Water Damage Repair: Dealing with Hard Water Damage
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can cause scale to build up on pipes and fixtures, and they can also make it difficult for soap to lather.
How to Tell if You Have Hard Water
There are a few signs that you may have hard water. These include:
- Scale buildup on pipes and fixtures
- Difficulty getting soap to lather
- Dry, itchy skin
- Faded clothing
How to Deal with Hard Water Damage
If you have hard water damage, there are a few things you can do to clean it up. These include:
- Remove the source of the water. If the water is coming from a burst pipe, turn off the water supply. If the water is coming from a flood, move furniture and other belongings to higher ground.
- Clean up the water. Use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or a mop to remove the water from the floor. Be sure to wring out the mop or vacuum cleaner frequently so that you don’t spread the water around.
- Dry the area. Once the water is removed, use a fan or dehumidifier to dry the area. Open windows and doors to help air circulate.
- Clean and disinfect the area. Once the area is dry, clean and disinfect it with a mild detergent and water. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
How to Recover from Hard Water Damage
Once you have cleaned up the hard water damage, you may need to take some steps to recover. These include:
- Repair any damaged pipes or fixtures. If the water damage caused any damage to your pipes or fixtures, you will need to repair them as soon as possible.
- Replace any damaged furniture or belongings. If the water damage caused any damage to your furniture or belongings, you will need to replace them.
- Get a water softener. A water softener can help to remove the minerals from your water, which can help to prevent hard water damage in the future.