Many households need water softeners without even knowing it and spotting whether you need a water filtration system can be tricky, especially if your water is still running clear. However, if you notice signs such as plumbing issues, scaly mineral deposits, or abnormally high water bills, it is probably the best time to invest in a water softener.
Water softeners are water filtration systems. They work by replacing calcium and magnesium with sodium or potassium, lowering the mineral content of your water. If your location’s water supply contains massive amounts of these minerals, it means you have hard water.
If you just moved into a new neighborhood and you’ve been noticing water issues, your area might be having a complex water problem. Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with hard water, so here’s a brief explanation about it.
What Is Hard Water?
Hard water is water with a high amount of dissolved minerals. Hard water levels vary by location because the longer the water supply travels through soil and rock, the higher the percentage of water hardness the area will have. There is a test you can do if you want to know the hardness of your water, which will also help determine what kind of water softener you should have.
7 Signs You Should Get a Water Softener
Now, we will help you determine when it is time to get your home a water softener. Here are seven signs telling you that you need a water softener.
- Fading Laundry
Detergents and soap become less effective with hard water. As a result, your clothes and linens will look faded, and they may not smell as good as before. Many people can mistake it as having low-quality garments and bedsheets, but the problem is the extra dissolved minerals in your water. So while you may resort to DIYs, it would be best to start investing in a water softener to resolve this issue.
- Constant Plumbing Issues
Different pipes react differently to hard water. For example, copper and PVC pipes can withstand hard water better than steel pipes. But once limescale formations begin in your pipes, you will experience lower water pressure that will soon develop into a bigger problem, regardless of the water pipe you have. Unfortunately, your home appliances that require water to operate will also be affected. By having a water softener, you can increase the lifespan of your plumbing system and appliances and reduce your house maintenance.
- Sky-high Water Bills
If you see a significant change in your water bills, your pipes might be working harder than usual to let water pass. You can ask professional water treatment companies to test your water and determine if your water is on the hard end. If the result shows a high water hardness percentage, installing a water softener will be your best choice.
- Water Heater Troubles
The mineral buildup caused by hard water can damage your water heater in the worst way possible. Aside from giving you a difficult time, water heater problems may cost you higher electric bills. When your water heater starts acting up out of nowhere, hard water could be your prime suspect.
- Dry Hair and Skin
If you have been experiencing dry hair and skin despite using shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers, it might be because of hard water. Hard water dries them out instead of nourishing your skin and hair because of their high mineral content. In addition, some soaps and shampoos do not dissolve well in hard water, which leaves a residue on your skin, making it dry, itchy, and possibly more inflamed.
- Sink and Shower Stains
The mineral content of your water leaves white scaly deposits and gross stains that are hard to remove from your sink and showers. So instead of settling for short-term fixes, you should get a water softener, which is a long-term solution that will not leave you a nasty-looking kitchen and bathroom.
- Glassware Stains
Hard water can make glassware brittle and prone to breaking at any point. And while you can use unique solutions to remove the mineral stains, it is not an efficient solution in the long run. So, the best course of action is to install a water softener in your home.
Key Takeaways
Hard water is not harmful to your health, but it can damage your home without proper treatment. Investing in a water softener is an excellent way to save money from utility bills and house maintenance. Consider your water softener as an all-in-one solution for faded laundry; persistent plumbing issues; high water bills; water heater problems; dry hair and skin; and sink, shower, and glassware stains.
If you are experiencing those seven signs, get in touch with a reliable water solution company like the Water Filter Warehouse. We offer a range of water filtration systems to fit your lifestyle and home. So stop stressing yourself with hard water problems, and let us give you the best solution. Schedule your in-home water test to get that clean and healthy water your family deserves.