Hard Water and Its Effects on the Home
A lot of homeowners deal with hard water. It is often observed by leaving behind staining in the tub or residue on the fixtures, and it’s a huge nuisance. While these are some of the most telltale signs, there are other things that hard water can cause as well. The thing is, hard water isn’t just a nuisance. It can impact the home in the long term and is hard on appliances, water heaters, fixtures, and more. This post will explore the signs of hard water, how water softeners work, and the benefits of water softeners.
Signs a Home Has Hard Water
Some signs can signal the issue if a homeowner is unsure whether their home is affected. Hard water has high levels of minerals, most commonly calcium and magnesium. Because of its hardness, these minerals leave behind stains and buildup, which can accumulate over time.
The best way to protect a home from the effects of hard water is with a water-softening system. These are some common signs of hard water in a home indicating a water softener is needed:
- Clothing that fades or wears out quickly
- Stains or deposits on fixtures and appliances
- Spots left behind on cleaned dishes, like glassware
- Scale buildup in pipes that lead to clogs or low water pressure
- Dry hair and skin
The Job of a Whole House Water Softener
What does a water softener do about hard water? If the name isn’t clear enough, a water-softening system removes harsh minerals and softens the water. When the water is softened, the issues caused by hard water minerals are eliminated.
While there are different options for water softener installation, they all remove the minerals. Most water softeners use an ion exchange process, swapping unwanted minerals for sodium or potassium ions. Then, a brine solution is used to replenish the sodium ions and remove the hard water minerals from the tank to continue softening the home's water.
The Many Benefits of Whole Home Water Softeners
Choosing to install a water softener in the home comes with a lot of great benefits. The advantages are that it solves the hard water problems in the home and provides gentler water for the people exposed to it.
These are some benefits of water softeners:
- Cleaner-looking dishes after washing
- Clothes and laundry last longer and keep their color longer
- Water-using appliances have longer lifespans and work more efficiently
- Protect the plumbing from buildup that causes clogs and poor water pressure
- Longer lasting plumbing
- Healthier hair and skin
- Easier to clean fixtures without stains and buildup
About Water Heaters Only, Inc.
Water Heaters Only, Inc. offers honest and reliable water heater services, ensuring every client gets professional and transparent service. They’ve operated for over 50 years, building substantial expertise in the industry. Contact them for water softener installation and services in Mesa, AZ.
