How Hard Water Affects Everyday Life and How a Water Softener Can Help
Most homes in the U.S. have hard water. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content, usually containing calcium and magnesium. These minerals cause hardness in the water by reacting with soap to form a curd-like substance known as soap scum. Hard water can leave an unpleasant feel on the skin after a shower or bath. It can also cause build-up in pipes and other plumbing systems, leading to decreased efficiency and costly repairs.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the effects of hard water and make it more suitable for use. Installing a water-softening system is the most common and effective way to treat hard water. These systems use salt (sodium chloride) to remove calcium and magnesium from the water, which makes it softer and more suitable for everyday use. This article will share some benefits of a water softener for a home, the plumbing, and a home’s residents.
A Water Softener Makes Cleaning More Effective
Hard water is a nuisance when it comes to cleaning. It can cause spotted glasses after washing dishes, stains and deposits on bathroom fixtures, and faded clothes after washing. These common problems occur due to the minerals in hard water, such as magnesium and calcium.
However, there is an easy solution: installing a water softener. Installing a water softener helps prevent scale buildup, making cleaning surfaces and fixtures easier. In addition, clothes can last longer because they don't get worn down by the minerals in hard water. Finally, dishes come out cleaner as no residue from minerals is left behind. With a water softener, there is nothing in the water to hinder the cleaning process. This means squeaky clean glasses and dishes, less time spent on cleaning, and longer-lasting clothing.
A Water Softener Protects a Home’s Plumbing System
Hard water buildup is a significant reason to get plumbing maintenance and the maintenance of water heaters. Hard water can wreak havoc on a plumbing system by leaving behind mineral deposits that build up inside pipes and other parts of the plumbing system, such as water heaters.
This scale buildup can lead to clogs, reduced water pressure, and corrosion of pipes and fixtures over time, shortening the lifespan of the plumbing and requiring costly repairs and replacements. Additionally, the mineral buildup can reduce the efficiency of a water heater, leading to higher energy bills, a shorter lifespan, and decreased performance. Luckily, installing a water softener can help avoid plumbing problems from hard water by helping keep pipes and fixtures free of buildup, improving the lifespan and efficiency of the plumbing system.
A Water Softener Can Improve Dry Hair and Skin
Hard water contains large amounts of calcium and magnesium, which can also cause dryness in the hair and skin. This is because the minerals create a barrier between the body and the water, preventing it from being absorbed. The result is dry, brittle hair, an itchy scalp, and dry, flaky skin.
On the other hand, soft water is free of these minerals due to a water softener and can easily penetrate the skin’s surface and hair follicles. Soft water enables the body to better absorb the moisture it needs, leading to healthier, softer hair and more hydrated skin that isn’t dry and irritated.
About Plumbing Nerds
Plumbing Nerds is a fully licensed and insured plumbing company serving Naples, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, fully stocked trucks, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for water softener installation and repair services in Naples, FL.
