How Installing a Water Softener Can Save You Money

Chances are, a lot of people that suffer from hard water in their homes do not even realize it. Water can be considered “hard” when it contains more minerals than water normally has. Usually, the abundant minerals will include calcium and magnesium. Both of these minerals are positively charged ions and they prevent other positively charged ions from dissolving. This inability to dissolve accounts for soap residue when washing your body, dishes, and clothing with hard water. The effects of hard water can be prevented with a water softening system. Those considering installing a softening device in their home should consider both the benefits and risks to using the technology.

What Is It?

The purpose of a water softening system is to remove minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, from a household water supply. The unit works best when connected directly to the water supply in the home. It collects hard minerals from the water and periodically flushes the water. Because the hard minerals are made of positively charged ions, mixing other ions into the water has a balancing effect. Sodium or potassium is often added to the water supply replacing the calcium and magnesium ions. Both the installation and chemical upkeep can typically be performed by a plumber or someone that specializes in the sale of softening systems.
Who Needs It?

Homeowners that have concerns with hard water will benefit from a softening system. Hard water can cause pipes to clog, and over time, hard water erodes pipes and utilities that rely on the water supply to operate. The lime scale deposits that occur can also clog faucets. If you notice your water pressure has reduced over time, it may be due to the lime buildup. If you experience soap build up when showering, doing dishes, or washing laundry, you may want to consider a softening system. Often, skin that is rinsed by hard water becomes itchy and dry, and may develop a rash due to the lingering soap. Laundry grows stiff and dingy, and dishes will exhibit water spots from hard water. Anyone that experiences these symptoms of hard water may want to consider a water softener.

Benefits

Obviously, the benefit of installing a water softener is softening your water. But what exactly does that mean? If you had extremely hard water, you will instantly noticed the water feels more “comfortable.” It will have a less abrasive sensation when it touches your skin. In order to recognize this difference, fill two bowls with your current, untreated hard water. To the second bowl, add Epsom salt or a bathing product that claims to condition and soften skin. Dip a hand in each bowl and notice the difference. Once you have a water softener installed, the water flowing from your faucet will have that same treated, softened quality.

Using soft water to shower will improve your appearance. When hair and skin is rinsed thoroughly, it is cleaner and will not experience irritation. Hair will also seem to stay clean longer. Soft water also helps soap to lather better, so you will use less soap and less shampoo. This is true for dish soap and laundry detergent as well. Dishes will be cleaner as well, and the streaky, spotty appearance will be a thing of the past with softened water. Modern soaps are designed to combat hard water. By installing a water softener, you can choose more natural products for bathing and cleaning that will be healthier for your health and home.

Soft water lessens build up and clogging. It can lengthen the life of household appliances that rely on water like washing machines, dish washers, coffee makers, and air conditioning units. You will notice fabrics come from the wash much softer than when washed in hard water. In addition to the preservation of appliances, and improvement in their function, soft water does not leave a chemical ring on tubs and sinks.

Risks

The risks of using a water softener are all health related. Some believe that drinking soft water can be unhealthy. Salt is used to soften the water and over time, ingesting salt in your water may reduce your health. The biggest complaint concerning the health of soft water is the absence of minerals. Softening the water, in some opinions, makes it less nutritious.

According to Lenntech, a water treatment and air purifciation website, soft water may alter the body’s natural state of homeostasis. The intake of salt water may throw the body off balance, causing it to release stored electrolytes. Softened water may not distribute evenly throughout the body, lessening the hydrating effects of drinking water. The website cites a variety of studies that have shown a correlation between hard water and lower cardiovascular disease.

Hard water also prevents the absorption of toxic materials that may be picked up by the water in the storage tank and plumbing. Calcium and magnesium have an anti-toxic effect which combats the ingestion of harmful chemicals. Preparing food with soft water may decrease the mineral content, lessening the health benefits of certain foods.

The Bottom Line

Filter systems are available to balance the mineral content of your drinking water. The minerals that are balanced by the softening technology will be increased in the water that is meant for drinking. This filter restores the calcium and magnesium in the household drinking water, returning it, in many ways, to its original, pre-softened state. Having a plumber install a water softening system extends the life of your home and may be worth the investment if it saves on home repairs and replacement appliances in the long run.