How Hard Water Impacts Showers Everything You Need to Know

Hard water has several negative impacts on your shower experience and the condition of your bathroom. They may be very irritating in some cases and costly, extending to matters concerning water pressure to skin and hair complications.

Let's break down some of the most common problems caused by hard water in the shower:

• Water Pressure and Water Flow Rates

The shower's most obvious consequence of hard water is low water pressure. The minerals found in hard water deposits form inside the small openings of your shower head. This action eventually stirs up less water, taking your shower to the next enjoyable level. Low water pressure also means that washing off soap and shampoo becomes difficult, and you feel less clean and more irritated every time you shower.

• Mineral Buildup on Fixtures

Mineral deposits, or limescale, are the most common impurities in shower heads, faucets, fixtures, etc. They are white or greenish and can eventually cause unsightly damage to the surfaces within the affected area. Mineral deposits are rigid to wash and may reduce your fittings' lifespan, causing you to replace them more often.

• Soap Scum and Grimy Surfaces

Soap scum is also another problem that results from hard water softening agents such as soap that do not lather well in hard water. Hard water hinders the formation of sulfates and silicates in soap, leading to the deposit of sticky residues on tiles, floor grout, and glass doors. In the long run, it causes the glass to become hazy and appear rather dull, and the tiles also look like they need cleaning, even with external cleaning being done routinely. Much worse, soap scum can mix with other matter, such as body oils, which makes for a rather dirty and difficult-to-rinse accretion.

• Damaging Effects on Skin and Hair

Not only does hard water leave traces of minerals on your bathroom fittings, but it also interferes with your showering and washing practices! When you bathe with water with these minerals, it reacts with soap and shampoos, making them ineffective. It will likely make your skin dry and itchy and your hair flat and lifeless. It can also deposit excess minerals back into your skin and cause blockage of your skin pores, leading to skin irritation or a breakout. For this reason, many people spend more money on soaps, shampoos, and conditioners to fight the effects of hard water.

• Increased Risk of Mold and Bacteria

Mould and germs can grow in your shower if you have hard water. As soap scum and mineral deposits build up, they can trap water in grout lines and corners, making them great places for mould to grow. Mold is ugly and can be bad for your health, especially if you have breathing problems or allergies. Cleaning often is helpful, but treating the hard water where it comes from is the best long-term answer.