Plumbing notes · all year
Hard lake water and what it does to your fixtures
Most Oakville taps pour Lake Ontario water treated by Halton Region. It is safe and closely monitored, but like most Great Lakes supplies it carries enough dissolved calcium and magnesium to crust faucets, spot glassware and build up inside appliances. Hardness is a nuisance and a maintenance matter rather than a health question, and it is easy enough to manage.
Where the crust collects
- Chalky rings on aerators and showerheads
- Spots on dishes and shower glass
- Grit grumbling in tank heaters
- Single-lever cartridges turning stiff
- Scale on on-demand heat exchangers
Low-effort habits
Soak aerators and showerheads in white vinegar a few times a year. Drain a bit of water from the bottom of the tank heater annually. Squeegee shower glass. Favour fixtures with rubber nozzles that rub clean.
When softening makes sense
Homes with on-demand heaters, constant appliance scale or a strong liking for soft water may choose a softener. It needs a drain, power and regular salt. Some families leave the kitchen cold tap unsoftened.
Today’s hardness figure
Halton Region publishes annual water quality reports. Check the latest one for the current hardness in your area.
One more thing
Softeners work by exchanging hardness minerals for sodium or potassium. Households watching sodium intake sometimes choose potassium chloride or leave the kitchen tap unsoftened.
Water filters address different issues from softeners, such as taste, chlorine or sediment. Some homes use both.
Descaling appliances regularly, such as kettles, coffee makers and dishwashers, extends their life regardless of whether you soften.
Read next
- Slow drainswhenever a sink lingers
- Lead and galvanized pipeswhen buying an older home
- Water pressure problemsany time
- Faucet repair and replacementdrips, cartridges, new taps
Questions about your own house? Call (365) 517-8536.