Do You Need A Water Softener?

Hard water can be a costly problem for homeowners. When it rains, the water that falls is pure and doesn't contain minerals, which means it is soft. As the rainwater flows through the ground, it collects minerals like calcium and magnesium, water that has collected minerals is called hard water. Hard water isn't harmful to you, but it can be harmful to your home. As this "hard water" flows through your pipes, the dissolved minerals combine with heat and leave scale and buildup that can damage your fixtures, appliances and pipes. Water softener systems can reduce the hardness of your water, resulting in softer water for bathing, washing clothes, and using a dishwasher. Water softeners are essential to keep your equipment working efficiently and avoid damaging it. If you're wondering if you need a water softener and what the benefits are, read on!

A water softener is a home filtration system that removes minerals that make the water "hard." Hard water is a very common water quality issue homeowners face. Hard water can destroy appliances, leave soap scum in bathrooms and kitchens, and dries out your hair and skin. A water softener will save you from having to replace prematurely ruined water heaters, scaly faucets, and excess hours of cleaning up soap residue. Investing in a water softener system will save you time, energy, and money and protect your home and property. 

Water softeners utilize an ion exchange process to eliminate minerals like magnesium and calcium from your water. When hard water flows into the water softener tank, it goes through a bed of round resin beads. These plastic beads are charged with a sodium ion and are anions, which means they have a negative charge. Calcium and magnesium minerals have a positive charge, which makes them cations. The negative charge of the minerals is attracted to the positive charge of the beads. As the hard water passes through the resin beads, they grab the mineral ions and remove them from your water. When the resin beads grab onto the mineral ion, the sodium ion is released. A column of resin then strips all the "hardness" out of the water as it passes through the mineral tank, and the now "softened" water flows out into your home. 

The signs you need to install a water softener in your home are usually pretty obvious. If you notice stains in your sinks, tub or toilet or limescale buildup on your faucets, this is most likely a sign you have hard water. The minerals in hard water can create hard-to-remove stains and build upon your faucets and even inside your appliances which can cause damage and lead to expensive repairs. Higher utility bills can also be a sign; when pipes have a scale buildup, they can become clogged and make it possible for water to pass through. This buildup means your water heater and other appliances have to work harder, which will increase the cost of your utility bills. One of the most costly signs is a failing water heater, scale buildup inside your water heater and cause it to age faster and work harder, meaning you will have to replace it sooner than you should have.

Some other hard water signs are faded laundry and dry skin and hair. Hard water can make your laundry soap less effective and leave behind a residue that can cause your clothes to fade, develop a sour smell and make them rough and scratchy. Washing clothes in hard water can also cause premature wear on the fabrics. The minerals in hard water can also make your hair and skin dry and itchy and block your pores and cause pimples or inflammation. Since soap doesn't dissolve properly in hard water, you can also be left with a sticky soap residue on your skin that can prevent the removal of bacteria and dirt. 

There are many great benefits to having a water softener in your home. Water softeners can save you money by preventing limescale buildup in your water heater and reducing the amount of energy it needs to work correctly. Soft water is easier on your pipes and appliances and can save them from being replaced before they need to be. The minerals in hard water can leave an earthy taste in your drinking water, and a water softener can remove these unwanted tastes. Installing a water softener system in your home will also help you clean more efficiently; soft water breaks down soap better than hard water so that you won't be left with streaks and a soapy film. On top of all these benefits, a water softener will also help your skin and hair stay healthier! With so many benefits to having a water softener system, it's easy to see why you need one. 

Having a water softening system is essential for your household. Water softening systems reduce the strain on your pipes and appliances and result in a more enjoyable shower, sink, and laundry experience.

The experts at Budget Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning can install a new water softener system in your home! Our team has all the proper training to ensure that your water softener systems are installed correctly! If you suspect you have hard water, contact us! We'll help you soften it up in no time!