Do Homeowners Really Need a Water Softener?

Learning About Hard Water

It's hard to believe, but a shocking 85% of Americans have hard water in their homes. But what is hard water, exactly? Essentially, it is water that has high levels of calcium and magnesium dissolved into it. There are particular signs that homeowners can look for to see if they have hard water, but there's a good chance that they do. The signs are discussed below so homeowners know what to look for, but it's also fair to say that every homeowner should invest in a whole-home water softener. 

It is time to remove hard water from the home and start reaping the health benefits of soft water. Below is all of the information that homeowners need to make an educated decision on whether or not a water softener is the right answer for their homes. 

The Inner Workings of a Water Softener softener

Essentially, a water softener is an ion exchange. It takes the calcium and magnesium ions, filters them, and replaces them with sodium ions. It's better to have soft water because calcium and magnesium are the reason for the spotty and film look on the glassware. It does the same thing to hair, but the sodium ions do not affect the home's dishes, hair, or anything else. 

This is why another name for water softeners is ions exchange units because that's exactly what they do. Here is a closer look at the functionality of an ion exchange unit: 

  • The softener is full of resin beads that absorb the calcium and magnesium in the water
  • The beads become full and are hit with a sodium and potassium solution 
  • The calcium and magnesium is removed from the beads
  • The beads fill with sodium for potassium 
  • The resulting chloride solution goes down the drain 

The Top Signs of Hard Watersigns

Some signs of hard water are pretty obvious, but others aren't so obvious. And sometimes, the obvious signs don't even seem that obvious. So, homeowners should pay attention to all of them. 

Here's a list of signs to look for: 

  • Dry, dull, and damaged hair
  • Dry, dull skin
  • Dry, faded clothes
  • Spotted and film-layered dishes 
  • Stained bathroom fixtures 
  • Scale build-up on fixtures
  • Damaged water heaters
  • Scale build-up within the pipes
  • Gradual increase in the water bill

Here Are the Benefits of Whole Home Water Softeners

The great thing about water softeners is that all of the signs of hard water have the potential to completely disappear after the installation of a water softener. 

Some of the many benefits include: 

  • Vibrate, hydrated skin and hair
  • Vibrant, longer-lasting clothes
  • Shinier dishes
  • No more time spent cleaning scale build-up off of the fixtures
  • Reduced wear and tear on the pipes and water heater
  • Reduced water bill 
  • The plumbing appliances and fixtures would last longer

With an article full of positives, it's hard to find the negative aspects of investing in a water softener. It's probably the most financially efficient decision a homeowner can make this year. 

Receive Quality Care From About Plumbing Inc. 

About Plumbing Inc. has experienced technicians and reliable solutions that the Jefferson County homeowners want and need. These professionals know all about plumbing and can answer the tough questions that homeowners encounter. Now is the time to call to get on the books for phenomenal plumbing services in Jefferson County. 

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