There are many reasons to consider a water softener for you home. The effects of hard water go beyond that chalky buildup you see around your faucets. Hard water can damage your pipes and cause higher energy bills. Home appliances are short-lived, laundry is stiff and towels are scratchy, hair is dry and damaged no matter how much conditioner and products you use…sound familiar? This is a result of the minerals found in hard water like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Unlike hard water, soft water is free of harsh minerals and is more gentle on your body and home. Soft water can prevent the scale buildup around your faucets and piping, make your home appliances last longer, and increase the effectiveness of your soaps and detergents.
Soft water myths
- Water softeners make your water salty.
- While sodium is used to soften water, a big misconception is that it makes your water taste salty, that is not the case. The amount of sodium present in water after softening does not even represent a significant percentage in a person’s daily sodium intake. The exact amount of sodium present in soft water will vary depending on how much hardness is being removed from the water.
- Water softeners waste energy.
- Just because you’re adding another electricity-powered appliance to your home doesn’t mean it will be an energy drain. The amount of energy required to run a water softener in a year is about the same as an alarm clock, which is only about $10 a year based on U.S. average energy rates.
- It costs more than it’s worth to soften water.
- There are actually many money-saving advantages to having a water softener. Using soft water with your appliances (dishwasher, washer and dryer, coffee maker, etc.) can make them last 30% to 50% longer. You could also save up to 27% on energy each year because your water heater doesn’t have to work as hard. Another bonus? Soft water makes soaps and other cleaners more effective (and it will make your hair and skin less dry).
How water softeners work
After installation, the hard water enters the appliance and the water softener gets right to work. The microscopic beads in the resin bed attract the hard water minerals (calcium, magnesium and iron) and removes them from the water. Then the pure, softened water exits the water softener and enters your home! You may have heard of the regeneration process, if not this is how it works: When the resin beads are full of hard water minerals, the mineral buildup from the resin is detached by the salt used in your water softener. Once removed, these minerals are simply flushed down the drain.
Water softeners are ideal for midwestern homes with hard water, especially if you or your family members suffer from dry skin or if you’re tired of seeing water spots on your classes and trying to remove calcium buildups from your faucets. Not only will you end up saving money in the long run, but you’ll also experience benefits when it comes to your skin, clothing, and cleaning. Have questions about other plumbing issues or want to consider adding a water softener to your home? Reach out to the experienced staff at ASAP, we’d love to help!