What is Hard Water? And Other Water Softener FAQs

You may have heard that water softeners help alleviate “hard water” problems, but do you know what they are and why that’s important? If not, don’t worry. We’ve answered some water softener FAQs to help. Read on to learn more.

What Is Hard Water?

Water naturally contains some amount of minerals, like calcium and magnesium. However, if it contains too much of these minerals (typically above 7 grains per gallon or 120 mg/L), the water is considered “hard.” Water that has the appropriate levels is “soft.”

What Are the Warning Signs of Hard Water, and Why Is It Bad?

The higher levels of minerals can wreak havoc on your body, plumbing and home appliances, and more. Warning signs and issues associated with hard water include:

• White, chalky scale buildup (from the excess minerals) in pipes and appliances that decrease performance and lifespan
• Difficulty lathering and fully rinsing soap and shampoo, due to the excess minerals negatively reacting and reducing their cleaning effectiveness
• Dry, irritated skin and weak, brittle hair caused by residual soap and moisture-absorbing minerals left by hard water
• Faded and/or graying laundry caused by leftover mineral deposits
• Soap scum buildup and stains in sinks, bathtubs, and showers from residual soap and minerals
• Cloudy spots on dishes, as well as faucets and sinks, from residue left by calcium and magnesium
• Decreased or lack of water flow due to minerals building up and clogging pipes
• Poor performance of appliances from the increased wear of hard water on their components

If you notice any of these issues, you may be dealing with hard water. Call Robillard Plumbing to properly diagnose the issue and help select the ideal water softener for you.

What Kind of Maintenance Does a Water Softener Require?

Through an ion exchange process, water softeners use negatively charged softener salt (either potassium chloride or sodium chloride) to remove the positively charged magnesium and calcium minerals of hard water. Ensuring optimal performance requires some simple DIY maintenance:

• Follow manufacturer guidelines for maintaining proper salt levels to avoid issues caused by underfilling and overfilling.
• Break up bridge-like salt deposits to help ensure proper functionality.
• Clear sludge known as “salt mushing” from the bottom of the salt solution tank so it doesn’t clog the well.
• Clean the tank regularly (consult owner’s manual for recommended schedule) to prevent salt blockages and maintain softening performance.

For more details, visit our blog post outlining proper water softener maintenance.

What Type of Water Softener Should I Buy?

While water softeners are available in various shapes and sizes, the primary factor is the type of salt used for the ion exchange process:

• Sodium chloride softening salts tend to be more common due to the lower cost. However, they’re not ideal for individuals trying to reduce their sodium intake as they add small amounts to the water during the softening process.
• Potassium chloride softening salts are more expensive due to being more difficult to harvest. This “salt-free” option would be better for individuals with high blood pressure. It’s also the eco-friendly choice—the residual potassium in the wastewater is healthy for plants and flowers, unlike potentially harmful sodium.

While these water softener FAQs provide a solid baseline understanding, selecting the ideal size and system should be matched to your home and circumstances. Trust the master plumbers at Robillard to help you find the perfect choice and to provide professional installation.

Contact us to learn more and for all your plumbing service and product needs.

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Plumbing Checklist for Snowbirds

In the weeks leading up to your migration south, there is much to be done. Shopping, packing, and a much-needed hair appointment (for some) make the checklist. As you prepare for your annual trip, make sure your home’s plumbing makes the list, too. Use this checklist to help prevent plumbing disasters while you’re away.

Set the Thermostat

Many homeowners try to save money in the winter by lowering the thermostat, but remember that the risk of frozen pipes in exterior walls is very high when you crank down the temperature. If you plan on being away for an extended period, it’s recommended to set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.

Protect Your Sump Pump

Neglecting the sump pump can mean coming home to a flooded basement. To ensure a dry basement and a stress-free transition back from vacation, clear out any debris in the sump pit and keep the pump plugged in (but be sure to remove the discharge hose to prevent freezing during the winter). For more protection, consider having a battery backup and an extra discharge hose handy in case of a power outage.

Turn Off the Main Water Valve and Drain Water

Water damage from a gushing pipe is one of the biggest concerns for homeowners leaving their house vacant in the winter. To prevent this, first locate and shut off the main water valve. Then, turn on all the faucets around the house to drain all water from the pipes. To ensure water-free pipes, you can even leave them open until you return home. If you want to take your pipe protection to the next level, you can use antifreeze to prevent frozen toilets. Once your pipes are completely drained, flush your toilet until there is no more water left. Then, fill it with antifreeze.

Prepare Outdoor Plumbing

Protecting the outside of your home is just as important as the inside. After the hoses have been drained and disconnected, remember to close the shut-off valve. This may be separate from the main valve for outdoor spigots, so make sure you consult a professional if you have questions.

Rely on Friends to Monitor

Once you’ve done all your preparation, make a backup plan with professionals or neighbors. Consider talking to your plumber about remote monitoring systems for safety and peace of mind. If you’re comfortable doing so, it’s a good idea to give a family member, neighbor, or friend a spare key so they can check on the home and help in case of an emergency.

When the time comes to head south for the winter, just remember to prepare! Using our plumbing checklist for winter trips will help keep your home protected until you return. Need help prepping your home for winter or have questions? Your friends at Robillard Plumbing are here for all your plumbing needs. Contact us to learn more.

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