Do you ever notice your skin feeling dry and itchy after a shower, or your clothes feeling scratchy and rough? This can be caused by the effects of hard water, and can be a frustrating experience for many homeowners.
A water softener can help eliminate mineral buildup that causes these common issues, and give your household access to soft water year-round. So, here’s the rundown from your friends at After Hour Plumbing & Drain on why you should consider getting a water softener.
What’s Hard Water?
Hard water is water with an elevated mineral content, specifically calcium and magnesium. The more of these dissolved minerals that are found in the water, the higher it will rank on a hardness test.
While hard water is considered to be good for your health due to the high mineral content, the taste of it might not be the most enjoyable to some people. Additionally, hard water leaves a residue and can even stain some surfaces and appliances. It can also cause damaging sediment buildup inside toilets and pipes over time, which can shorten the lifespan of plumbing appliances and lead to costly repairs.
Banish Buildup With A Water Softener
Have you ever noticed dried spots on your clean dishes that never seem to wash off? Hard water is the culprit! This is because minerals are left behind on surfaces after the water evaporates, creating the infamous crusty white spots on your clean dishware.
The minerals in hard water can also cause calcium and sediment buildup within pipes and other plumbing appliances. This buildup can be hard to effectively clean away, and can even lead to costly damages over time as the deposites collect in your plumbing. Minimizing the chance for any type of sediment buildup will help protect and preserve the lifespan of your pipes.
Feel The Difference Of Soft Water
Now that we understand why hard water leaves behind residue, it’s worth explaining how a water softener from After Hour benefits your clothes, hair and skin. Reducing water hardness will inevitably decrease the chances of buildup on all surfaces you use water on, including yourself. Minimal mineral buildup helps detergent and soap create a better lather, allowing you to use less product and literally feel the difference!
How A Water Softener Can Save You Money
Although a water softener can be an initial high upfront cost, it’s a great investment! It will help protect your home and family from the disadvantages of having hard water and can even save you money in the long run. The common benefits of purchasing a water softener to help save you money include:
- Reducing the chance of costly repairs due to calcium buildup
- Potentially improving the efficiency of your heater, lowering your electric bill
- Allowing you to spend less money on soap and detergent
- Ensuring the longevity of your plumbing system
It’s great that these systems can help decrease your usual spending, but there are also instances in which they’re necessary for safe water consumption. Homes that use independent well water systems can potentially require a water softener if an overload of minerals or bacteria is present within the water. This is why it’s always best to have your water tested by a professional, especially if you suspect it’s unsafe.
Monterey Water Softener Installation
After reading all of this, you may be wondering, “Do I need a water softener?” Well, the answer depends! Many homeowners really enjoy the luxurious feel of soft water for their everyday activities, and appreciate the other favorable benefits that come with it as well. Additionally, some homes have such hard water that the installation of a water softener on the property is necessary for a family to safely live there.
Whatever your reason may be, these systems can help significantly improve the quality of your water and save you money. Contact our water experts at After Hour Plumbing & Drain to find out more about scheduling an in-home consultation!