What Is Hard Water (and Why Is It Bad)?

Most homeowners have probably heard about hard water, but not everyone knows what it is – or even why they should care. Essentially, hard water is water with a high mineral content. These dissolved minerals - mostly calcium and magnesium - wind up in residential water supplies as the water percolates through rock and soil on its way to the aquifer, river, or other body of water used as a source for potable water.

While hard water is perfectly fine to drink, it can have various unwanted effects on the home's plumbing system. It can even have some unpleasant effects on the skin and hair health of everyone in the house. Many homeowners decide to install a water softener to combat these negative outcomes. This article will discuss how water softeners work to eliminate hard water, signs a water softener might be needed, and how a water softener can positively impact the home.

How Do Water Softeners Work?

Most water softeners use ion exchange to remove minerals from the home's water supply. In this kind of water softener, hard water enters a tank filled with thousands of tiny resin beads charged with sodium ions. These beads attract the magnesium and calcium ions and release their sodium ions in exchange. At a certain point, the resin beads will become saturated with mineral ions, and the tank will be filled with brine, washing away the mineral ions and replacing them with more sodium ions so the process can be repeated.

Other types of water softener systems, such as salt-free and magnetic water softeners, neutralize or alter the mineral ions so that they cannot stick to surfaces and form a scale. Only water softeners that use ion exchange or reverse osmosis (a powerful type of physical filtration system) can completely remove minerals from the water. 

How To Tell If a Home Has Hard Water

To determine whether or not they need a water softener system, homeowners should be on the lookout for the effects of hard water. These include:

• Spotted glasses, dishes, and silverware
• Water spots or excessive soap scum on faucets, fixtures, or shower curtains
• Soap or shampoo doesn't lather well
• Dry hair and skin (since soap and shampoo are harder to wash away with hard water)
• Worn or faded clothes and linens
• Mineral scale inside pipes or fixtures
• Higher energy bills (since hard water can hinder water heater efficiency)

If homeowners notice any of these issues, there's a good chance they have hard water in their homes, and it may be time to consider installing a water softener.

Benefits of Installing a Whole Home Water Softener

Hard water's negative effects go beyond aesthetics or minor inconveniences – over time, mineral deposits can clog pipes and damage appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers. Installing a water softener can be very beneficial and advantageous for various reasons. Here are some of the key water softener benefits:

• Cleaner dishes and silverware
• Saves time on cleaning soap scum and mineral deposits from showers, sinks, and tubs
• Saves money on energy bills by helping appliances operate at peak efficiency
• Extends the life of appliances
• Protects the plumbing system and fixtures from the damage caused by mineral scale buildup
• Helps clothes and linens last longer and keep their colors
• Assists with healthier, more hydrated skin and hair

Of course, when it comes time to get a water softener, picking the right one isn't always easy. Smaller softeners serve individual faucets or showerheads, or larger whole-house water softeners treat all of the home's water as it enters the home. So homeowners would consult a qualified plumber or water softener specialist to determine what kind of water softener best suits their needs and budget!

About Allore's Plumbing Services LLC

Allore's Plumbing Services LLC has been one of Stuart's most trusted and highly-rated plumbers since 1986. As a veteran-owned local business, their dedication to safety, top-notch workmanship, and outstanding customer service has earned them numerous awards and 5-star reviews from satisfied customers. They offer 24-hour emergency service, competitive up-front pricing, personalized options, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job – so there's no one better to call for water softener installation in Stuart, FL!

Contact Information:

Allore's Plumbing Services LLC

3085 SE Dixie Hwy
Stuart, FL 34997
United States

Thomas Allore
(772) 288-0998
https://www.alloresplumbing.com