Aqua Care Water Treatment and Plumbing: North Fort Myers’ Trusted Experts for Clean Water & Reliable Plumbing Solutions

What Is Hard Water?

Technically speaking, water hardness is caused primarily by high concentrations of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions in your water supply. These minerals are naturally picked up as water passes through limestone, chalk, or gypsum deposits underground.

To put it more simply, hard water is water that’s picked up too many minerals on its way to your faucet. As a result, it can leave behind scale buildup in your pipes and appliances, make soap less effective, and lead to dry skin and dull hair over time.

How Do I Reduce the Hardness of My Water?

How can you ensure your water isn’t hard and harmful to your faucets, toilets, tubs, and skin?

The most effective way to reduce water hardness is to install a quality water softener system. These systems use ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium (aka, the minerals responsible for creating hard water), therefore protecting your plumbing, fixtures, and appliances from mineral buildup. 

Water softeners can also make your skin feel softer, improve soap lather, and prevent those chalky spots on dishes and glassware. Whether you’re looking for a more standard aerator water system or something more modern, like a twin tank system, we can help you out.

Another great option for addressing hard water problems is investing in a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Reverse osmosis removes a wide range of contaminants, including some minerals, providing ultra-clean water for cooking and consumption. For homes with extremely hard water, an RO system can work alongside a softener to ensure you’re set up with the safest and cleanest water possible.

Additional ways to help manage or reduce the effects of hard water include:

• Use vinegar to clean fixtures, as mineral deposits on faucets and showerheads can be dissolved with white vinegar.
• Install faucet or showerhead filters, which won’t soften water, but can reduce the scale that collects on surfaces.
• Choose cleaning products designed for hard water.
• Have your water tested regularly to stay aware of the mineral levels in your water and ensure you’re investing in the right treatments.

Is Hard Water Harmful To Human Health?

While not great on your appliances or skin, ingesting hard water isn’t directly harmful to your health. Unlike contaminants like lead or bacteria, the hard minerals in hard water don’t require removal for drinking safety. So, if you have hard water, don’t stress about drinking it or using it for cooking.

That said, hard water can leave a residue on your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, or buildup over time. In addition, hard water doesn’t lather well with soap, meaning you need more product to get the job done – and may still feel like there’s a film left on your skin (or dishes).

Bottom line? Hard water is not a health hazard or harmful when consumed, but it can affect your comfort levels and lead to buying more products (like extra soap and moisturizers) to balance out the negative effects it can have on your skin.

Can Hard Water Damage Be Repaired?

Oftentimes, yes, but success can vary based on the extent of the damage and what you’re willing to do to address it.

• For scale buildup on plumbing or pipework, descaling solutions can be flushed through the pipes by a plumber. That said, in extreme cases, pipes may need to be replaced if the corrosion or blockages are too advanced. And, unfortunately, while installing a water softener can prevent future buildup, it won’t reverse the existing damage.
• For scale buildup on water heaters, a professional can flush the tank and use descaling solutions – or, of course, replace heavily scaled heating elements. This should restore efficiency and extend the lifespan of the water heater. If the damage is too far gone, though, a full unit replacement may be in order.
• For dishwashers or washing machines with clogs or mineral deposits, using descaling agents, like citric acid or vinegar, on a regular basis can help. You may need to replace damaged parts if scale buildup is affecting functionality. And in the future, use hard water rinse aids or consider a point-of-entry water softener.
• For faucets and showerheads experiencing mineral buildup and clogs, soak removable parts in vinegar or a calcium/lime remover, then scrub the remaining surfaces gently with a brush or cloth. You may also need to replace rubber washers or internal parts, if they’re corroded. Regular cleaning and a softener system will help prevent damage from recurring.
• For tiles, glass, and other fixtures with hard water stains, use acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon-based products) to dissolve mineral stains. For stubborn cases, professional restoration services may be needed. For future protection, sealants can be applied to tile and glass to reduce spotting.

All that said, while hard water damage can often be reversed or mitigated, it’s far more cost-effective (and far less time-consuming) to prevent it in the first place. How? With a water softener from our team. Ask us about your options – we’d be happy to set you up right.

North Fort Myers Water & Plumbing Solutions: We Love This Area

Just north of the Caloosahatchee River and right across from the city of Fort Myers, you’ll find the laidback community of North Fort Myers. People love it for its quieter, more rural atmosphere. In fact, country music legend Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash owned a home there! Yet, it’s still plenty close to shopping areas, beaches, and all of those modern conveniences we’ve become accustomed to.

Popular attractions include Lee County Civic Center, Del Tura Golf & Country Club, and ECHO Global Farm.

And, of course, there are great parks and outdoor areas to enjoy when the sun is out. Check out spots like North Shore Park along the river, Prairie Pines Preserve, and the many waterfront access areas that lead to the river and the Gulf. Find yourself facing a rainy day instead, and want to check out the latest mystery novel or newest fiction bestseller? North Fort Myers Public Library should have what you need.

In the end, North Fort Myers offers residents the best of both worlds – peace and quiet, with quick access to downtown Fort Myers and all the amenities of Southwest Florida. And, of course, every neighborhood needs quality home service options…that’s where we come in. If you need plumbing care or water treatment services in or near North Fort Myers turn to the team here at Aqua Care – we’re happy to help!

From Water Filtration & Softening to Plumbing Inspections, We Handle It All

Aqua Care is your one-stop partner for reliable service and long-term results. Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and committed to delivering cleaner, safer water and efficient plumbing services to home and business owners throughout North Fort Myers and beyond.

Contact us today to schedule service.