Understanding Water Hardness: Causes and Solutions | Homework Help

[noname2020x]

Homework Statement

I know what causes water hardness, how it can be resolved (or dissolved - hehe), but I'm not sure why certain parts of pipes would be harder than others. Specifically, why the water on the 1st and 2nd floor of a building would be harder than that on the 3rd and 4th floor. I have to write a ten page paper on these findings, and I'm stumped. Suggestions? Possible causes?

Homework Equations

2 HCO3– → CO32– + CO2

The Attempt at a Solution

The only thing I can think of is that is may be warmer in the basement making the Ca2+ ions react with bicarbonate forming buildup.The problem is, the water from the same pipes (I assume) travels to the top floor.

HELP!

 

[Pete54]

the water pressure would be higher at the bottom of the building

 

[noname2020x]

Thanks! I will add that to my paper for sure. Any more suggestions?

 

[noname2020x]

Any more ideas?

 

[NascentOxygen]

why the water on the 1st and 2nd floor of a building would be harder than that on the 3rd and 4th floor.

Is this a conclusion you arrived at based on the observed greater buildup of scale on the lower pipes? Is it a "safe" conclusion?

Perhaps more water is required to flow through pipes the closer they are to the level at which water enters the building?