How Can Water Softeners Help?
Imagine taking a shower, but never actually feeling clean. This is the reality for homeowners living with hard water. The buildup of calcium and magnesium in the water makes it harder to rinse away the soap and dirt. This leaves the skin feeling slimy.
While hard water doesn’t pose any health risks in and of itself, it can leave you feeling unclean. In a society that values personal hygiene (especially now) this unclean feeling is a nightmare. In addition, hard water brings hidden costs that can quickly add up.
If this is happening you are in serious need of a water filtration system, but which one? Luckily, having a water softener installed is a pretty quick and easy fix for most homeowners with the help of a professional plumber. Read on to learn about how these devices work, and how they can save you money.
When to Call for Water Softener Services
In addition to the ‘slimy’ feel mentioned above, there are a few other signs that may indicate you have hard water:- Fixtures, Tiles, Sinks That Have Residue (Called Scale)
- Laundry Never Seems Bright or Clean
- Itchy or Dry Skin
- Faucets Have Low Water Flow
- Tap Water Tastes Off
If you experience any of these issues, it may be time to call a professional plumber for water softener services. They will be able to test the water, and, if needed, recommend the best water softener for your property, and install it.
What Is Water Softener Salt?
Most water softeners use salt to soften the water. It does this by exchanging the sodium ions for the chemical ions that make the water hard. The result is soft water, ready for use in the home. The salt used for this is similar to table salt but is designed specifically for the chemicals in hard water.
In order to continuously exchange the ions as needed, the water softener refreshes the saltwater (usually at night). In order for the device to work correctly and efficiently, the water softener salt level must be maintained. Water softener salt can be purchased at most hardware stores, including Lowes and Home Depot.
Hard Water Costs
As previously mentioned, there are no immediate health concerns caused by hard water. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s harmless. One study estimated that hard water can cost homeowners around $800 per year. Here are a few of the hard water costs that can add up:
-
Extra Soap or Detergent Used - Heating Loss in the Home Due to Scale
- Replacing Clothes and Other Washables More Frequently
- Repairing and Replacing Plumbing and Appliances More Frequently
When a water softener is installed, though, you are able to wash things with less soap and detergent, and scale and buildup are no longer a concern. While hard water may seem like more of a nuisance than anything else, it can really hit the wallet hard.
Having a water softener installed can help alleviate and eliminate all of those concerns though. Even with the cost of the device, installation, and water softener salt, the savings add up quickly over time--along with peace of mind.
About All Purpose Plumbing
All Purpose Plumbing specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems for Tacoma and surrounding areas. Their trusted technicians offer best-in-class service that can’t be beaten. Whether you have a water heater emergency, or you’re looking for preventive maintenance services, All Purpose Plumbing can help.
