In its purest form, water is nothing but H2O. However, the water flowing from your tap is not pure. Because water is a solvent, it picks up minerals as it runs down streams, over rocks, and through the ground on its way to water treatment plants. Even after being treated, tap water still contains minerals like magnesium and calcium. The more of these minerals that are found in the water, the “harder” it is.
You can tell you have hard water if you notice limescale buildup in your tub, on your dishes, and in your coffee pot. Of course, scale buildup isn’t the only problem. Some other effects of hard water include dry hair, irritated skin, dull clothes, an unpleasant taste, and high water heating costs. Fortunately, installing a water softener is an easy, cost-effective way to “soften” your water. It works by removing magnesium and calcium through a process called ion exchange.
Here are the top water softener advantages for your health, home, and plumbing.
- No hard water spots: When hard water evaporates, minerals are left behind on your dishes, faucets, glass shower doors, and plumbing appliances. Do away with these chalky deposits by installing a water softener.
- Healthier skin and hair: If you’ve always had hard water, you may expect to have itchy, irritated skin and limp, lifeless hair when you get out of the shower. However, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well your soap and shampoo lather and how clean and refreshed you feel when you shower in soft water.
- Softer, newer-looking clothes: Remember how soft your favorite sweater felt when you first bought it? It’s not your imagination that it has stiffened and faded over time. Installing a water softener keeps your clothes feeling softer and looking brighter wash after wash.
- Better-tasting tap water: Drinking hard water doesn’t hurt you, but it doesn’t taste quite right, either. Everyone has a different idea of how their water should taste, but you can rest assured that soft water always tastes better than hard water.
- Lower water heating bills: As if improving your health wasn’t enough, water softeners also offer money-saving benefits. Consider that hard water causes scale buildup inside your water heater. The thicker the buildup becomes, the harder the appliance must work to heat your water. Soft water decreases minerals in your water heater, thus keeping your water heating costs down.
- Longer plumbing lifespan: Hard water is unforgiving. Consider that the limescale you see on your plumbing fixtures and appliances also builds up inside the pipes. Avoid scale-related plumbing problems and lengthen the life of your plumbing with a water softener.
With over 20 years of experience serving the Seattle area, Puget Sound Plumbing and Heating can meet all your plumbing needs! Turn to us for hard water solutions that will benefit your family, home, and pipes. To schedule the plumbing services you need, please call us at (206) 938-3219 or contact us online today.