As a homeowner, you may be wondering if it is worth it to invest in a water softener, especially if you’ve just recently moved into a new property. Understanding the basics of a water softener and why it is used can go a long way in helping you determine if a softener is optimal for your household. Whether you want to improve your personal health or the well-being of those in your family, learning about water softeners ahead of time will allow you to make the best decision either way.
Improved Taste
A water softener works to remove hard water minerals from the tap water you receive, use, bathe in, and drink each day. Oftentimes, these hard minerals are exchanged and replaced with potassium and sodium, optimal for electrolyte purposes while consuming water. The end result of using a water softener is typically that the sodium added directly to the water source results in taste-free water, which some tend to prefer over water that includes hard water minerals. According to Bob Vila, the longest a water heater can last is about 20 years. This long-lasting system can ensure you have improved taste for years to come!
Easier to Clean With
Unfortunately, if you do not have a water softener in the home, you may find it difficult to clean with, as hard water is notorious for leaving harsh stains behind. Harsh stains from water can be even trickier to remove, resulting in a waste of time and plenty of effort. Using soft water makes it much easier to keep up with cleaning around the home, especially when it comes to tending to appliances and bathroom fixtures, such as showers, tubs, and ceramic toilets. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, plumbing supply system failures lead to 48% more water loss versus the second source of water supply loss (system material failures). When you ensure your plumbing supply system is up-to-date, you can ensure your able to continue cleaning with your home’s water for years.
Healthier Skin
When you have hard water in the home, it can be difficult to generate soap lather when bathing, as the molecules of both magnesium and calcium can directly interfere with any salts and sodium salts that are typically found in many soaps and shampoos today. Additionally, soft water is much easier to rinse and wash off, making it easier for you to maintain soap-free skin, which can result in healthier skin over time.
Limit Limescale Buildup
Throughout the years, a hard water system has the propensity to cause limescale building and other harsh mineral buildups, especially in home appliances. A few of the home appliances that are most likely to be impacted by minerals, hard water, and limescale buildup include washing machines, dishwashers, and any type of water heater you have in the home at the time.
If you notice that your machines aren’t running optimally, then it may be time for an inspection, repair, or replacement. Spotting a potential clog ahead of time can help you repair your appliances before it is too late and you require a complete replacement.
Preserve Clothing Longer
If you currently have a hard water system in your home, then you are much more likely to notice that your clothing is stiffer after any wash. Hard water is not as permeable, making it difficult for any laundry detergents and soaps to properly mix well with the water, even during an extended hot wash. When your clothing items feel hard and dry after an extended wash and dry, it may be time to think about the current water system you have in your home. Most often, when clothing comes out of the dryer stiff and extremely dry, or almost crisp, this may be due to limescale buildup and hard mineral residue.
Did you know the market size of the water softener market is projected to reach $5.44 billion by 2031, according to Globe Newswire? Understanding the basics of a traditional water softening system is essential anytime you are investing in a home or taking care of an entire household. The more familiar you are with the purpose of a water softener, the easier you will find it to locate the right make and model for your home’s needs. From investing in a water softener for health reasons to installing one to increase the value of your property, there are many different motivations to keep in mind when you’re considering the prospect of investing in a new water softener.