Advantages of a Water Softener Installation to Combat Hard Water
Water softeners are devices designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water, often replacing them with sodium ions through a process called ion exchange. During ion exchange, hard water passes through a resin bed inside the water softener tank. The resin beads, made of a natural material, attract and hold onto the mineral ions while releasing sodium ions into the water to take their place.
Once the resin is saturated with calcium and magnesium ions, the bed goes through a process called regeneration. This is done by automatically flushing the resin bed with a brine solution containing high concentrations of sodium ions, which displaces the calcium and magnesium ions and recharges the resin. These water softener systems are very effective at eliminating hard water from the home and the negative impacts of hard water. Here are several benefits of installing a water softener in the home.
More Effective Cleaning Around the Home
Hard water can cause various cleaning challenges around the home, such as leaving spots and residue on dishes, glasses, and utensils after washing them in the dishwasher, as well as stains and deposits on bathroom fixtures and surfaces that take longer to clean. Additionally, laundry washed in hard water may fade quicker and feel stiff due to the mineral content in hard water.
However, installing a water softener can significantly improve these cleaning tasks and save time. Softened water prevents the formation of scale deposits on fixtures and surfaces, making cleaning easier, less time-consuming, and more effective. Soft water is also gentler on fabrics, leading to longer-lasting clothes that retain their color and texture, and it allows dishes to come out of the dishwasher looking cleaner.
Protection for the Plumbing and Appliances
Hard water can also cause several issues for plumbing and water-using appliances. It all starts when hard water causes scale buildup, which can cause water pressure issues and clogs in the plumbing, in addition to reduced efficiency and higher operating costs in appliances like water heaters. Additionally, hard water can shorten the lifespan of the plumbing and appliances and speed up corrosion, which can cause leaks to form and require earlier replacements.
A whole-home water softener removes the minerals contributing to these problems, leading to the plumbing and appliances lasting longer. It also helps improve the efficiency of appliances that use water, saving homeowners money. Additionally, inconveniences like low water pressure and clogs will become less likely. This helps homeowners reduce costs and prevents plumbing and water heater problems.
Protecting Skin and Hair Health
Another remarkable benefit that often goes unnoticed when discussing whole-house water softeners is improving skin and hair health and hydration. Hard water, which is high in minerals, can be harsh on hair and skin, leading to dryness, itchiness, and dullness. This is because these minerals prevent water from properly dissolving soaps and shampoos, leaving a residue that may clog pores and dry out the skin and hair.
However, water softeners remove these minerals and can significantly improve the condition of both skin and hair. Soft water allows soaps and shampoos to lather more effectively, rinsing off cleanly and leaving the skin and hair feeling more hydrated and smoother. The result is a noticeable improvement in texture and hydration and a reduction in the irritation and itchiness associated with hard water exposure.
About Water Heaters Only, Inc.
Water Heaters Only, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. They provide same-day service, flat rate pricing, and professional and transparent service. Call them today for water softener installation and repair services in Phoenix, AZ.
