A water softener is used to soften hard water by removing the minerals from it. Issues arising from the use of hard water for day to day activities are a common complaint by homeowners. Hard water is known to cause dry skin and hair, and leave behind a residue in bathrooms and kitchens. Since most homeowners in Canada rely on water for cooking, bathing and cleaning, water softeners are an important investment.
What is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a water filtration system for homes that uses the ion exchange process to remove minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, that are known to cause hardness in water.
What is Hard Water?
Water with high concentrations of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, adds "hardness" to water. The minerals in hard water bond easily with other types of metals to form a residue that clogs up your appliances, such as a water heater.
These hard mineral deposits can build up over time, clog and corrode pipes and lead to major plumbing issues.
Why do you Need a Water Softener?
Some of the problems caused by hard water include decreased water pressure due to the buildup of scales clogging the pipes. Moreover, these scales cause the breakdown of kitchen and bathroom appliances, such as dishwashers and coffee makers that come in contact with hard water daily. Appliances such as water heaters are the most badly affected since higher temperatures cause the minerals in hard water to calcify and turn into solid deposits inside the heater.
As you may know, bathing in hard water leaves your skin and hair looking dry and lifeless. Additionally, you may experience that shampoo does not lather effectively with hard water. Washing machines will require additional detergent to prevent clothes from looking worn out; dishes will come out stained and there will be residue buildup on your shower curtains.
Without a water softening system, you will end up spending a considerable amount of money and time on fixing the damage caused by hard water to your appliances and your health.
How Does a Water Softener Work?
As mentioned earlier, a water softener works through the ion exchange process. This process removes calcium and magnesium from water, which is known to cause hardness in water. The resin strips all the hardness out of the water as it flows through the device.
Can you Drink Water from a Water Softener?
The water that flows from a softener is called soft water and is safe to drink. The amount of sodium introduced to the soft water is not unhealthy and is generally less than 2% of the suggested daily sodium intake.
When do you Need a Water Softener?
A water softener is recommended for all homes. However, if you notice the following conditions, then you might want to consider buying one immediately.
If you find that your skin and hair are dry and lifeless after showering, a water softener might be necessary. Similarly, if you notice a decrease in water pressure due to scale buildup, stiff laundry and appliances frequently breaking down, then you may need a water softener. The appliance that frequently breaks down from hard water is a water heater. Moreover, you may notice a steady increase in your electricity or hydro bill as appliances become less effective.
The Benefits of a Water Softener
Saves Money and Energy
If your house has hard water, you will find yourself losing a lot of money. Appliances that use hard water require more energy to function, leaving you with a higher energy bill. It will also take additional time and money to purchase cleaners and soaps to remove stains or limescale buildup. If there is a buildup in your plumbing, pipes and appliances, you will need to spend extra money on repairs and replacements. With a water softener system, all of your appliances will operate with ease. Not only will it lower energy costs, but it also reduces limescale buildup and money spent on cleaning supplies or repairs and maintenance.
Protects Pipes and Appliances
When hard minerals accumulate in pipes and appliances, they can affect their longevity by causing damage and inefficiency. The high concentration of calcium and magnesium wear down water-using appliances, corrode your plumbing and create stains, leading them to be frequently replaced. All of these problems can altogether be avoided with the help of a water softener, which preserves the quality and efficacy of all pipes and appliances.
Improves Health
The undissolved minerals in hard water leave behind a residue on dishes, appliances, pipes, etc. - but what about the body? Hard water can cause dry skin and scalp issues, such as dandruff, eczema and psoriasis. When you install a water softening system in your home, you will experience many perks, especially noticeably shinier and silkier hair and softer skin.
Leaves Clothes Softer and Cleaner
If you always feel disappointed to find that your clothes are rarely soft or clean, the problem is not your laundry detergent - it is your water. In the same way as your skin and hair, hard water can also dry out fabrics. It leaves behind a mineral buildup that cannot be easily removed with soap as well. Soft water, on the other hand, will not cause mineral buildup, but is instead guaranteed to give you soft and clean clothes.
Removes Unwanted Tastes from Water
Hard water is known for having its own distinct "earthy" taste. This is because the water is filled with an array of hard minerals or metals, like iron, for example. Soft water has the upper hand here because it does not have the added taste of minerals, fluoride or chloramine. This is the reason why many people prefer the taste of soft water over hard water.
