Hard Water / Limescale
We call water "hard" when it contains high quantities of calcium and magnesium.
Hard water is not harmful when consumed, but it causes damage to household appliances.
It causes "scale" to form on the inside of pipes and especially on heating elements. The calcium and magnesium precipitate out of the water and starts building up on heating elements, pipes etc. The scale does not conduct heat very well, causing the heating elements to use more electricity then would normally be required. Scale also reduces the flow through pipes and eventually, pipes can become completely clogged.
It reacts with soap to form a sticky scum, and also reduces the soap's ability to lather. Hard water also causes stains on tiles, or any other surface touched by the water,
Hardness is measured in ppm (parts per million); mg/l (milligrams per liter), mg/l and ppm are considered equal.
Hard water levels are classified as follows (Total hardness).
- Soft: 0 - 50 ppm
- Moderately Soft: 50 - 100 ppm
- Slightly Hard: 100-150 ppm
- Moderatrely Hard: 150 - 200 ppm
- Hard: 200 - 300 ppm
- Very Hard: more than 300 ppm
How to calculate the Total Hardness: 2.5 x Ca + 4.1 x Mg = TH (Ca & Mg in ppm)
In some areas in South Africa and Namibia the water is extremely hard, 750 ppm is no exception! And many times Iron is found in the water as well, complicating the solution. Obviously no standard solution can be applied. A water test rapport is needed in order to make a suitable quote for these conditions.
The solution to Hard Water is to use a Water Softener or a One Flow Scale prevention system.
Recommended Products
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| Water Softners |