What hard water is
Water picks up calcium and magnesium as it moves through rock. Toronto treats lake water to be safe to drink, but some hardness remains. When water is heated or evaporates, those minerals are left behind as scale.
Where you will see it
- Crust on faucet aerators and shower heads
- Spots on glasses and shower doors
- Scale inside kettles
- Sediment in water heaters
Vinegar soak: An hour in white vinegar loosens the crust on aerators and shower heads.
Simple routines
- Clean aerators every few months.
- Descale the kettle and coffee machine.
- Flush the water heater yearly.
- Wipe glass shower doors after use.
Appliances feel it too
Dishwashers, washing machines, humidifiers and coffee makers all collect scale over time. Use the descaling cycle or cleaner the manufacturer recommends, and check inlet screens on washer hoses once a year. For water heaters, minerals drop out as grit on the tank floor, and that is why a yearly flush makes such a difference in this area.
Is a softener worth it?
If scale is causing real problems, a water softener can help.