How Do You Know If You Need A Water Softener?

With different city water supplies, some home owners being on wells, and spring water for even some homes in the mountain the question comes up often. Is all water created equal? The answer is an astounding no. Sure, in its purest form, water is H2O, but once it comes in contact with people and the environment, it takes on minerals and particulates. These can lead to a water that has a different level of hardness and a certain degree of contaminants.

So how do you turn hard water back into softened water and how does a dedicated water softener achieve this? Our plumbers are here to explain everything there is to know about water hardness in your water supply.

What is hard water?

Any liquid can become a solid (hard) when it’s frozen, but we’re not talking about ice in this In this scenario. When someone refers to “hard water” it’s what’s in the water that gives it this description. Hard water as we’re referring to contains a buildup of hard minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which has reached a certain level (greater than 3.5 grains per gallon). What’s tricky is both hard and soft water look the same, but hard water can wreak havoc on homes and people, not to mention the household budget. To understand if you need a water softener there are many signs of hard water to look for when deciding whether or not you need a water softener system.

What Signs for Hard Water Might Homeowners Notice?

If you’re one of many homeowners who currently have hard minerals in your water supply, all you need to do is look around and you’ll notice any or all of these signs of hard water:

• Dry hair and skin
• Rust stains on toilets, tubs, sinks, and showers
• Water spots on clean dishes and silverware
• Build-up on plumbing fixtures and shower heads

How to Soften Hard Water

The solution to getting rid of minerals in your water is a Water Softener. This is a whole home filter device that attaches to the water supply and treats it right at the source. Salt-based water softeners introduce sodium into the water, attracting and removing the excess calcium and magnesium ions and thereby softening the hardness of the water. This will help reduce soap scum residue and other signs of water hardness minerals around your fixtures and shower.

Benefits of Softened Water

With a water softener installed in your home, the water flowing through plumbing is now soft. The benefits of water softeners and its effects on your drinking water are many, and include:

• Softer Hair and Skin
• Easier cleaning – no more hard water stains on fixtures, appliances, or clothing
• Less soap and detergents required in laundry and dishes
• Increased longevity of appliances and fixtures
• Cleaner, spotless dishes and cutlery

A whole home water softener not only helps to reduce hardness minerals in your water supply, but it also improves your drinking water taste as well. If you have hard water and don’t yet have a water softener system, South End Plumbing a call? We can install both traditional salt-based water softeners and eco-friendly solutions. Your soft water, and all the benefits that come with it, are only a phone call away!

Contact us today to find a water filter or water conditioner that’s right for you and your home.

South End Plumbing specializes Water Filtration, so remember, we are just a click away. We also specialize in leak detection – give us a call! South End Plumbing is one of the only companies that will give you a free estimate. Call us at 704-919-1722 or fill out the form online to schedule a visit.