What Is Hard Water?
When people refer to water as hard water, they are describing water with a high level of minerals in the water. The majority of homes in the United States have hard water. Hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which accumulate as water passes through underground mineral deposits.
Although these minerals are invisible to the naked eye and don’t have health risks associated with them, hard water can cause problems for a household and leaves behind tell-tale signs that homeowners can use to identify them. Here are common signs of hard water, what water softeners do, and the benefits of water softener installation.
Common Signs of Hard Water in the Home
The downsides of hard water can show up in frustrating ways that can signal to homeowners the need to install a whole-home water softener. When dirty dishes come out of the dishwasher after being cleaned with spots or streaks, the culprit is likely hard water. These unsightly spots are caused by minerals left behind after the water dries.
The same problem extends to plumbing fixtures, which can have stains and deposits from hard water. A chalky white residue may accumulate around faucets, sinks, and drains, another unmistakable sign of hard water.
Laundry that is washed in hard water can leave clothes and fabrics appearing dull and worn out and fading quickly. Hard water can also leave deposits and scale inside the pipes, leading to clogging and water pressure issues. Hard water doesn’t just affect items in the home; it can also impact people. Residents may notice their skin feels dry and itchy and that their hair lacks its usual shine.
How Water Softeners Help
Water softeners are designed to reduce the mineral content in hard water, eliminating or minimizing its negative effects. These devices are typically installed where water enters the home, ensuring that all water running through the home’s plumbing system benefits from softening.
Most water softeners use a process called ion exchange. This method swaps out the mineral ions in the water with sodium ions from salt, effectively reducing the water’s hardness. Then, a brine solution flows through the resin tank, rinsing the beads where ion exchange takes place and exchanging new sodium for the hard water minerals that have collected so that the process can begin again. For homes with higher water usage or larger plumbing systems, dual-tank water softeners may be the best choice.
Benefits of Whole Home Water Softeners
Investing in a whole-home water softener can benefit a household in many ways. The benefits go far beyond eliminating hard water spots and buildup on dishes and plumbing fixtures and keeping clothes vibrant longer. Residents can also enjoy softer, more hydrated skin and shinier hair, free from the dryness caused by hard water.
Another major advantage of water softeners is that they protect the home’s plumbing system and appliances that use water. Mineral buildup from hard water can lead to clogs, corrosion, and premature wear on the pipes. Hard water can also shorten the lifespan and reduce the efficiency of appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. By reducing these mineral deposits from hard water, a water softener helps extend the lifespan of the plumbing and appliances and helps with the efficiency of water-using appliances, saving homeowners money.
Of course, any homeowner considering investing in a water softener system should work with a plumbing professional. They can test the water quality to determine any concerns and ensure that the system purchased is within budget and appropriate for the size of the home and the amount of water usage.
About PHD Mechanical Inc
PHD Mechanical Inc has delivered top-notch plumbing services to the Denville area since 1990. They offer convenient scheduling and personal attention. Contact them for water softener installation, maintenance, and repair in Denville, NJ.
