The Hard Water Problem That Most Homes Face
Hard water is quite common throughout the world. Water is called the universal solvent, and as it filters through the ground, it dissolves minerals into itself. This is exactly what hard water is, which causes cave formations and inconveniences in the average home. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium dissolved in water are rarely harmful for consumption. Still, these mineral salts can be hard on the skin, clothes, dishes, and appliances.
This article will discuss what water softeners do, the signs of hard water, and the benefits of installing a water-softening system.
Water Softeners: Removing Pesky Mineral Salts
Since hard water is full of dissolved minerals, a water softener removes said elements from the water supply. The water softener system can be used only for part of the house (like an under-the-sink filter) or connected to the home's main water supply as a whole-house water softener. Essentially, the water softener has a tank with salts that create positively charged ions. This attracts the negatively charged mineral salt ions in the water, precipitating them out of the water and leaving it practically mineral-free. The water then continues on its way into the home, and the salts are flushed out of the system, prepping for the next tankful of hard water.
Indicators of a Hard Water Issue
How can a homeowner tell if they have hard water or need water softening? The list below includes several obvious signs that point to the need for water softener installation.- Soap scum buildup
- Stains on faucets, sinks, and tubs
- Heavy-scale buildup in the pipes
- Foul smelling water
- Laundry that doesn’t quite get clean
- Dry skin and lank hair
- Water spots on dishes
- Why Install a Water Softener?
The signs above imply certain reasons that a homeowner might want to consider water softener installation due to its benefits. Let’s look at the advantages below:
- Cleaner, Longer-Lasting Clothing: Soft water makes clothes cleaner and last longer. Towels also smell better and are softer, avoiding the buildup that sometimes happens with hard water.
- Cleaner Dishes: No more water stains on dishes makes everything look and feel cleaner.
- Easier Cleaning in Kitchen and Bathroom: Since soap scum develops because of the calcium in the water combined with soap, there is much less development of buildup when one is cleaning a bathroom or kitchen that has soft water. It saves time on scrubbing.
- Improved Water Flow: Without the buildup of hard water scale in the pipes, water will flow better, and there will be no need to flush the pipes.
About The Plumbing Dr
The Plumbing Dr provides expert workmanship and 100% satisfaction guaranteed for the Falls Church, VA community and beyond. With every service call, their technicians arrive promptly, offering personalized service and upfront pricing on every project. Call today for water softening services in Falls Church, VA.
