There’s a lot to like about living in Franklin and the surrounding area, but one common complaint you’ll hear from homeowners involves water quality. Whether homeowners are on city water or rely on a well, they deal with what’s typically referred to as “hard” water. That doesn’t mean the water has solidified into ice; instead, it’s a way of describing the higher-than-normal mineral content of central Indiana’s underground water supply.
It’s nothing wrong with your home or your neighborhood. The fact is that our communities have been built over the remnants of past Ice Ages. The remains of ancient animals fell to the bottom of seas and glaciers and formed the rich deposits of limestone for which Indiana is famous. Both home and city wells tap into the groundwater that flows beneath our feet and through that limestone, where it picks up microscopic particles of calcium carbonate and other natural minerals.
How does that affect my home’s water?
The mineral-rich water that flows into your home probably doesn’t look, smell, or taste as clean as bottled water. It also tends to leave deposits anywhere it’s used. Have you noticed chalky residue on the sides of your bath or shower? Do glasses never come out of the dishwasher looking spotless? Are you constantly fighting stains in your toilet bowl and on other porcelain surfaces? Do you find yourself rewashing clothes to remove white stains? All of those things are symptoms of hard water, and while they may not be dangerous, they’re definitely unpleasant and annoying.
What can I do to improve our water?
Fortunately, there are many proven, effective ways to remove minerals and other contaminants from your home’s water, whether it comes from your own well or municipal water lines. Johnson Heating Cooling & Plumbing can conduct comprehensive water quality testing to identify exactly what’s affecting your water quality and then make recommendations for the best solution.
Water softeners and conditioners
Water softeners and conditioners are engineered to remove high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, improving your home’s water quality and even extending the lifespan of your plumbing system and appliances. In chemical terms, water softeners work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions. That dramatically reduces the mineral content and the “hardness” it creates, so in addition to better-tasting and -smelling water, it prevents the buildup of mineral scale.
Water filtration systems
For even purer water, you may want to consider installing a water filtration system. Many different types of water filtration systems are idea for homeowners in and around Franklin. These can include point-of-use filters that attach to faucets, pitchers you can fill for drinking and cooking water, and whole-house filtration systems that treat water as it enters your home. Water filtration systems are engineered to remove impurities such as chlorine, sediment, heavy metals — even biological microorganisms — to ensure your family’s water is clean and safe.
UV disinfection systems
Some homeowners worry about what might be present in their water, such as bacteria, viruses, and other microbiological contaminants. Today’s innovative UV disinfection systems use ultraviolet light to eliminate harmful microorganisms such as waterborne pathogens in water. Not only does that provide peace of mind that your water doesn’t include anything harmful, but homeowners who have installed these systems report improvements in overall water quality.
Maintain your home’s plumbing system
Your home’s plumbing can also affect the quality of your water, especially when it comes to protecting it from contaminants. Regularly inspect and clean all faucets, showerheads, pipes, and other fixtures to remove sediment, scale, and other buildup that can affect water quality. If there are any leaks or damage to your plumbing system, have them repaired promptly to prevent contaminants from outside sources from infiltrating your water. Make sure you properly dispose of household chemicals, medications, and other hazardous substances to prevent them from entering the water supply. It’s also a good idea to test your water regularly.
We can improve your water
If you’re concerned about your Franklin-area home’s water quality, reach out to the expert team from Johnson Heating Cooling & Plumbing to help you assess its quality and the steps you can take to improve it. Contact us today, and you’ll start enjoying cleaner, purer water for bathing, cooking, cleaning, and — most of all– drinking!
