About 85% of the U.S. has hard water; this means that most people have water that contains too many minerals, like magnesium and calcium. Hard water can cause all sorts of problems in your home, which is why it's smart to purchase a high efficiency water softener. Some water softeners replace excess calcium and magnesium with sodium ions; if you don't want too much sodium in your water, you can also look into salt-free water softeners, which filter your water. Whichever softener you choose, these are the benefits you can glean from it.
Your Home Will Look Cleaner
Hard water is notorious for making glass, utensils, plumbing appliances, and ceramic surfaces look unsightly. As the hard water evaporates, it leaves behind water spots and mineral deposits, like silica and lime. Since water is mainly used for washing in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room, the items in these rooms may be spotted and look dirty even though they are clean. Because hard water doesn't mix well with soaps, and causes a curd instead of a lather, you may also have a buildup of soap scum in these rooms.
Since soft water doesn't have extra minerals, you won't have unsightly water spots. Softened water also mixes better with soap, so you won't have to worry about built-up soap scum on your faucets or drains.
You'll Save Money on Your Appliances
Hard water can leach limescale, a white deposit that settles inside your washing machine, dishwasher, coffee machine, and other appliances. Even if you clean your home regularly, limescale buildup can form a thick layer on these appliances' elements, forcing them to overwork.
Believe it or not, this hard water buildup can actually cause your appliances to fail! If you invest in a water softener, you will be able to save some money on appliance repair, and you may decrease your energy bill.
Besides saving money on your appliances, you will notice that they work better. For instance, washing machines that use soft water are kinder to fabrics, since they aren't worn down by minerals in the fabric.
Your Skin and Hair Will Thank You
Again, hard water doesn't mix with soap, so if you try to shower with this water you will need to over-scrub your body to get a lather and to get the soap off. Soap scum that is left on your skin can clog your pores, dry out your skin, and cause eczema and other irritation. If you wash your hair with hard water and don't get all the soap out, the minerals in the water can dissolve and actually leave a scaly film on your hair, drying it out and possibly discoloring it if you dye it. In short, it's a good idea to have a water softener so that showering doesn't harm your skin or hair.
For more information on water softener installation, contact an appliance service in your area.
