What does a water softener do?
A water softener addresses one of the most prevalent and devastating water problems: hard water. Hard water is not a problem that will go away on its own and the costs incurred by hard water will only continue to escalate. A water softener removes the minerals that cause hardness from water. The best models can also remove harmful contaminants like radium 226/228. As a result, the water is safer for you to consume, bathe in, clean with and run through your appliances.
What exactly is hard water?
Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. Hard water is not a health hazard but it is a nuisance and over time will wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system, water heater and appliances.
How does a water softener work?
Salt-based water softeners work through a process called ion exchange. When hard water flows into the system, it filters it through a tank full of small resin beads. These beads attract calcium, magnesium and other hard water minerals out of the water. The system then sends the newly softened water to the water fixtures in your home. Of course, the resin beads can only collect so many minerals before they need to be cleaned. That’s why the softener has another tank full of salt brine solution, which periodically cleans off the resin beads through a process called regeneration. You must fill this tank with water softener salt periodically for the system to run properly.
Is a water softener worth it?
Yes! Hard water leads to mineral scale build-up in your pipes, clogging them and decreasing water pressure. Scale dramatically shortens the lifespan of appliances like dishwashers, coffee makers and ice machines. Over time, hard water destroys hot water appliances. The higher the temperature of the water, the more calcium and magnesium will solidify and harden into solid deposits inside your hot water heater.
With hard water, laundry requires extra detergent to prevent it from looking dingy. Dishes will come out of your dishwasher streaked and stained. Scale builds up on your shower curtains and your soap and shampoo will not lather. Bathing in hard water can leave your skin itchy and dry and your hair lifeless and sticky.
Water softeners are essential in regions with very hard water, such as Upstate New York. Without the protection of a water softener, you will be vulnerable to all sorts of hard water problems, including:
Dry, itchy skin
Brittle, tangled hair
White residue on faucets and dishes
Brown stains in your toilet
Clogged plumbing
Discolored clothing
Premature aging of appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines.
Consuming harmful radium 226/228
And more!
So, even though a softener costs extra upfront, the investment will be worth it to protect you from costly and uncomfortable issues down the line.
What about salt free softeners?
The title “salt-free water softener” is a misnomer because the device does not soften water. Instead, it should be called a salt-free water conditioner. The reason for this is the device uses next media to keep the calcium ion attached to the water droplet. This only protects the internal components of your plumbing system. However, once it leaves the plumbing system, it is still hard, meaning it can cause dry, itchy skin, brittle hair and many of the other hard water problems listed above.
Therefore, a salt-free water softener is only worth it if your goal is to prevent scale inside your plumbing system. If you want all the other soft water benefits, you should go with a salt-based system.
HOW MUCH DOES A WATER SOFTENER COST?
The size of your house and the hardness of your water factor into the size and model of water softener that is right for your home. Keep in mind, despite the initial investment, water softeners last for 20 years or longer and have very low monthly operational costs. They require minimal electricity to function.
Safewelltech Your Expert Choice for Water Softener Installation
Safewelltech takes a smarter approach to solving water problems working with our customers to determine the best system for their needs and budget. Safewelltech is a pro dealer for Pentair water softener systems, the industry leading water treatment products company.