Benefits of Installing a Water Softener

If you’ve ever experienced hard water in your home, then unfortunately you know just how frustrating it can be. From clogged pipes and ruined clothing to soap scum and spotty dishes, hard water can cause a wide range of issues for you and your home. Luckily, a water softener can solve these problems. Continue reading our blog to explore the benefits of installing a water softener in your home.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water that contains a high level of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up in your plumbing system, causing clogs and reducing the efficiency of your appliances. Additionally, hard water can leave nasty mineral deposits on your fixtures and make it difficult to lather soap or shampoo effectively.

Extends the Lifespan of Appliances

One of the primary benefits of installing a water softener is that it can help extend the life of your plumbing system and appliances. Hard water can cause a buildup of minerals in your pipes, which can eventually produce clogs and corrosion. This may lead to costly repairs to your plumbing system or a whole new installation. By preventing this mineral buildup, a water softener can effectively extend the lifespan of your plumbing system and appliances.

Signs of Hard Water

About 85% of the United States is a hard water area, and some places may be worse than others. As a homeowner be aware of and keep an eye out for the signs of hard water, such as:

• Faucets having water marks
• Excessive lime and chalk build up
• Clothes fading in color and/or strength
• Skin and hair feeling dry or itchy
• Low water pressure
• Dishes having watermarks
• Water smelling or tasting different

Saves Money

Every homeowner would love to save money on home repairs and on their utility bills. Installing a water softener can help you do just that. Again, hard water can reduce the efficiency of appliances, such as your dishwasher and washing machine. When your appliances have to work harder than normal, it leads to higher energy bills.

Improves Water Quality

It is essential for homes to have access to safe, high-quality water, and a water softener will help ensure that. Soft water is gentler on your skin and hair, and it can help you lather soap and shampoo more effectively. Soft water can also leave your dishes and clothes cleaner and brighter, as it doesn’t leave behind mineral deposits.

Contact Robillard Plumbing

At Robillard Plumbing, we take pride in our ability to provide reliable, residential plumbing services. With every project, we’re committed to getting the job done with unparalleled quality. Our master plumbers are experts in water softener and iron filtration system inspection, repair, replacement, and installation.

Contact us today for our services!

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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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