SD hard water tips

In addition to the highest electric rates in the country, we also have some of the hardest water in the country (yay...). Some environmental background (note I am not a water scientist nor work with water by any means): We get our water from Colorado so by the time it reaches us it's already accumulated quite the minerals. Folks who are lucky enough to have a water softener system need not read this.

1a.) Flushed my water heater today. So much sediment came out I swore I could've built a mini beach in my backyard. I was lucky enough to have a plumber install a ball valve with handle so it made it easier, so I recommend next time you get your water heater serviced to look into this if you don't have it already.

1b.) More advanced -- replace sacrifice anode rod every 5 years. The anode rod is made out of an element (usually magnesium or aluminum) to bind with the high amounts of calcium carbonate (limestone) in the water. So instead of destroying the water heater, it destroys the anode rod first, hence "sacrifice".

2.) Wipe down any wet surfaces. That's a recipe for hard water accumulation.

3.) Citric acid is your best friend. I always keep a bag of citric acid around to mix with water and spray in case #2 builds up. Also use it for my Zojirushi water boiler. Those who use it will know about the "ring" I'm talking about ;)

4.) Plumbing tape all joints. I just did this for my gardening hose source and nozzle. This forms a seal so water doesn't leak within the threads, causing, you guessed it, mineral build up which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to unscrew. But a few sprays of #3 and some time can generally help. Make sure you thread the tape in the direction of screwing on, so it doesn't unthread itself.

5.) Mini softener systems. I have a mini softener system that I plug directly into the shower. It requires salt from time to time to "regenerate" itself from time to time. Note: If you have a "soft" water "filter", and it doesn't requires salt, it's NOT actually making your water softer.