How Hard Water Can Affect Homes
Hard water occurs when there are high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water, which happens when minerals dissolve in groundwater. Hard water is not dangerous to household members, but it can cause many negative impacts on their household, including plumbing appliances and fixtures.
If hard water is wreaking havoc on a household and plumbing system, it’s important to treat it by installing a water softener. This post will discuss water softeners, their benefits, and signs of hard water to watch for, indicating water softener installation is needed.
How Water Softeners Treat Hard Water
Water softeners treat hard water by removing minerals from the water supply, and there are many different types of water softening systems that remove them in different ways. The most common type is an ion exchange system that removes hard water minerals from the water through an ion exchange process. Dual tank water softeners also use this process for water softening.
The first step is hard water flowing into the water softener resin tank, which is filled with negatively charged resin beads, which take hold of the positively charged ions in hard water. The water is softened when the calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions. Then, water from the brine tank goes into the resin tank to create a brine solution. A backwash cycle then happens, rinsing away accumulated minerals in the resin bed. The softened water then travels through the plumbing system so the household can use it.
Hard Water: Signs to Watch For
To prevent their plumbing appliances and pipes from being damaged by hard water, homeowners should watch for signs indicating their water needs to be treated with a whole-house water softener. There are numerous symptoms that households can watch for, including:
- Mineral deposits and white scale on plumbing fixtures and appliances
- Hard water stains and spots on glasses and dishes after washing them in the dishwasher
- Decreased water flow due to mineral buildup in pipes
- Residue on the skin and in hair after being washed or dry, itchy skin
- Clothing fades and wears out quickly from being washed in hard water
How Whole Home Water Softeners Benefit Your House
When homeowners install a water softener in their household, there are many benefits. One of the biggest benefits of water softening is prolonging the lifespan of plumbing and water-using appliances by preventing minerals and residue from building up and causing them to wear out and malfunction. The appliances will also run more efficiently, saving homeowners money on their energy bills.
Other advantages homeowners might notice are cleaner dishes, less residue and buildup on fixtures, improved water pressure from their faucets and showerheads, clothes that don’t fade as quickly, and more hydrated, healthier skin and hair. When a property owner decides to schedule a water softener installation at their home, they should call a professional to perform the work.
About Swell Plumbing
Swell Plumbing has been serving Salem and the surrounding areas since 2002. They offer same-day appointments, reasonable prices, and the latest technology. Call them today for water softener installation in Salem, OR.
