Why Should You Install a Water Softener?

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an overwhelming 85% of the US is a hard water area. Hard water, which contains relatively high amounts of calcium carbonate and magnesium, is not necessarily harmful to your health. However, this mineral-rich water can have particularly damaging effects on your home. 

The calcium carbonate and magnesium in the water leave a filmy, off-white residue on your plumbing and appliances. Over time, the scale build-up may restrict the flow of water in your pipes leading to a decrease in water pressure. Hard water can also impair the functioning of appliances such as boilers. 

Due to the high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions, hard water doesn’t lather easily and leaves behind water spots. Additionally, living in a home with hard water can lead to skin and hair problems.

https://youtu.be/7eSGnCJGQ7k

Water Softener System to the Rescue

As you can see from the video above, hard water can be a serious problem for homeowners. The good news, though, is that hard water can be softened for maximum usefulness. That’s where water softeners come in. A water softener is a filtration system designed to remove high concentrations of calcium carbonate and magnesium that cause hard water.

This one system can be a lifesaver for homeowners plagued by the effects of hard water. A water softener removes ions that cause water hardness, dissolves scale build-up in your pipes, and leads to softer skin and hair. Here are some of the key benefits of installing a water softener in your home

Eliminate Water Spots

Hard water tends to leave stains on your dishes, clothing, and surfaces so they never appear clean. Your silverware, cups, and sinks are left with a cloudy appearance when rinsed off in hard water. A water softener removes the minerals responsible for the cloudy appearance, leaving your silverware and surfaces spotless and crystal clear. 

Protect Water Using Appliances

The minerals in hard water produce scale on the inside of water-using appliances such as water heaters, coffee makers, and dishwashers. The scale build-up wreaks havoc on your appliances, resulting in costly repairs and eventual replacement. Softening your water prevents scale build-up and increases the lifespan of your appliances. 

Whiter, Brighter Clothes

Hard water leaves spots that won’t fully rinse out in the wash cycle, causing your clothes to still look and feel dirty. The minerals in hard water will also cause the colours to fade over time. A water softener removes the minerals that cause this issue. Soft water penetrates and dissolves better with clothes, cleaning your clothing, towels, and linens more effectively.  

Smother Skin and Hair

The mineral in hard water prevents it from being fully soluble with soaps and shampoos, resulting in a build-up of soap scum on your skin and hair. The build-up causes your skin to feel dry and your hair dull and brittle. Installing a water softener system will help you get rid of all these minerals, resulting in smoother, healthier skin and hair.

Protect Plumbing

The minerals in hard water can corrode the inside pipes, leading to leaks, rust, and damage over time. In extremely high hard water areas, the lime build-up can lead to severe damage to your plumbing. Plumbing repairs and replacements are costly. Installing a water softener system in your home can help you protect your plumbing. 

Use Less Soap and Detergent

One of the first things you’ll notice upon installing a home water softener system in your home is how much less soap you use with soft water. Soft water penetrates and dissolves better with cleaning solutions, resulting in more suds and deeper lather with less soap. Cleaning with hard water uses twice the amount of soap. 

Save Money

Having soft water in your home can save you a lot of money. For instance, water devoid of minerals such as calcium and magnesium will go through your pipes without causing any damage. Your appliances will also last longer and will be more energy-efficient with soft water. As explained above, soft water will also reduce soap and detergent consumption in your household by almost 50%. 

What are the Disadvantages of a Water Softener?

Most homeowners would agree that hard water is bad for your home. Hard water contains minerals that leave spots on your silverware, cause scale build-up on your plumbing, and wreak havoc on your water-using appliances significantly reducing their useful life. However, there are some downsides to installing a water softener in your home.

• Water softener systems are expensive to install and maintain.
• You have to refill the brine tank as needed. 
• The lack of calcium and magnesium, essential minerals for bodily functions, can lead to potential health risks. 

Can You Drink Water form a Water Softener?

Yes, soft water is safe to drink. Note that softened water has higher sodium content, which might be a concern for you if you are on a low sodium diet. In that case, the question of whether or not to drink softened water will depend on the hardness of the original water. You may need to purify the water further to make it safe for drinking. 

Can You Cook with Soft Water?

Yes. Cooking with soft water ensures the taste of your food is free from minerals. The softened water also helps ingredients stay true to their flavor.

Water Softeners and High Blood Pressure

Water softeners work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium. The water softening process can cause water to have a higher amount of sodium. In most cases, softened water is perfectly safe to drink. However, high sodium levels may not be ideal for people with high blood pressure.

From mineral build-up to pipe corrosion and stiff laundry and frizzy hair, hard water can cause a lot of problems around your home. Is hard water wreaking havoc on your plumbing and appliances? Aquarius
Home Services can help! We are an official Kinetico dealer with 11 locations across MN & WI. Contact us today for dependable water softener installation and repair services.