Hydrocare Solutions for Hard Water

Hard Water Problems

Hard Water Costs You Money!

Lime scale originates in the components of water carbonic rigidity, namely calcium carbonate (lime), magnesium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate and sediment formations. The higher the PH level and temperature, the greater the quantity of lime scale. Temperature has a negative impact on lime scale formation. For example, 80-degree water will leave six times more lime scale than will 60-degree water. The settling of lime scale on heating elements creates insulation that reduces their efficiency: it can even cause them to corrode, leading to direct failure and damage. Water softening is usually the first thing recommended, but there are other cost-effective alternatives.

Lime scale and its Effect on Heat Exchangers

Boiler heating element w/lime scale

 Plastic hose covered in lime scale
Inside of Boiler w/lime scale build-up Heating element covered in lime scale build-up

Problems in Hot Water Heaters, Boilers Systems and Pipes

Lime scale build-up contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances. When the water is heated, the hard water salts usually deposit as encrusting lime scale. The build-up on the heat exchangers creates an insulated layer that decreases the efficiency of the heater and causes an increase in the energy needed to heat the water, as a result, increasing the amount of money you pay for the energy.

Lime scale deposits can also contribute to the complete failure of such appliances. Pipes can become clogged with lime scale that reduces the water flow and ultimately requires pipe replacement.

Lime scale has been known to increase your energy bills by an average of 25% or more!

Problems in Dishwashers

When washing dishes & glassware, especially in a dishwasher, hard water may cause spotting and filming. The minerals from hard water are released faster when they come into contact with heat, causing an increase in the amount of spotting and filming that occurs. This problem is not a health risk, but it can be a nuisance to clean and can reduce the quality of your dishes and glassware. Water softeners are the usual recommendation since they employ a constant supply of sodium to minimize the calcium and magnesium, but they can be quite costly in the long run.

Problems in Laundering

Clothes washed in hard water often look dingy and feel harsh on the skin. The hard minerals combine with some soils to form insoluble salts, making them difficult to remove. Continuous laundering in hard water can damage fibers and shorten the life of your clothes by up to 40%.

Problems with Lime scale in Solar Heating Systems

Solar Heating, which is often used to heat swimming pools and houses is prone to lime scale buildup. The lime scale can reduce the efficiency of the electronic pump, resulting in the performance and deterioration of the overall system. A low cost solution to this problem is to install a HydroCare unit before the pump to remove existing lime scale and prevent future buildup.