You might see it on your shower doors, bathtubs, and sinks.
- Scale on fixtures: That white, crusty buildup on your faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures is scale, and it’s a sure sign of hard water.
- Dry, itchy skin: The minerals in hard water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and itchy.
- Lower water pressure: Scale buildup in your pipes can restrict water flow, leading to lower water pressure throughout your home.
- Appliance inefficiency: Scale buildup can make your appliances less efficient, which means they have to work harder and use more energy to do their job.
- Frequent appliance repairs: Hard water can be tough on your appliances, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan.
Your best-fit solutions for Cincinnati homes
When it comes to treating hard water, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best system for your home will depend on your specific needs and budget. At Nixco Plumbing, we offer a range of water treatment solutions to help you find the perfect fit for your Cincinnati home.
Whole-house Water Softeners (ion exchange)
A whole-house water softener is the most effective way to remove the minerals that cause hard water. These systems use a process called ion exchange to replace the calcium and magnesium ions in your water with sodium ions. The result is soft, clean water that is better for your home, your family, and your appliances. A water softener can help you save money on your utility bills, reduce the need for harsh chemical cleaners, and extend the lifespan of your appliances.
Whole-house Filtration Systems
If you’re concerned about more than just hard water, a whole-house filtration system may be the right choice for you. These systems can remove a wide range of contaminants from your water, including chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). A whole-house filtration system can improve the taste, smell, and feel of your water, and it can also provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your water is clean and safe for your family.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Drinking Water
For the purest, best-tasting drinking water, a reverse osmosis (RO) system is the way to go. These point-of-use systems are typically installed under the kitchen sink, and they use a multi-stage filtration process to remove up to 99% of all contaminants from your water. An RO system is a great way to get clean, delicious water for drinking, cooking, and making coffee and tea.
Scale Prevention & Conditioning
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to protect your home from the damaging effects of scale buildup, a scale prevention and conditioning system may be the right choice for you. These systems use a variety of technologies to alter the chemical structure of the minerals in your water, preventing them from forming scale. A scale prevention and conditioning system can help you protect your appliances, reduce the need for repairs, and extend the lifespan of your plumbing system.
Maintenance & Filter Changes
No matter what type of water treatment system you choose, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running at its best. At Nixco Plumbing, we offer a variety of maintenance plans to help you keep your system in top condition. We can also help you with filter changes, so you can be sure that your water is always clean and fresh.
Professional Installation & Sizing
When it comes to water treatment, proper installation and sizing are key. An undersized system won’t be able to keep up with your home’s water usage, and an oversized system will be a waste of money. At Nixco Plumbing, our experienced technicians will carefully evaluate your home’s water usage and recommend the right size system for your needs. We will also make sure that your system is installed correctly, so you can enjoy clean, soft water for years to come.
Why choose Nixco Plumbing
When it comes to your home’s plumbing, you want to work with a company you can trust. Nixco Plumbing has been serving the Cincinnati area for over 40 years, and we have a reputation for providing high-quality service at a fair price. Our licensed and insured plumbers are experts in all aspects of water treatment, and we are committed to helping you find the right solution for your home and your budget.
We understand that a new water treatment system is a big investment, which is why we offer a variety of financing options to help you make it more affordable. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be sure that you’re making a wise investment in your home. We proudly serve homeowners throughout the greater Cincinnati area, including neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Oakley, and Westwood, as well as communities in Butler County like Mason and West Chester.
Summer-smart tips you can use today
While a water filtration system is the best long-term solution for hard water, there are a few things you can do to manage the problem in the meantime. Here are a few summer-smart tips you can use today:
- Wipe down fixtures: After you shower or use the sink, wipe down your fixtures with a towel to prevent water spots from forming.
- Use a rinse aid: A rinse aid can help to prevent spots on your dishes and glassware.
- Clean your showerhead: If your showerhead is clogged with scale, you can clean it by soaking it in a bag of vinegar overnight.
- Lower your water heater temperature: Lowering your water heater temperature can help to reduce scale buildup.
- Schedule a plumbing inspection: A professional plumbing inspection can help you identify any potential problems with your plumbing system, including scale buildup.
- Consider a pre-vacation check: If you’re going on vacation this summer, it’s a good idea to have your plumbing system checked before you go. This can help to prevent any unexpected problems while you’re away.
- Clean your aerators: The aerators on your faucets can get clogged with scale, which can reduce water flow. You can clean them by unscrewing them and soaking them in vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a water softener or a water filter?
A water softener is specifically designed to remove the minerals that cause hard water. A water filter, on the other hand, can remove a wide range of contaminants from your water, including chlorine, sediment, and VOCs. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and concerns.
How often do filters need changing?
The frequency of filter changes will depend on the type of system you have and your home’s water usage. As a general rule, most filters should be changed every 3-6 months.
Will a softener remove chlorine?
No, a water softener will not remove chlorine from your water. If you are concerned about chlorine, you will need a separate filtration system.
Is RO wasteful?
Reverse osmosis systems do produce some wastewater, but modern, high-efficiency systems are much more efficient than older models. The amount of wastewater produced will depend on the specific system you choose.
Will soft water feel slippery?
Some people do notice a “slippery” feeling after showering in soft water. This is because soft water does not leave a soap scum residue on your skin like hard water does. The slippery feeling is actually your skin’s natural oils, which are no longer being stripped away by hard water.
Will a filter protect my water heater?
Yes, a water filtration system can help to protect your water heater from scale buildup, which can improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
How long does installation take?
The installation time will depend on the type of system you choose and the complexity of the installation. Most installations can be completed in a few hours.
Ready for better water?
If you’re tired of dealing with the effects of hard water, Nixco Plumbing is here to help. We offer a wide range of water treatment solutions to fit your needs and budget. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll test your water, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect solution for your Cincinnati home.