We must have access to the cleanest, healthiest water accessible since water is essential for living. Regrettably, this may be an issue for many people. The high mineral content of hard water may leave grit on utensils, clothes, and skin. Fortunately, there are methods for purifying hard water and making it suitable for drinking and everyday use.

In this post, we’ll look at how to filter hard water and why it’s important. We’ll also look at some of the best options for filtering out these potentially dangerous components so you can have clean water in your home or company.

What Is Hard Water?

Water with a high concentration of dissolved minerals, especially calcium and magnesium ions, is called “hard water.” Hard water is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Minerals may be found in several places, including rocks and soil. When hard water meets soap, a sticky film forms that are difficult to remove. Soap scum may accumulate on pipes and fittings due to this film. Cleaning garments with hard water may also be more difficult. Minerals in hard water may interact with detergents, limiting their efficacy.

If you have hard water, your skin may dry after showering, and your hair may seem limp and lifeless. You may also notice your dishes have a hazy coating after washing them in rough water. There are several steps you can take to mitigate the effects of hard water on your home and health.

The Effects of Hard Water On Your Home

The effects of hard water on your home can be significant. Hard water can lead to a few issues in your home, including:

1. Clogged Pipes

Hard water may create mineral deposits in your pipes, clogging them. This might result in decreased water pressure and, in the long run, pipe damage.

2. Water Heater Damage

The mineral deposits left behind by hard water can also cause damage to your water heater. Over time, this damage can lead to leaks and even complete failure of the unit.

3. Laundry Problems

Hard water might make cleaning your clothing harder. Mineral deposits on textiles may create a difficult-to-remove coating. Moreover, due to early wear and tear, hard water might reduce the lifetime of your laundry machines.

4. Dishwasher Problems

Similar to laundry appliances, hard water can cause dishwashers to break down prematurely. In addition, the mineral deposits left behind by hard water can make it difficult to get dishes clean and can cause spots and streaks on glassware.

How To Filter Hard Water

There are many ways how to filter hard water, but the most common and effective methods are three below to use:

1. Water Softener

A water softener exchanges the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium or potassium ions. This process makes the water softer and less likely to cause scale buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances. Many different types of water softeners are available on the market, so be sure to research before purchasing one. Using a water softener is the most common method, which ionizes the magnesium and calcium in the water and makes it easier for soap to lather. Water softeners can be bought at all home improvement stores.

2. Reverse Osmosis System

A reverse osmosis system is another option for filtering hard water. This method drives water over a semipermeable membrane, which eliminates pollutants from the water. Most home improvement stores sell reverse osmosis systems.

3. DIY Method

For those who do not want to purchase a water softener or reverse osmosis system, there are some DIY methods that can be used to filter hard water. One such method is to add a pound of salt per gallon of water to create a brine solution. This solution can be used to wash clothes, dishes, and even your hair.

Another DIY method is to install a whole house filter system. These systems are typically installed at the main water line entering your home and will remove impurities from all the water in your home.

7 Best Types Of Water Filters

There are a few different types of water filters that you can use to filter hard water. Many types of water filters are available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of water filters are below:

1. Express Water Whole House Water Filter

Express Water Whole House Water Filter is a powerful 3-stage home water filtration system designed to provide clean and fresh water for your entire household. This system includes sediment, polyphosphate anti-scale, and carbon filters, ensuring the removal of various contaminants, sediments, and unwanted odors from your water supply. With convenient pressure gauges, easy-release functionality, and 1-inch connections, installation and maintenance become effortless.

2. Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter

Aquasana 3-Stage Max Flow Claryum Under Sink Water Filter is a top-notch kitchen counter filtration solution. This system features a 3-stage Claryum filtration process that efficiently removes up to 99% of chlorine and other contaminants, ensuring clean and great-tasting water for your family. The brushed nickel faucet adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen, complementing your décor.

3. Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water

The Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System is a compact and reliable water filter perfect for outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, and emergency preparedness. Its high-performance 0.1-micron filter removes 99.99999% of bacteria and 99.9999% of protozoa, ensuring clean drinking water wherever you go. The filter can be used as a straw to drink straight from a water source, attached to the included drinking pouch, or standard water bottles. It weighs only 2 ounces and has a 16-ounce reusable squeeze pouch, a drinking straw, and a cleaning plunger. This water filtration system is a must-have for anyone who values clean and safe drinking water while on the move.

4. ICEPURE Whole House CTO Carbon Sediment Water Filter

ICEPURE 1 Micron Whole House CTO Carbon Sediment Water Filter Cartridge is a pack of three filters compatible with various systems, including DuPont WFPFC8002, WFPFC9001, SCWH-5, WHCF-WHWC, FXWTC, CBC-10, and RO units. These filters offer a high 1-micron filtration capability, effectively removing sediment, chlorine, and other impurities, ensuring cleaner and better-tasting water throughout your home. With easy installation and a 2.5″ x 10″ size, these cartridges fit seamlessly into your existing filtration system. Enjoy purified water for cooking, drinking, and other household uses with the ICEPURE 1 Micron Whole House CTO Carbon Sediment Water Filter Cartridge pack of three.

5. Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Reverse Osmosis Filter

Home Master TMAFC-ERP Artesian Full Contact Reverse Osmosis System, an advanced 7-stage water filtration solution for your home. With a patented 2-pass alkaline remineralization process, this system removes contaminants and adds essential minerals back into your water, ensuring a refreshing taste and optimal health benefits. Experience a fast 4.5-second fill rate and an impressive 1:1 waste ratio, maximizing efficiency and reducing water wastage.

6. HQUA-OWS-121 Inlet/Outlet Whole House Ultraviolet Water Purifier

HQUA-OWS-121 Whole House Ultraviolet Water Purifier Sterilizer Filter is a powerful and efficient water purification system. With a 120V 40W capacity and 12 gallons per minute flow rate, this UV water purifier effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms, ensuring your water is safe and clean for your entire household. The 1″ MNPT inlet/outlet makes installation straightforward, and the package includes an extra UV bulb for added convenience and peace of mind.

7. Geesta Premium 6-pack Water Filters For Replacement

Geesta Premium 6-pack Water Filters are designed as perfect replacements for Breville BWF100 filters. These high-quality filters feature Ion Exchange Resin inside, effectively reducing water impurities, such as chlorine and other unwanted tastes and odors. Measuring 12.09 x 6.22 x 2.6 inches, they fit seamlessly into your Breville coffee maker, ensuring you always enjoy the best-tasting coffee. With this value pack of six filters, you’ll have an ample supply to keep your coffee brewing at its finest.

Which Water Filter Is Best For You?

There are several water filters on the market, each with its own set of advantages. Continue reading for additional information if you’re unsure which water filter to buy.

1. Ion Exchange Filter

Ion exchange filters are specialized filters that effectively remove minerals from water by exchanging water ions with ions of another substance, like salt. Although they efficiently eliminate minerals from hard water, their high cost and frequent maintenance requirements make them a more expensive option.

2. Reverse Osmosis Filter

Reverse osmosis filters are another type of water filter that can purify water by directing it through a semipermeable membrane, which removes contaminants. Dissolved minerals, germs, and viruses are among the many pollutants that can be eliminated by reverse osmosis filters.

3. Ultraviolet (UV) Light Filter

UV light disinfection is a technique of water purification that employs ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate bacteria and viruses in polluted water. This approach works by exposing dirty water to UV radiation, which kills a wide spectrum of pathogens, including E. coli and Giardia.

Conclusion

Hard water can be unpleasant to bathe and wash in, but fortunately, there are several solutions available. From a simple shower filter to whole-home systems designed to reduce the hardness of your water supply, you now have the knowledge and capability how to filter hard water to uncover a solution that works for you. Whether it’s installing an ion exchange unit, using a reverse osmosis system, or simply investing in a high-quality filtration device for household fixtures, we hope this article has helped provide the insight needed to make an informed decision on how best to filter hard water safely and effectively.