Does the Home Need a Water Softener? (Probably)

What to Know About Fighting Water Hardness 

It’s official. According to a report from the City of Northfield, residents of this Minnesota town face a higher-than-usual amount of calcium and magnesium in their water supply. This means that homeowners suffer from hard water day in and day out, and some don’t even know it. 

Thankfully, with water softener installation, homeowners can promote good indoor water quality and remove certain sediments from their drinking water. Here’s what to know about how these devices work and their many benefits. 

What Is Hard Water? 

To put it simply, hard water is when excessive minerals (like the previously mentioned calcium and magnesium) affect the water quality. While these substances are harmless, they can cause various household headaches, from spots on glassware to constant acne breakouts. 

How can a water softener remove these naturally occurring chemicals from the water? Here’s a short overview: 

• Water flows through the water main into the house
• Untreated water enters the softener with that’s lined sodium beads
• Calcium and magnesium swap with sodium
• The water softener filters out sodium to prevent saltiness
• Water leaves for various household uses

Most softeners self-regulate, lasting five to 15 years with good maintenance. Moreover, they generally need few repairs, as they don’t rely on complex mechanisms to filter sediment from the water. 

The Five Signs of Hard Water 

Healthline notes that while hard water isn’t hazardous to people’s health, it can put a damper on one’s hair. For instance, calcium and magnesium can make one’s hair feel “crunchy.” It can also negatively react with the chemicals in shampoo, creating a nasty film that takes forever to rinse out. 

Aside from less-than-ideal hair quality, other signs of hard water include: 

• Glasses may have persistent stains post-dishwasher due to mineral deposits.
• Clothes can fade quickly, losing their color within a few washes.
• Plumbing fixtures might develop a white crust from untreated hard water. Over time, this can lead to rust, threatening the fixture’s length. 
• Frequent acne breakouts may result from hard water. 

Here’s a bonus sign of hard water. Remember how hard water can react negatively with shampoo? It can have a similar reaction to hand soap. This means that someone can do their due diligence by washing their hands, only to have a film left on them afterward. While harmless, it doesn’t exactly inspire a “clean” feeling post-handwash. 

Benefits of Getting a Water Softener System 

Aside from avoiding the problems listed above, other reasons to consider getting a water softener include: 

• It prolongs the plumbing system’s lifespan. As noted, calcium and magnesium can lead to rust, making a stainless steel faucet rust within a few years. 
• It prevents plumbing problems. Mineral deposits inside a plumbing system can lead to clogs and even burst pipes. 
• It saves money. At first, getting a water softener may seem like a significant investment. Yet, in the long run, it can save money on how often homeowners must run the dishwasher or replace faded clothes. 

About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing 

Experience plumbing excellence with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Their commitment and precision are unwavering as a colonial-era clock. Serving Northfield, MN, they offer same-day water softening service and guaranteed on-time appointments. Call now to learn more. 

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