Hard water can ruin your plumbing system and appliances, leave unsightly stains throughout your house, and make your clothes stiff and uncomfortable. A whole house water softener solves these problems and provides cleaner, healthier drinking water. Call Quahog Plumbing to find out how a water softener installation can benefit you today.
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What Is Hard Water?
Most people are familiar with the term hard water but don’t understand what it means. Hard water is water with a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals occur naturally and accumulate during the water cycle, whether in nature or in a municipal water supply. The higher the amounts of calcium and magnesium, the harder the water.
Although hard water is safe to drink, it often leads to costly and unsightly problems throughout the house, such as stains in sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets. Minerals also build up in plumbing systems and water-based appliances, causing them to malfunction and fail prematurely.
Here are a few signs you have hard water.
- Calcium and scale buildup on faucets and showerheads.
- Faded, dull, stiff, and itchy clothes.
- Dry skin and flat hair.
- Reduced water pressure from scale buildup in pipes.
According to experts, nearly 85% of American homes have hard water. You can find out how hard your water is by contacting your water supplier or using a water hardness test kit from the hardware store.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Water Softener?
Not all water is created equal. Depending on where you live, the water coming into your home may have a high mineral content. While high mineral content isn’t harmful to your health, it creates many problems and inconveniences.
The good news is you don’t have to accept hard water as a fact of life. Installing a water softener can make a world of difference in your home, and here are just a few benefits to consider.
Softer Skin & Hair
Hard water is tough on your skin. If you need copious amounts of moisturizer after showering, it’s probably because of the hard water. Removing the minerals in the water leaves your skin smoother and less irritated and gives your hair more body and shine.
Cleaner, Longer Lasting Clothes
Another effect of hard water is its harshness on clothing. The high mineral content causes clothes to fade more quickly and feel dry and stiff. Soft water doesn’t leave behind the minerals that cause these problems, meaning your clothes look newer longer and are more comfortable.
Makes Water Taste Better
Some people like the earthy taste of water with a high concentration of minerals, but others don’t. If you prefer your water to taste neutral and clean, a water softener will accomplish this.
Longer Lasting Fixtures, Appliances & Plumbing
Another adverse effect of hard water is the scale that builds up on your fixtures, in your pipes and appliances. Scale buildup reduces the lifespan of coffee makers, washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. Also, calcium buildup in pipes causes them to clog more easily and reduces water pressure.
Learn about the many other benefits of installing a water softener by calling our experts for a consultation.
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How To Tell You Need Water Softener Repair
A whole home water softener works hard every day to provide you with the cleanest, best-tasting water you can get. However, these devices won’t last forever and can break down if not adequately maintained like any appliance. Here’s how to tell your water softener is losing its ability to work correctly and call a professional for help.
- Your water develops a strange taste.
- You notice changes in water pressure.
- Water spots are appearing on your silverware and dishware.
- Soap doesn’t produce the rich lather it did before.
