Do I Need a Water Softener?

 

Hard water, soft water, does it matter? Water is, of course, a necessity in our homes, but hard water can be a nuisance. Depending on where you live, a water softener may dramatically benefit your family.  

 

Learn what hard water is and the benefits of water softeners from our team at Best Home Services!  

 

What is Hard Water?  

 

Water is “hard” when it contains a great number of dissolved minerals. Minerals like calcium and magnesium can cause soap deposits in the bathtub, dull-looking white laundry, spots on dishes, and scaly deposits inside your showerheads, faucets, and appliances that can eventually restrict water flow.  

 

Calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates, and sulfates must be removed by a water softening system to avoid damage to your skin, home appliances, and plumbing 

 

How Do Water Softeners Work? 

 

A water softening system removes negative ionic minerals from hard water, replacing them with positive ions. By removing the calcium and magnesium ions in your home’s water and replacing them with positive sodium or potassium ions, this system transforms hard water into softer water 

 

Water softeners can use up to 25 gallons of water a day, so it is important to determine the hardness of your water before having a water softener installed.  

 

Water softeners cost between $1,000-$2,000 and can last up to 15 years.  

 

If I Have City Water, Do I Need a Water Softener?  

 

Rural homeowners almost always need water softening. If you live in the city, you might also need a water softener. More than 85% of homes in the United States have hard water.  

 

The best way to determine if you have hard water is to have your water tested by a technician at Best Home Services or purchase a DIY testing kit. You can also check the hardness of your water by contacting your utility company.  

 

Water is classified according to grains per gallon (gpg) of dissolved calcium carbonate found in the water: 

 

  • 0–3: If your water has this low of a reading of 0–3 grains per gallon, it does not require softening. 
  • 3–7: Water between 3–7 gpg is considered moderately hard and can cause spotty dishes and dry skin. 
  • 7–11: Your water will be full of minerals at 7–11 gpg, and you will likely have mineral build-up on faucets and inside pipes as well as spots on dishes and red rings in sinks from excess iron.  
  • 11–15: Water at 11–15 gpg is very hard and will exhibit the signs of hard water all the time. 
  • 15+: Any reading over 15 gpg entails extremely high levels of minerals. 

 

Southwest Florida’s water is on the higher end of the scale, with some cities testing in at 7-11 or higher. If you want to give soft water and its many benefits a try, call our team at BHS today!  

 

The Benefits of Water Softeners  

The benefits of incorporating a water softener into your plumbing system are many and include: 

Less Detergent Used for Laundry  

 

A water softener can help your washing machine run more efficiently. When you have hard water, your clothing may look dull, feel rougher to the touch, or come out of the wash not fully clean. In this case, you’ll end up using more detergent and fabric softener!  

 

Soft water allows the detergent to lather more easily and can save you as much as 50% of your detergent.  

 

Energy Costs Will Be Lower  

 

Water softening systems can improve your water heater’s efficiency and its lifespan as you won’t have to deal with mineral accumulation. You also won’t have to use as much hot water in the shower to clean your skin and hair, thus saving on energy and utility costs.   

 

You’ll Find Fewer Stains  

 

The minerals found in hard water can leave behind deposits that stain household items like clothing, silverware, cups, and sinks. This can make cleaning a real headache! With a water softener, you can avoid this problem with hard water deposits or stains on your household items.  

 

Healthier Skin and Hair  

 

The truth is, the minerals in hard water dry out your skin and hair. In untreated water, they form a layer of film that makes your skin dry and your hair dull. After installing a water softener, you will notice that your skin and hair are softer and that it is much easier to moisturize.  

You’ll Use Less Water  

 

Thanks to scale and soap that doesn’t lather properly, you’ll need a lot more hard water to get clean. You might be surprised at how much less water you use after installing a water softener!  

Say Goodbye to Hard Water  

 

Southwest Florida is notorious for hard water that is full of magnesium and calcium. Say goodbye to hard water with Best Home Services! We can test your water and install a water softener, so you can enjoy cleaner laundry, softer skin, and hair, plus lower energy and utility costs!  

 

What are you waiting for? Give our 5-star rated plumbing team at Best Home Services a call—844-921-2833! We’re considered the best for a reason!  

 

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