Hard water is one of those pesky household problems people deal with, and it can do a number on everything from your plumbing to your skin. There is nothing unusual about wanting to buy a residential water softener. More and more homeowners are relying on water softeners to fix the issues introduced by hard water. In this post, we will discuss the pros and cons of water softeners, what they do, and if a residential water softener is the right investment for you.
But before we get into the reasons why you might want to purchase a water softener, let’s make sure you know what hard water is—and what it’s doing to your home. Hard water is water with high mineral content, mostly calcium and magnesium. These are removed from water when it moves through soil and rocks. Hard water may not be unhealthy, but it can create a lot of problems for your home.
If the following signs look familiar, you probably have hard water.
- Mineral Deposit: Water deposits minerals on fixtures (faucets, shower heads, etc.) called scaling. It can cause ugly spots and an inefficient operation of your appliances.
- Dry Skin and Hair: Hard water minerals can also leave skin and hair stripped of natural oils, causing dry, irritated skin and hair.
- Blocked Pipes: Minerals may accumulate within the pipes, and the result is blocked or narrow pipes, which reduce the water flow.
- Poor Soap and Detergent Performance: Hard water hampers the cleansing properties of soap and detergent, often leading you to use more of these products to achieve the same cleaning effect.
Benefits of a Water Softener
Now that we have a basic understanding of the meaning of hard water and how a water softener works, it would be helpful to discuss the various advantages of installing a domestic water softener in your house.
Longer-Lasting Appliances
One of the biggest advantages of a water softener is the protection you get when your home appliances are secured by soft water. The hard water may leave mineral deposits that can build up inside appliances, such as dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines. This accumulation can begin to compromise the efficiency of such appliances and result in costly servicing or replacement.
As an example, deposits of minerals inside a water heater can make the heating element in a water heater overheat, induce wasting of the unit, and shorten the useful life thereof. A water softener can help avoid these problems and protect your appliances from repairs and replacements.
Cleaner Clothes and Dishes
Your clothes can appear dull, and your dishes streaked or spotted. The minerals in hard water can make soap less effective, and you may have to use more detergent to achieve the same cleaning you can get with a smaller amount of detergent in soft water. Even if they do, the clothes don’t get as clean as they should, and the dishes might have spots or a cloudy film even after they’ve been washed; the appliances may wear out more quickly, too.
Your laundry will come out cleaner and brighter, and you’ll be able to use less detergent than ever, while your dishes will be as spotless as ever without needing extra detergent. That can save you money on cleaning products and make your clothes and dishes look nicer.
Healthier Skin and Hair
Traces of hard water can make skin and hair feel dry and cause irritation, as previously stated. The minerals in the water can remove the natural oils that help your skin stay moisturized, causing dryness and itching. Likewise, your hair may seem coarse or dull.
Soft water, however, may actually help to make your skin and hair more healthy. Hair and skin retain moisture with soft water. If your hair feels dry and brittle and your skin feels dull and dry, investing in a water softener might be the answer to all your problems.
Better Plumbing and Pipes
Hard water in a new home leads to the buildup of minerals in the pipes, leading to clogs and diminished water pressure. Eventually, this can lead to plumbing problems and an increased risk of expensive repairs. A water softener can stop these problems from happening and can save your plumbing from being damaged by hard water.
Reduced Cleaning Time
Hard water doesn’t make cleaning your home any easier. The minerals in hard water form spots and streaks on faucets, showerheads, and countertops, which makes it more difficult to keep your home looking clean. One way to make these surfaces easier to clean is by using a water softener to lower the mineral content in the water, because this reduces the amount of hard water spots that are left on the surface after waterspots are wiped away.
Drawbacks of a Water Softener
As great as water softeners are, there are some downsides to consider as well before you make your purchase.
Initial Cost
It is worth noting that a water softener can actually help you save money by prolonging the life span of your appliances, by eliminating the use of cleaning products, and by eliminating the risk of plumbing repairs.
Ongoing Maintenance
Water softeners need to be properly maintained over time. The resin beads in the system must be “regenerated” with a salt solution regularly, so the brine tank must be refilled. The salt will need to be topped up every few weeks or months, depending on the hardness of your water and the size of your system.
Environmental Impact
Salt is used to regenerate the resin beads, a process that might have environmental repercussions. If you’re worried about salt, there are other options out there, including potassium-based softeners. These, though, can be pricier than the salt-based systems we’ve
When you consider the hardness of your water, your budget, and your long-term goals, you can decide conclusively whether a residential water softener is a suitable fit for you and your residence. If you’re not sure, working with a qualified plumber or water treatment specialist can help direct you.
