Question

Make a list of the disadvantages of hard water.

Accepted Answer

The Taste/Smell: The calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulphates found in hard water create a metallic taste and sulphurous smell that can be pretty nasty. Again, while these characteristics are not dangerous, they certainly are not pleasant, and may be a major turnoff every time you go to drink a glass of water.

Dishwashing Ability: The reason it is difficult to produce a decent lather with hard water is because of the reaction that occurs between the heat and the minerals in the water. In your dishwasher, this will cause the minerals to cling to your dishes and glasses, leaving a spotted, filmy discharge that makes it hard for anything to ever be fully cleaned.

Clothes-Washing Ability: The minerals in hard water are capable of permeating fabrics the same way they cling to your dishes and glassware. Over time, this will not only give your clothes a grey, drab look, but can also cause them to feel rough and scratchy to the touch.

Staining: We have already established that hard water can leave a residue on your dishes and clothing, but what about throughout the rest of your house? Sadly, the reality of living with hard water is that you may end up experiencing staining almost anywhere in your home where water is present. Look for dull, brownish stains behind your toilet, around your sinks, and in the enamel in your shower and shower head. These are among the most common traces of hard water, and no matter how hard you try to scrub them out, they are likely to return as long as your water remains hard.

Corrosion: Unsurprisingly, the limescale buildup that occurs in your water heater may also occur throughout your plumbing system. This can interfere with the flow of water in your pipes, causing corrosion that wears your piping down faster. That’s why to prevent pipe bursting and repining, not to mention fixture replacement, it is a good idea to fix your hot water problem.

Lawrie Ryan and Roger Norris Solutions for Chapter: Further Aspects of Equilibria, Exercise 2: Questions for discussion

Lawrie Ryan Chemistry Solutions for Exercise - Lawrie Ryan and Roger Norris Solutions for Chapter: Further Aspects of Equilibria, Exercise 2: Questions for discussion

Questions from Lawrie Ryan and Roger Norris Solutions for Chapter: Further Aspects of Equilibria, Exercise 2: Questions for discussion with Hints & Solutions

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