Inefficent appliances, spotty dishes, and damaged clothes caused by hard water can degrade the quality of one’s life. Water softeners are installed by many homeowners to improve the quality of their water.
They remove the hard minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, that can cause buildup in pipes and appliances. Water Softeners work on a process called ion exchange. As the hard water passes through the tank, the positively charged ions of calcium and magnesium are attracted to the negatively charged beads and exchange places with the sodium or potassium ions. This removes the hard minerals, leaving the water soft and free of mineral buildup.
Hard water also has a metallic or earthy taste, which can be unappealing to many people. Water softeners can improve the taste of water by removing the minerals, leaving the water cleaner and fresher.
While most people know that water softeners help to improve the taste of water, there are several other benefits of water softeners that are not as well-known.
- Prolonged life of appliances: Hard water can cause mineral buildup in appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. Thus, reducing their efficiency. A water softener can prevent this buildup and improve the performance of your appliances. Soft water doesn’t cause clogging of the pipes, preventing the wear and tear of appliances.
- Improved laundry: Hard water can make it difficult for soap to lather and can leave a residue on clothes. This can cause clothes to appear dull and feel rough to the touch. Soft water, on the other hand, allows the soap to lather better, making it more effective at cleaning clothes. It also prevents residue buildup on clothes, making them feel softer and appear brighter.
- Reduced plumbing issues: The contaminants in hard water can clog pipes and fausetts, thus interrupting the water flow. In the long run, it can also cause leaks. A water softener can prevent this buildup and reduce the likelihood of frequent plumbing issues.
- High energy savings: The minerals in hard water can cause a buildup of mineral scale in pipes and heating elements. This can affect the optimum functioning of appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.