When Does a Home Need a Water Softener?

Press Services
Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 5:00pm UTC

Hard water prevention experts in San Antonio, TX help homeowners decide when a water softener is needed.

San Antonio, United States - September 14, 2023 / A&A Plumbing /

Understanding Hard Water 

Water is called the universal solvent. What does that mean, exactly? It means that water can dissolve most things it comes into contact with. When water has dissolved a substance, that substance is carried around in the water until it is chemically removed or the water is distilled. This has huge implications for drinking water piped into homes daily. 

In nature, water is distilled as it evaporates into the atmosphere to form clouds. As the vapor condenses and forms rain, it picks up substances it comes into contact with. Once rain hits the ground, it picks up minerals and runs off to a river or lake that may serve as a municipal water supply. 

In many areas, the mineral profile of the soil allows water to pick up copious amounts of calcium and magnesium. These minerals are dissolved in water to a great extent that they can interfere with some aspects of modern plumbing. Here is a quick discussion about dealing with hard water by installing water softeners

How Do Water Softeners Work? 

water softenerThe solvent qualities of water are one of the things that can make it so useful. When water is saturated with dissolved minerals, it can have a hard time dissolving things like treatment chemicals or anything intended to be washed off a surface. Removing hardness minerals from water allows water to behave better in useful ways. 

To accomplish this, water softeners pull minerals out of residential water. Water softeners are installed at the service entrance where water lines enter the home. All of the water in the home is flushed across a bed of resin that captures ions. Periodically, the resin bed is flushed with a heavy brine to remove ions and refresh the resin bed. This process is automatic and goes on without any intervention from the owner. 

Signs Hard Water Is Present 

hard waterMost people may be uninterested in water softeners because they believe water is water. Most often, these people don't recognize the signs of hard water or understand how helpful softened water can be. Some of the signs that a water softener can be beneficial for a home are: 

  • Itchy, dry skin and hair
  • Poor-tasting water
  • Soap residue left on hair, skin, and dishes
  • Water spots on dishes and spotted glasses 
  • Dull, faded clothing with residual dirt and odors 
  • Crusty, white buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances 

How Can Whole-Home Water Softeners Help? 

Water softeners can improve the water quality in a home, promoting health and prolonging the life of plumbing and appliances. When soft water is used to bathe, soap and grime are more easily dissolved and washed away. This results in healthier skin and hair. Additionally, soft water tastes better, promoting hydration. 

Water softeners are one of the best ways to protect plumbing. First, they remove the minerals that can form a scale on piping that can interfere with water pressure and corrode appliances faster, like the water heater. This reduces plumbing repair costs and prevents expensive water heaters' premature failure. 

About A&A Plumbing

A&A Plumbing can help every home achieve more healthy and helpful water. Water softener and water treatment options help owners protect their water supply. Call today for comprehensive plumbing service in San Antonio, TX. 

Contact Information:

A&A Plumbing

13131 Lookout Run
San Antonio, TX 78233
United States

Delanah Suarez
(210) 566-2665
https://www.aaplumbingsa.com/

Original Source: https://www.aaplumbingsa.com/press-releases