Several factors influence the quality of your tap water, including where the water comes from, how it’s thoroughly cleaned, the location of your well or treatment center, the state of your city’s water delivery pipes, and so on. In many households, hard water, which contains plenty of minerals and can cause buildup in pipes, is a massive problem. Mineral buildup can shorten the lifespan of your plumbing system, decrease the effectiveness of pipes and other appliances, dry out your skin and raise your energy and water bills.
So, what can you do to protect your home from the damaging effects that hard water can have? Many homeowners are opting to install water softener systems for their homes.
Water softeners eliminate magnesium and calcium deposits from hard water before entering your home. A water filter system or softener improves the longevity of your plumbing fixtures and kitchen and laundry appliances while also combating the destructive outcomes of hard water. There are many obvious benefits to a home water softener, but is it the right fit for your home?
Indicators of Hard Water In Your Home
If you think you might have a hard water issue, keep an eye out for the following warning signs so you can take action.
- Plumbing that has become clogged due to the buildup of limescale in pipes
- Itchy, dry skin and hair
- Scratchy clothes and faded fabrics
- Increased energy consumption from the water heater
- Dishes and appliances accumulate mineral deposits
- Soap scum and residue on tubs, showers, and other surfaces
- Sinks, bathtubs, or toilets are starting to discolor or stain
Investing in a Water Softener: The Benefits
#1. Cleaning Is Less of a Chore
Most cleaning procedures in your home require the use of water. Hard water, however, can make cleaning a challenging task. With hard water, you will end up using more soap and detergent than would otherwise be necessary. When it comes to soap lather, using soft water is far superior to hard water, making it efficient in rinsing and cleaning, without the filmy residue left over from hard water. When you install a home water softener system, you will be capable of cleaning more effectively and at a lower cost.
#2. Easier on Your Appliances & Pipes
Soft water does not induce scale formation in your pipes or appliances like hard water does. Water softeners are helpful in the reduction of scale-related plumbing issues as well as added longevity of your water-dependent appliances. Dishwashers and washing machines are prone to excess wear and tear due to the buildup of minerals in their pipes and chambers. Soft water eliminates the future buildup of these minerals and protects the life of your appliances and home plumbing.
#3. The Ability to Heat Water More Quickly
Hard water makes your home appliances work harder than they have to. The accumulation of minerals in water heaters can also lead them to lose their ability to heat water efficiently, and the impurities in hard water can make it more difficult to reach higher temperatures quickly.
The use of a water softener for the house reduces your utility bills by increasing the efficiency of your water heater and cutting the impurities out of your water. Water heaters can heat soft water in a shorter amount of time compared to hard water and can boost the effectiveness of gas water heaters by up to 29%.
#4. Clean & Soft Clothes
Mineral deposits tend to accumulate on the fibers of your clothing when you wash these items in hard water. As the amount of mineral deposits increases in your pipes and eventually, on your clothes, the color of your clothes and the integrity of the fabric will start to deteriorate. Installing a water softener system not only protects your washing appliances, it also protects the color and feel of your clothes, keeping mineral stains and stiff fabric at bay.
#5. Eliminates Toxins Such As Ferrous Iron
Aside from stripping away the ions that cause water to harden, water softeners also eliminate tiny amounts of ferrous iron. Ferrous iron or dissolved iron is a form of iron that is soluble in water. It is critical that you make use of an iron filter for well water since iron is mainly accountable for darkening the color of the water and leaving noticeable stains on sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
Perfect Your Home’s Water
At Independent Water Service, our installation experts can recommend and install the right water softener system for your specific needs.
We offer free water analysis and help you choose which system works for you. Our free water analysis checks for softness, impurities and other factors that may affect your household or business’ water. We offer systems for both residential and commercial spaces.
We proudly serve Yakima and Kittitas Counties and have been your local trusted water service since 1986. Call to schedule your free water analysis and upgrade your water system for your home or business with the water experts.