| Tap water containing high levels of dissolved minerals | | | | The major cause of appliance breakdown is hard |
| like calcium is known as hard water, which can cause | | | | water, particularly the build-up of calcium residue. |
| problems with home appliances such as water heaters | | | | Water filters and anti-calcium compounds, for example |
| / boilers, washing machines, dishwashers, radiators and | | | | the brand Calgon, can extend the life of washing |
| kettles. We've all seen the mineral residue left in the | | | | machines and dishwashers. You should also consider |
| bottom of a kettle after prolonged use and many of | | | | installing an inexpensive filter on your main water |
| us have bought kettles with inbuilt 'filters' to keep this | | | | heating unit or boiler. |
| residue in the kettle and out of the water that pours | | | | If you live in a hard water area, you can obtain |
| from the spout. | | | | washing products that are formulated to tackle this |
| Magnesium is the other most common dissolved | | | | problem. For example you can buy dishwasher and |
| mineral found in our tap water which along with | | | | washing machine powders that first soften the water |
| Calcium builds up after the water comes into contact | | | | and so will help to get your dishes / clothes cleaner. |
| with water pipes. If this build-up is not removed | | | | There are many cosmetic products such as |
| periodically, it will clog pipes, interfere with water | | | | shampoos and soaps which are also formulated to act |
| pressure and all too often cause appliances such as | | | | as water softeners and these will help to remove the |
| washing machines and boilers to stop functioning | | | | residue from hard water, making it easier to clean your |
| altogether. | | | | hair and skin. |
| Other than 'fur' in the bottom of a kettle, another early | | | | In summary, dealing with hard water need not be a |
| warning sign that hard water is prevalent is when you | | | | major concern but installing a water softening system |
| have to use a lot of soap or detergent to get a lather. | | | | can do wonders. If this option is too expensive or |
| In the majority of homes, it is normally possible to install | | | | simply not viable, there are plenty of products out |
| some sort of water filtration or softening system. | | | | there that will make cleaning easier and wherever you |
| Obviously the best place to install this is at the main | | | | live, hard or soft water area, it's worth a regular 'flush' |
| water supply point. Other than this, it may be possible | | | | of your water pipes with a water softening agent |
| to put some sort of water softening compound into | | | | from time to time to prevent the build up of calcium |
| the main water tank. | | | | deposits. |