How to Treat Calcium Deposits in Well Water

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Things You'll Need

  • Water softener

  • Pipe wrench

  • Polyphosphate filter

  • Magnetic water conditioner

According to Home-Water-Purifiers-And-Filters.com, hard water or water with a high concentration of calcium deposits is a widespread problem throughout North America. Hard water is a problem because it can cause damage to plumbing and plumbing fixtures, as well as destroying appliances like washing machines and refrigerators. Treating calcium deposits in your water is not difficult and there are a few things you can do in a single afternoon that will start dissolving the calcium almost instantly.

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Step 1

Install a water softener. Prior to making any splits for appliances or bathrooms locate the main water pipe that enters your home. Unscrew the main connector pipe with the pipe wrench and screw the inlet pipe of the water softener into the pipe coming from the water supply and the outlet pipe to the pipe leading to the rest of the house.

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Step 2

Fill the water softener with a softening agent such as magnesium (sold in pre-measured mixtures) and turn the softener on. Depending on the hardness of the water and the amount of use, the water softener will have to be refilled with magnesium once or twice a month.

Step 3

Install a polyphosphate filter on your refrigerator and washing machine. Locate the inlet pipe for each appliance and unscrew it with the pipe wrench. Screw the polyphosphate filter onto the water pipe and into the appliance. As water flows through the filter, it will be treated a second time for hardness, assuring your appliance internals are protected from calcium deposits.

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Step 4

Install a magnetic conditioning device at each sink. While still controversial, there is some evidence to support that these devices can further break down calcium and keep it from depositing in fixtures and on household surfaces. Unscrew the inlet pipe leading to the sink with the pipe wrench and then screw the magnetic conditioning device into it. Turn the device on and you can then forget about it.

Tip

If your well is believed to contain any source of bacteria, a polyphosphate filter is not advisable. The bacteria feed on polyphosphate, which could increase the number and threat of bacterial infection from the well water.

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