Why Hard Water Is a Bigger Problem During Summer in Plano Homes

First, here’s a definition of hard water. This term refers to water that contains high levels of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. As water flows through soil and rock, it picks up minerals, thereby “hardening” the water.

Water hardness is generally measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L), and Plano water typically measures around 125 mg/L. This exceeds the moderately high category, which maxes out at 120 mg/L, by a tad, placing Plano’s water in the hard water category. 

The good news is that this water type doesn’t pose health problems, and hard water is safe to drink. Unfortunately, it can lead to soap scum buildup in pipes and water heaters, making them less efficient and causing other problems. Over time, this shortens the lifespan of home appliances. 

This water type can also cause:

• Difficult-to-clean spotting on glassware and fixtures

• Dry skin and hair for your family members after they shower in hard water

• Residue on bathroom surfaces, including sinks, showers, and bathtubs

• Stiff, dull-looking laundry, including your clothing, bedding, and towels

Several factors can make this problem worse in the summer. In this post, we’ll share more about these factors, along with solutions for hard water issues in Plano. 

Ready to discuss solutions for your home in Collin County? Contact the experts at Moss Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for a water softener in Plano, TX. 

Reasons Why Hard Water Problems Worsen in Summer

Here are three reasons.

1. People Use More Water

The city of Plano and the rest of Collin County get hot and humid during the summer months. This naturally leads to more water use as people run sprinklers and other watering systems for their lawns; fill swimming pools; water flowers and vegetable gardens; wash driveways, porches, and decks; and much more. 

People also shower more often in the summer to cool off. Plus, when children are on summer break, more people shower more often.

2. Less Rain Falls in Plano

July tends to be Plano’s driest month, with August and September often not much better. This can have a twofold impact. First, homeowners need to water their lawns and gardens more often because they can’t rely on rain to supplement their watering. Next, less rain, combined with higher summer temperatures, means groundwater isn’t as diluted. 

Less diluted groundwater contains more calcium and magnesium, increasing water hardness. 

3. Cities Can Adjust Their Water Treatments in Summer

Municipal water departments face increased demand for water in summer months. To meet demand, they may streamline water-softening treatments to focus on meeting that demand.

As a result, homes that previously received moderately hard water may need to deal with hard water in the summer. Homes that already have hard water may see very hard levels during peak season. 

Short-Term Solutions for Hard Water in Collin County

Here are three short-term solutions.

1. Strategically Adjust Water Usage

First, consider that the Environmental Protection Agency states that homeowners use a large percentage of their water outdoors in the summertime (anywhere from thirty to seventy percent). This happens through heat-related or wind-driven evaporation and runoff caused by overwatering.

Tips to address this include the following:

• Water your yard and garden at optimal times, typically early in the morning or in the cooler evening. That counteracts some of summer’s evaporation concerns. 

• Consider consulting with experts to determine how much to water your plants to avoid overwatering.

• Soil moisture sensors can show whether your yard or garden needs more water or if you can use less.

• Keep your grass a little bit longer to create a more drought-resistant yard and reduce evaporation. 

• If you use an irrigation system, make sure it’s in good shape and leak-free. Fix any issues found. 

• Schedule water use for showering, laundry, dishwashing, and so on to avoid doing these activities at the same time or one right after another.

• Find and fix leaks to avoid even small amounts of water waste. Moss offers leak detection and plumbing repair. 

2. Maintain Your Appliances and More 

Keeping your appliances, fixtures, and more in good condition can help to maintain efficiency and keep water bills under control. Tips include these:

• Flush your water heater according to manufacturer recommendations to remove sediment buildup. In hard water conditions, this may be once or twice a year.

• Make sure your washing machine filters and similar devices aren’t clogging.

• Clean sprinkler heads outdoors and showerheads indoors to prevent clogs. Do the same outdoors with hoses and nozzles and indoors with faucet aerators. 

3. Keep Up With Cleaning in Hard Water Situations

This can include tasks like these:

• Use rinse aids with your dishwasher to reduce spots and dull films on glassware and other dishware.

• Add fabric softener to keep your clothes, towels, and bedding softer.

• Use hair conditioner and other products to avoid dull or limp hair and lotions to maintain soft skin. 

• Apply vinegar or specialty products to wipe down your shower, faucets, and more to keep them from getting spotted and crusty.

Choose the Long-Term Solution: Water Softener in Plano, TX

When you choose Moss for your comprehensive water quality solutions, you can count on the most effective system set up specifically for your home. We strategically recommend and install the best top-tier brand for your household, with a water treatment solution built to last.

When we install your water treatment technology, you’ll immediately benefit from softer, high-quality water with fewer minerals: quality water that’s running from every faucet. Your water softener in Plano, TX will also provide you with the following benefits:

• Extended appliance lifespans without the buildup of limescale that can trigger premature burnouts 

• Reduced energy bills thanks to more efficient operations without mineral scale layers in your home

• Fewer plumbing repairs as the water softening stops corrosion and clogging in your system’s pipes

• Cleaner laundry and dishes with more effective lather in your softer water and eliminated spotting

• Softer skin and hair with reduced dryness and irritation

Reach out for your water softener in Plano, TX!