What Do Water Softeners Do?

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, about 85 percent of American homes have hard water.  Hard water is water that contains excessive minerals or metals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals dissolve into the water as it flows through the ground.  A water softener (or water conditioner) is an appliance that treats water and reduces the level of minerals and metals in the water.

Hard water is not considered a health hazard, but some people find it to be annoying and it can cause problems with your plumbing.  Some people do not like the taste of hard water find that it leaves them feeling itchy after showering.  Also, hard water leaves mineral deposits behind that may cause noticeable spots on dishes, sinks, showers, or your car.  Over time, hard water can lead to build ups of mineral deposits in shower heads, faucets, water heaters, and plumbing pipes.

These deposits can clog show heads and cause leaky faucets.  Worse, the mineral build up inside your water heater can cause your water heater to work harder which uses more energy and shortens its useful life.  Mineral deposits inside plumbing lines and drains can cause clogs and other problems.

A water softener is a tank that contains little beads called “resin media”.  As your water flows through the resin media, excessive mineral are reduced by exchanging mineral ions with sodium ions.  The result is “soft” water with much lower mineral content but higher sodium content.

Whether or not you need a water softener depends on how hard your water is and your personal preference.  Some people are not bothered by moderately hard water while others prefer softer water. Your plumber can measure the hardness of your water and help you choose and install a water softener that is right for your home.

Advantages of Water Softeners

The majority of American homes have hard water that contains excessive minerals and metals.  Your plumber can install a water softener or water conditioner that will reduce the level of minerals and metals in the water in your home.

Water softeners offer numerous advantages.  The first thing most people notice is no more water spots on sinks, showers, and dishes.  These water spots are caused by the minerals in hard water.  Also, hard water causes scale to build up inside of pipes, faucets, shower heads, drains and water heaters.  By removing the minerals from the water, a water softener reduces or eliminates the accumulation of scale and prevents problems cause by scale build up.

Water heaters are particularly affected by hard water.  The mineral buildup on the heating elements reduces the efficiency of the water heater and causes it to work harder.  Soft water can extend the life of a water heater and save money on energy costs.  The same is true to a lesser extent for dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances that use water.

Many people do not like the taste of hard water or itchy feeling from the mineral deposits on their skin following a shower.  A water softener solves both of these problems.  In addition, soap is less effective when used with hard water due to the minerals in hard water.  You will use much less soap with soft water to clean dishes, clothes, cars and bathing.  Clothes washed in hard water often feel a little rough due to soap and mineral residue left in the clothing.  Clothes washed in soft water get a little cleaner and feel softer than clothes washed in hard water.

If this sounds good to you, talk to your plumber about choosing a water softener that fits your needs.  Water softeners come in different capacities and styles and your plumber can recommend the right size and type of water softener for you.